Training & Development Specialist VI - LAM

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals.  

What You Get Beyond Your Paycheck

When you join the State of Texas, your monthly paycheck is just one part of your real income. Our benefits provide extra value that many private employers simply don’t match—often adding hundreds of dollars each month to what you take home or save.

Here’s what you get as a full-time employee:

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for)
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance—at rates much lower than most private plans
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

You also might qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which could help you pay off federal student loans faster.

You can see all the details here: ERS recruitment brochure

Functional Title: Training & Development Specialist VI - LAM 
Job Title: Training & Dev Specialist VI 
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc 
Department: Learning and Dev - CP 
Posting Number: 20237 
Closing Date: 10/18/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Education Training and Library 
Salary Range: $5,797.66 - $9,508.25 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 40% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: HOUSTON 
Job Location Address: 1425 E 40TH ST 
Other Locations: Abilene; Alamo; Alice; Alpine; Alvin; Amarillo; Anahuac; Andrews; Angleton; Anson; Aransas Pass; Archer City; Arlington; Athens; Atlanta; Austin; Bacliff; Ballinger; Bandera; Bastrop; Bay City; Baytown; Beaumont; Bedford; Beeville; Bellville; Big Spring; Boerne; Bonham; Borger; Bowie; Brady; Breckenridge; Brenham; Brownfield; Brownsville; Brownwood; Bryan; Burnet; Caldwell; Cameron; Canton; Canutillo; Carlsbad; Carrizo Springs; Carrollton; Carthage; Center; Centerville; Childress 
MOS Codes: 0233,0277,0306,0577,0877,0911,0913,0914,0916,0917,0918,0919,0930,0931,0932,0933,0951,1230,5977,6077 
6177,6877,7077,7277,7377,7537,7577,8077,8802,8803,11Z,120X,121X,18Z,19Z,35Z,38FX,3F2X1,47A,47C,47D 
47E,47F,47G,47H,47J,47K,47L,47M,47N,47P,47Q,47R,47S,47T,47U,47V,47W,57A,70H,74D,81C0,81L0,81T0,82A0 
83R0,86M0,8B000,8B100,8B200,8T000,8T100,9H000,PERS,PS,SEI20,YN 

Brief Job Description:

Performs highly advanced (senior level) training and development work for DFPS. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Employees at this level may commonly oversee and lead the implementation of training programs for DFPS Learning and Development.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Delivers training in a classroom, distance learning environment, or, occasionally, in an e-learning environment.

• Facilitates workshops, meetings and training using effective classroom management techniques and delivery methods.
• Develops training curriculum using effective instructional design techniques.
• Evaluates training programs for effectiveness and transfer of learning.
• Designs and creates customized training plans/outlines specific to identified learning objectives.
• Creates and manages work plans for all assigned leadership training activities including task prioritization, resource scheduling, coordinating, and assignment ensuring upper level/advanced management staff can attend the newly created DFPS leadership program.

Organizes and prepares materials and supplies for training courses such as notebooks, handouts, flipcharts, projectors, or laptops.

• Prepares all materials necessary to conduct training courses.
• Ensures equipment needed to deliver training is in working order.
• Ensures technology and delivery platforms are tested and ready for participants.

Sets up and arranges training room to support the learning objective.

• Ensures training rooms are secured and confirms space is adequate for delivering training.
• Ensures the learning environment is conducive to the learning objective.

Enters data into a training database.

• Enters all registration, attendance, evaluation, and assessment data into the training database.
• Reviews data for quality assurance and preparation of pre, during and post training sessions.

Maintains training records and training calendars, including course rosters and records of participation.

• Maintains training attendance sign in sheets and documents attendance in the Learning Management System
• Creates the course schedule using the master schedule process.
• Maintains the participant rosters in accordance with L&D retention policy.
• Ensures course credit is issued after participant has completed all training requirements.

Review and implement training programs, policies, and procedures.

• Researches a variety of delivery mechanisms that accurately emphasizes and develops the integration of highly effective leadership tools, such as mentoring and coaching, into DFPS’ upper level/advanced management staff job duties.
• Reviews existing training and ensures new development of training Includes policy and procedures in training curriculum where appropriate.
• Implements innovative programs, policies and procedures that are strategically aligned with DFPS’s Strategic Plan, business goals and legislation.
• Follows accessibility standards in the development of training materials.

Perform training needs assessments to guide training interventions and course development.

• Represents L&D or the agency in workgroups, meetings, conferences to internal and external stakeholders to promote training services.
• Conducts training needs assessments, conducts gap analysis, assesses training options, and reports training needs to management.
• Prepares high-quality written presentations, updates, summaries, and other documents according to target audience needs.
• Conducts internal quality assurance reviews or training and post implementation support and enhancements.

Evaluate, recommend, and plan supplemental training programs with private employers and state or federal agencies.

• Provides technical training assistance and business guidance with internal business partners and customers.
• Develops and maintains knowledge of current, new, and emerging technologies in alignment with current and future state of the agency.
• Evaluates training programs by data-gathering of evaluations, stakeholder feedback, key performance indicators to evaluate the leadership program.
• Identifies information and skills needed for DFPS upper level/advanced management staff to be successful after the Leadership Training Program is implemented.
• Recommends additional trainings that address current or future performance gaps.
• Plans supplemental training programs to close training and performance gaps in collaboration with stakeholders.

Design and review course and instructor evaluations for use in enhancing training programs.

• Reviews and analyzes evaluation data to conduct continuous quality improvement of the training program.
• Develops recommendations for enhancing and implementing training improvements.
• Sets new key performance indicators to monitor success rate of newly enhanced training improvement strategies.

Identify long-range training goals and recommend programs to achieve goals, including the development of an annual training plan.

• Recommends training solutions in alignment with the agency’s strategic goals.
• Recommends training solutions to improve business performance outcomes.
• Assists in the development, implementation, and monitoring of the annual training plan.

Select vendors to conduct training and manage a variety of contracts for training services, including contracts of high complexity.

• Review all materials and content of perspective vendor trainings and recommends to management.
• Selects vendor to conduct training.
• Oversees and manages the contract in conjunction with the Director.
• Develop project objectives, scope, and project plans, ensuring requirements are met and within scope of project.

Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of training and development procedures and techniques, learning management and learning content management systems; and group processes, group dynamics, and interpersonal relations.

Skill in oral and written communication, in instructing others, and in using a computer and applicable software.

Skill in facilitating workshops.

Ability to communicate effectively.

Ability to provide guidance and/or supervise the work of others.

Knowledge of leadership principals.

Knowledge of innovative techniques and best practices for how to select the appropriate technique for a given project.

Knowledge of and ability to apply instructional design and curriculum development principles, including development of learning objectives.

Skilled and experienced in problem identification, analysis, and resolution.

Skill in effective verbal and written communication

Skill in planning and budgeting of various training programs

Skilled and experienced at successfully implementing changes to a large-scale program.

Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

Skilled and experienced at directing the work activities of others even without a direct reporting relationship.

Ability to manage workload within a given timeframe and/or deadline.

Ability to summarize complex information for agency decision-makers.

Ability to analyze training needs and develop effective project plans.

Ability to create training programs.

Ability to evaluate effectiveness of training delivery.

Ability to communicate effectively; orally and in writing.

Ability to implement change efforts in a short time period for large numbers of affected staff.

Ability to apply quality assurance standards.

Skill in applying training procedures and techniques.

Ability to apply adult education principles, practices, and techniques.

Ability to work independently.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Applicants for position must have a reliable motor vehicle, and acceptable driving record for the past five years, and a current, valid Texas driver's license appropriate for the vehicle and passenger or cargo load. Applicants must provide proof of driving record, insurance and license.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in social work, education, or a related field is required. Experience delivering classroom and/or distance learning training preferred. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.

Preferred Screening Criteria:

At least 3 years of recent (within past 5 years) experience as a Mid-level leader, Department supervisor, Division manager or Manager of managers.

Additional Information:

N/A

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.

State of Texas employees are required to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), State of Texas Business and Commerce Code. Applicants selected for hire comply with this code by completing related training and abiding by agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files. 

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS/DFPS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.