Training Coordinator - Center for Literacy Education and Employment - UTK

The Training Coordinator is a subject matter expert on workforce development for people with disabilities. This position works to design, develop, coordinate and disseminate high-quality professional development and training for the staff of the state funding agency, Tennessee Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services (TN DHS/DRS), as well as community rehabilitation agencies that are funded to provide services for the customers with disabilities served by TN DHS/DRS. These educational services are grounded in research and align with professional standards established by nationally recognized disability and employment organizations. Under the leadership and supervision of the Associate Director and the collaboration with TN DHS/DRS, most trainings will be delivered virtually, with some in-person sessions. These trainings will support professionals who provide employment services by building skills in areas such as career exploration, job search strategies, employer engagement, job accommodations, assistive technology, job support services, connecting individuals with community resources/services, etc. As requested by the funding agency, the Training Coordinator collaborates with professionals in the field who develop and/or assist in presenting specialized topics, as needed. This position carries out additional tasks and responsibilities based on the requirements of the TN DHS/DRS contract scope of services and direction of supervisor. The overall goal of this role is to enhance skills and promote best practices among professionals working to improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities. This position is primarily remote, with some travel required.

Develop and Coordinate Training Content and Educational Resources

  • Utilize advanced expertise in disability employment systems, workforce development policy, applied research, and adult learning theory to translate complex federal and state guidance into actionable, high-quality training for practitioners across Tennessee.

  • Conduct comprehensive training assessments utilizing established evaluation methodologies to inform the development of targeted learning strategies.

  • Collaborate with TN DHS/DRS leadership and staff to identify and prioritize workforce development and disability-related training topics that strengthen professional capacity across the field.

  • Maintain knowledge of TN DHS/DRS programs, policies, and guidelines to ensure alignment and effective integration into training content.

  • Monitor, analyze, and apply national trends and evidence-based best practices in disability employment services.

  • Design, develop, and disseminate high-quality training materials and education resources—including original instructional content, presentation decks (e.g., PowerPoint), and reference materials—that reflect subject matter expertise and support diverse learning modalities.

  • Cultivate partnerships and strategically engage professionals in this field to enhance training content, ensuring comprehensive, accurate, and specialized knowledge delivery.

Training Delivery & Facilitation

  • Deliver engaging, evidence-based training to diverse audiences within the employment and rehabilitation field, adapting instructional content to varying levels of professional experience, roles, and learning needs.

  • Create and maintain an inclusive, accessible learning environment for participants across in-person, virtual, and self-paced formats, ensuring equitable participation and engagement.

  • Apply adult learning principles and instructional best practices to enhance knowledge retention, skill development, and real-world application.

  • Facilitate training using virtual platforms (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams) and integrate interactive tools to maximize participant engagement.

  • Design and develop training curricula, including exercises, case studies, interactive activities, and resource materials that support learning objectives.

  • Coordinate and support guest facilitator contributions by aligning presentation content with instructional goals, clarifying learning outcomes, and providing guidance throughout preparation and delivery to ensure consistency and quality.

  • Provide ongoing technical assistance to participants and stakeholders before, during, and after training sessions to ensure successful learning outcomes.

  • Engage with local, state, and national organizations, boards, and professional networks to stay current on industry trends, contribute to best practices, and incorporate emerging knowledge into training content.

  • Collect, analyze, and report participant feedback and evaluation data to assess training effectiveness and inform continuous improvement, ensuring compliance with funding and reporting requirements.

Coordinate Training Logistics and Technical Assistance

  • Work with supervisor and TN DHS/DRS to maintain up-to-date knowledge of state agency programs, priorities, and service delivery guidelines.

  • Communicate with funding agency representatives to coordinate training schedules, identify priority topics, and ensure alignment with program goals.

  • Plan and manage all logistical aspects of training events, including scheduling, setting up virtual platforms, arranging accommodations, conducting pre-training “dry runs” to ensure readiness, etc.

  • Develop and manage training registration processes, including creating registration materials, distributing announcements, maintaining attendance records, communicating with participants, and resolving technical issues as they arise.

  • Provide responsive technical assistance to participants before, during, and after training sessions to support engagement and successful completion.

  • Administer training evaluations based on pre- and post-training competency assessments; collaborate with supervisor and professional evaluation services staff to analyze data and prepare summary reports for funding agencies.

  • Coordinate continuing education credit processes with the National Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification, including maintaining current knowledge of requirements, preparing and submitting applications, ensuring all documentation meets approval standards.

  • Manage and track all steps related to continuing education credit approval and distribution, ensuring timely and accurate processing for eligible participants.

  • Conduct post-training follow-up by distributing training materials, educational resources, Certificates of Completion, and/or CRC continuing education credits. Maintain ongoing communication with participants, as needed.

  • Utilize training evaluation data to work with supervisor, TN DHS/DRS, and evaluation consultant to analyze and make data driven decisions about effectiveness and future planning.

Required Qualifications

  • Education:

    • Bachelor’s Degree

  • Experience:

    • At least two years of experience working with systems and services at the local, state, or federal level that promote employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

    • At least two years of experience in a teaching/training role.

  • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

    • Knowledge of workforce development for people with disabilities.

    • Knowledge of developing training curriculum utilizing standard software such as Microsoft PowerPoint.

    • Knowledge of or ability to use virtual platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

    • Skills in effective written and verbal communication in dealing with multiple stakeholders, community and state agencies.

    • Skills in training and/or coaching.

    • Ability to remain flexible as tasks and deadlines change.

    • Ability to provide responsive, professional customer service to a diverse range of stakeholders.

    • Ability to organize tasks and set priorities in a remote work environment.

    • Attention to details.

    • Ability to use good professional judgment in making decisions or in identifying issues to take to the supervisor.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience:

    • At least four years of experience working with Tennessee systems and services that promote employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

    • At least four years of experience in a teaching/training role.

  • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

    • Knowledge of a variety of disability types and best practices in providing employment services.

    • Ability to work independently and set priorities.

    • Knowledge of adult learning styles.

    • Knowledge of community resources, Tennessee state agencies and programs that provide services for people with disabilities to assist in the employment process.

    • Experience working with the National Commission on Counselor Certification.

    • Participation in local and/or national professional organizations supporting employment for people with disabilities.

    • Understanding of accessible formats and accommodations.

Work Location

  • Location: TN
  • Remote

Compensation and Benefits

  • UT market range: MR08
  • Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here

  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted.

  • Resume

  • Cover Letter

  • List of 3 Professional References

About The College/Department/Division

Founded in 1988, CLEE is a recognized leader in adult learning, education, and workforce development, driving meaningful change in Tennessee and across the U.S. With a team that spans Tennessee and beyond, we collaborate with state and national institutions, early childhood programs, K-12 and post-secondary schools, service agencies, employers, and workforce organizations.

Our team’s passion to create change drives our innovation and excellence in all we do. This commitment fuels our work towards empowering every individual with limitless opportunities to thrive at all stages of life. We prioritize individuals from all backgrounds, with deep expertise in supporting people with disabilities and underserved populations.

Committed to staying at the forefront of emerging research, we partner with a wide variety of organizations, including those across the University of Tennessee system and beyond, to advance best practices in adult learning, education, and employment.