Training & Development Specialist

SALARY

$75,904.12

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) Career and Leadership Development Programs (CLDP) team provides professional development programs, training and career focused resources to employees. Under direction, the CLDP Training and Development Specialist identifies training needs, assists with planning and delivery of programs, facilitates training, and evaluates all new and existing professional development-related training and programs designed for and given to employees within the Authority. The Training and Development Specialist will lead training activities and learning initiatives and conduct needs assessments to evaluate the success of training programs.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads and conducts training programs developed and administered by the CLDP team as it relates to onboarding of new employees, professional development and other career-related programs, workshops, and initiatives.
• Facilitates new hire orientations acclimating new employees to the organization's policies, procedures and safety standards.
• Facilitates existing and new training programs and oversees learner performance.
• Presents training and development programs using various forms and formats including group discussion, activity, lecture, simulations, videos, etc.
• Facilitates structured learning experiences and monitors results for continuous improvement.
• Incorporates experiential learning activities and other learning best practices to support established learning objectives.
• Conducts pilot programs to evaluate content, activities and objectives for implementation or redevelopment.
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of questioning techniques.
• Serves as front line support for professional development learning programs.
• Leverages resources to train and support learners on use of technology for professional development.
• Validates assessment results in Learning Management System.
• Training logistics and business partnering.
• Conducts Train-the-Trainer sessions when new programs are being implemented or new trainers are onboarded to ensure best practices and training standards are followed.
• Responsible for the execution of training logistics, including scheduling, set-up, registrations, evaluations, follow up, etc.
• Researches and provides feedback to ensure training programs meet department and organizational needs following adult learning theories, industry best practices, and department processes.
• Assesses training needs through surveys, interviews with employees, or consultations with supervisors or instructors.
• Designs, develops, and oversees the production of participant guides, classroom materials and job aids using the current best practices and processes.
• Facilitates and develops pilot and special programs for business unit personnel.
• Recommends program activities to meet the needs of the CLDP leadership development programs and other career development initiatives.
• Administers evaluation of existing programs to determine effectiveness of training program content and teaching methodology and provides feedback on materials for revision.
• Maintains records of training and development activities, attendance, results of tests and assessments, and retraining requirements.
• Suggests improvements, measure classroom engagement, audit training materials for effectiveness, markets and promotes upcoming training programs.
• Coaches and develops program participants in management strategies. Maintains knowledge of the latest trends in coaching, training and development.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to this position are the following jobs:

Job Title

None

CHALLENGES

• Supporting the increasing demand for training without depleting our client-limited workforce (working around their schedule without interrupting the quality-of-service downtime).
• Keeping abreast of the Authority trends to identify training needs by evaluating strengths and weaknesses.
• Keeping abreast of new learning and development trends and tools. Keep up with developments in area of expertise by reading current journals, books, and magazine articles.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Development (HRD), Training and Development, Adult Learning, Education, Leadership Development programming, Training, Workforce Development, learning and development or related field, plus, three (3) years of training experience and program implementation or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Familiarity with in-person, virtual and hybrid training methods, tools, and techniques.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Requires remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time and constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery.
• Service Area Requirement: Exempt (Non-Union) employees must live within the boundaries of the CTA Statutory Service Area either at the time of employment or within 6 months of beginning employment at CTA.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to facilitate multiple training events in a corporate setting-virtually, in person and hybrid.
• Ability to master the full training cycle.
• Working knowledge of learning management software.
• Working knowledge of talent management and succession planning.
• Working knowledge of visual communication tools such as Piktochart and Canva.
• Strong computer software skills, including use of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong interpersonal and observation skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to maintain amiable relations with various levels of Authority personnel and outside government agencies and corporate organizations.
• Ability to present complex information to a variety of audiences.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• General office environment.
• Occasionally required to work in garages, terminals, shops, and various field locations,
• Subject to normal garage/shop hazards such as noise, dust grease, moving vehicles, etc. when visiting field locations.
• Required to work various hours, days, and locations.
• Required to occasionally work evenings and weekends.
• Required to travel to various work locations to facilitate training.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED

• Standard office equipment.
• Personal computer and related software (Microsoft Office Suite).
• Presentation equipment and software.
• LMS System
• Meeting Software (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, WebEx, etc.)