Facilitation Specialist - PT

Public Strategies Overview

Public Strategies (PS) is a nationally respected consulting, project management, and marketing firm based in Oklahoma City. We provide innovative solutions for federal, state, and local clients, including project and program management, training and technical assistance, technology, event management, research and evaluation, video production, and strategic communications. We also deliver research-informed direct services to financially vulnerable Oklahomans, with a focus on strengthening families and improving employment opportunities.

We are a collaborative team of thinkers, creatives, strategists, communicators, builders, researchers, and change agents committed to touching lives, driving change, and doing good well.

Position Summary

The Facilitation Specialist is dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness of the Work Ready Oklahoma workshops. This role involves a multifaceted approach to learning and development, encompassing facilitation of engaging small-group discussions and activities that reinforce workshop content and stimulate deeper learning. Additionally, the Specialist provides individualized coaching to facilitators, focusing on techniques such as effective questioning, managing group dynamics, and delivering impactful content. While utilizing the strengths-based approach, the Specialist will conduct performance assessments, provide constructive feedback, and track the progress of facilitators. Collaborating with program teams to identify training needs, design effective learning experiences, and evaluate program outcomes is another key responsibility.

The Specialist plays a crucial role in implementing continuous improvement initiatives to ensure the highest quality of training and development programs. By fulfilling these responsibilities, the Facilitation Specialist plays a vital role in shaping the future of our organization by developing high-performing teams and fostering a culture of continuous learning.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead small group activities and individual discussions that reinforce workshop content and generate insight into continued learning
• Guide participant groups through the assessment process by determining their skill level, industry experience and education/training needs.
• Provide one-on-one coaching to facilitators, focusing on areas such as facilitation techniques, participant engagement, managing challenging group dynamics, effective questioning, and delivering impactful content.
• Conduct needs assessments to identify individual and team development opportunities for Facilitator/Coaches.
• Observe facilitators in action (live or recorded sessions) and provide constructive feedback on their performance.
• Track facilitator/coach performance as it relates to facilitation and measure the effectiveness of coaching and training interventions.
• Provide feedback to program staff and leaders on participant and staff responses to the workshop content and activities
• Assist with training and development of staff to create a high performing team that are experts in resources and skill development
• Implement and participate in continuous quality improvement that ensures feedback to staff regarding service delivery
• Other duties as assigned

Education/Training

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Communications, Human Relations, or a related field
• Will consider 4+ years work experience in lieu of degree

Experience

• 2+ years of experience with community and/or family engagement within low-income communities, required
• 2+ years of experience with exposure and understanding of trauma-informed care as a guiding principle of working with people of diverse populations, required
• 2+ years of experience working in a mentoring or advising role, preferred
• 5+ years proven experience as a facilitator, with a strong track record of delivering engaging and effective sessions.
• Experience with ETO, SalesForce, Oracle, or similar client-based database management platforms, preferred

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends when required
• Ability to demonstrate motivational interviewing techniques, preferred
• Must be flexible and able to work in a fast-paced environment; required
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities
• Must be very comfortable with public speaking and be able to communicate ideas, advice, feedback and critiques professionally and concisely in individual and group settings, required
• Ability to adapt facilitation style to different audiences and contexts
• Ability to recognize growth opportunities and develop plans to aid in personal and career growth
• Established relationships with community providers, a plus
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, including but not limited to Excel, Word,
• PowerPoint and Outlook with mastery level knowledge and experience, preferred
• Must have a valid Driver License

Public Strategies is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs, not on classifications protected by law, including but not limited to: race, color, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identify, and pregnancy), religion, national origin, age (40 and older), disability, genetic information, military service, or any other classification protected by law.