Training Specialist

The Center for Applied Research Solutions (CARS) is a small California 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to building capacity of the behavioral and public health field by promoting evidence-based practice and workforce development. 

We build organizational, leadership, and workforce capacity to effectively adopt, implement, and sustain changes in policy and practice. Our team is committed to improving individual and community health and wellness through evidence-based and culturally responsive practices that address complex social problems and reduce health disparities.  We support authentic community engagement, elevation of cultural expertise, and the use of community-defined effective practices. We integrate youth, family, and lived-experiences voices into service development, delivery, and leadership.  In all our work, our mission is to foster safe, healthy, and engaged persons and communities.

CARS is currently recruiting diverse candidates with strong training, facilitation, and consultation skills; strong understanding of clinical mental and behavioral health services and settings; and excellent verbal and written communication skills.  More specifically, we are seeking candidates with expertise in working with youth and young adults of transitional age who are experiencing mental health issues.  Focus areas include:  first episode psychosis, suicide prevention, crisis care continuum, and transitional age services.  Individuals with lived experience are encouraged to apply. 

Our projects are fast-paced and team-run. Our organization is competency-driven with team members striving to produce timely, relevant, and high-quality learning resources and services.

FTE/Classification: 1.0 FTE, Exempt

Location: This position is open to remote candidates.

General Description:   The Senior Research Associate/Training Specialist develops and delivers training, consultation, and coaching services to increase the capacity of the mental health workforce.  This is a cross-project position working on both a federally funded regional initiative and a statewide mental health initiative.  The regional project serves Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and the Pacific territories.    The statewide initiative is California-based.  The goal of both initiatives is to provide TTA to mental health practitioners to adopt and effectively implement evidence-based practices across the mental health continuum of care. 

This individual will be responsible for building and maintaining ongoing relationships with the field and partner organizations. Well-qualified candidates must have experience in clinical mental health services for youth and young adults of transitional age. The position has responsibility for: identification of emerging needs, content and resource development, instructional design, and proactive and responsive delivery of training, facilitation, consultation, and coaching services on a regular basis. 

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead innovative approaches to building the capacity of the mental health workforce through training and technical assistance. 
• Develop and deliver virtual training events, including webinars, peer-to-peer learning, and communities of practice.
• Contribute to content development and provide detailed input to team members and partners in developing evidence-based mental health resources, publications, distance learning sessions, and training materials. 
• Work comfortably in diverse communities and demonstrate high levels of cultural and linguistic competence. Promote services and resources to diverse audiences.
• Deliver presentations and trainings to diverse mental health workforce audiences.
• Represent the Center, the initiative, and the organization with clients, with the field, and at professional meetings.
• Contribute to project vision and leadership in collaboration with Project Director and ensure strategies are aligned with initiative, field, and funder priorities.
• Ensure that training and consultation services are aligned with scopes of work, implementation plans, and quality improvement efforts.  Ensure training and technical assistance milestones are achieved within timeline and resources.
• Troubleshoot complex problems, identify emerging priorities, and implement solutions.