Training Specialist jobs in Erie, PA

Add Your Voice - Work For Us

We use our voice, and empower you to use yours, to create positive, lasting change in people’s lives. We use our voice because we believe every person should belong and be empowered to thrive.

Who We Are

Our agency began in 1999 by pioneering a model that is nationally recognized. We believe every child deserves a safe, nurturing permanent home - with a caring and supportive family that makes it possible to grow and thrive.

A pioneer in new approaches to achieving permanency for children in foster care, we employ specialized knowledge and a continuum of services to help agencies expedite adoptions and keep families together.

To learn more, please visit https://vocetogether.org/expertise/adoption-permanency.html

Additionally, with our partner Diakon, we co-administer the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN) program for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.

To learn more about LSI, SWAN or Diakon, please visit www.diakon-swan.org

The SWAN Legal Services Initiative (LSI) is program that was created to address barriers within the legal process that delay permanency for a child in the child welfare system. The SWAN Legal Training Specialist provides training, writing, and research support to all legally focused components of SWAN to support internal staff, county workers, and SWAN affiliates. 

Voce is seeking a full-time Legal Training Specialist to provide legal insight and trainings to internal staff and approximately 15 counties within their territory in Pennsylvania. We are looking for a Pennsylvania licensed attorney with solid knowledge and understanding of the child welfare system, who will strive to continually improve processes and relationships. 

What You Will Contribute

• Collaborate with the Legal Training Specialist team to develop and provide advanced training, written materials, and legal research regarding child welfare law.
• Support LSI paralegals by providing advanced child welfare specific training quarterly as well as continuous trainings relevant to Pennsylvania laws and best practices.
• Work with LSI Division Managers and LSI Coordinators to support the legally focused components of SWAN.
• Deliver legal trainings at regional meetings, quarterly and statewide meetings which include internal staff, county workers and SWAN affiliates.
• Conduct current trainings and develop new trainings for county agencies to support the ongoing legal needs of SWAN.
• Interface with other organizations and initiatives providing child welfare training in Pennsylvania (e.g. CWT, AOPC, ABA, PSRFA, PCYA, PBA).
• Answer legal questions concerning child welfare as referred through the WARM line. 
• Provide ongoing legal consultation to LSI staff.
• Complete legal research and prepare written legal reports.

What It Will Take To Succeed

• Juris Doctorate degree and active Pennsylvania Attorney's License in good standing (not currently subject to any form of Disciplinary Action or Probation) is required.
• 3 years of experience as an attorney within child welfare law or equivalent is required. 
• Ability to travel, attend and participate in various meetings throughout the state is required. 
• A valid driver's license is required. 
• Prior training experience is preferred. 
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to achieve goals. 

Our SWAN Legal Training Specialists are home based, but required to engage in significant travel within assigned territory, which may include overnight stays. Travel expenses are reimbursed as per our policies.

Why Voce - We Invest In You

We offer a competitive total rewards package that includes:

• Health insurance with medical spending accounts (employer contribution to the HSA if electing HDHP)
• Dental, vision, long term disability and accident insurance 
• Three employer-paid benefits: short term disability insurance, life insurance and Employee Assistance Program 
• Employer contribution equivalent to 6% of your salary to your 401(k)
• 10 paid holidays (including one floating holiday)
• 18 days of PTO in first year of employment
• Qualified employer participating in Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Please submit your cover letter and resume to be considered.

EOE