Child Protective Services (CPS) Trainer

Loudoun County is one of the fastest growing counties in the country, known for its excellent quality of life and strong economy, while embracing its historic presence. Located 35 miles west of Washington DC, Loudoun County offers a diverse blend of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities.

Loudoun County Department of Family Services seeks a dedicated and experienced professional for its CPS Trainer position. The successful candidate will join the Child Protective Services program within the Department of Family Services which envisions better health, safety, and well-being for all. We support individuals and families in the community to live their best lives while advocating for those most vulnerable and respecting their right to self-determination.
Loudoun County Department of Family Services is seeking an experienced Child Protective Services (CPS) Training Specialist to design, deliver, coordinate, and evaluate training that strengthens frontline child welfare practice and supports positive outcomes for children and families.

This position provides specialized training and workforce development for staff assigned to CPS Intake, Investigations, Family Assessments, and In-Home Services. The Training Specialist serves as an instructional leader, field coach, and practice consultant, providing structured onboarding, classroom and virtual instruction, field-based coaching, competency assessment, and continuing professional development.

The Training Specialist ensures training aligns with Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) CPS policy and practice standards, applicable laws and regulations, and Loudoun County Department of Family Services policies and procedures. This position reports to the CPS Program Manager and Program Administrator and supports workforce readiness, practice consistency, and quality improvement.

Key responsibilities, but are not limited to:

Training & Workforce Development

• Design and deliver engaging, skills-based CPS training using adult learning principles.
• Develop and coordinate structured onboarding for newly hired CPS staff.
• Provide instruction on safety and risk assessment, interviewing, family engagement, legal and policy requirements, documentation, safety planning, trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice, and other core CPS functions.
• Develop and maintain curricula, presentations, job aids, simulations, and other training materials.
• Coordinate required and continuing education training and maintain training records.
  

Coaching & Practice Support

• Provide field-based coaching, observation, modeling, and feedback to new CPS staff.
• Assess employee competency and communicate progress and training needs to assigned supervisors.
• Serve as a practice resource to CPS employees, supervisors, and leadership on policy, practice standards, and effective casework.
• Support consistent practice across CPS units and assist with implementation of policy, legislative, and practice changes.

Quality Improvement

• Use training, workforce, and case-practice information to identify skill gaps and training needs.
•  Evaluate training effectiveness through competency assessments, field observations, feedback, and available performance data.
• Develop targeted training and coaching strategies to address identified practice gaps.
• Collaborate with CPS leadership, supervisors, VDSS, County Attorney staff, and other partners on training and practice initiatives.

This position does not have formal personnel-management authority. The Training Specialist provides training direction and competency recommendations during onboarding, while the assigned supervisor retains responsibility for formal performance management and final decisions regarding work assignments and independent case responsibility.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Advanced knowledge of Virginia CPS laws, regulations, policies, and VDSS practice guidance.
• Knowledge of child safety, risk assessment, safety planning, family engagement, trauma-informed practice, and child welfare practice.
• Ability to translate complex policy and legal requirements into practical instruction.
• Ability to coach staff, assess competency, provide constructive feedback, and document employee development.
• Strong communication, facilitation, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in field and community settings and manage sensitive and confidential information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, virtual training platforms, CPS information systems, and training-management systems.

This position is eligible for a $3,000 hiring bonus.

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field and two (2) years of related work experience facilitating training, preferably in a behavioral health organization or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in CPS or child welfare practice.
• Experience providing training, coaching, mentoring, or workforce development.
• A master’s degree and/or Master Trainer certification.

Pass pre-employment background check to include criminal, credit, and DMV background checks. Depending on assignment background check may also include fingerprinting, and NCIC; pass TB test within 30 days of hire. Must possess valid driver’s license and good driving record (driving records may be reviewed annually for continued qualification). Depending on assignment, must maintain current trainer certifications in American Red Cross CPR/First Aid/AED, Therapeutic Options (TO), and American Red Cross OSHA.