Training and Development Specialist IV OJT

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Training and Development Specialist IV OJT 
Job Title: Training and Development Spec4 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Switchboard 
Posting Number: 7784 
Closing Date: 09/03/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Education Training and Library 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20 
Salary Range: $5,200.00 - $6,779.25 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Not Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 5% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location: Mexia State Supported Living Center 
Job Location City: MEXIA 
Job Location Address: 540 CHAPEL DRIVE 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 0233,0277,0306,0577,0691,0877,0911,0913,0914,0916,0917,0918,0919,0930,0931,0932,0933,0951,5977,6077 
6177,6877,7077,7277,7377,7537,7577,8077,8802,8803,11Z,120X,121X,123X,18Z,19Z,35Z,38FX,3F2X1,47A,47C 
47D,47E,47F,47G,47H,47J,47K,47L,47M,47N,47P,47Q,47R,47S,47T,47U,47V,47W,57A,70H,74D,81C0,81L0,81T0 
82A0,83R0,86M0,8B000,8B100,8B200,8T000,8T100,9H000,PERS,PS,SEI20,YN 

Brief Job Description:

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence. 

The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers

If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you!

The On-the-Job (OJT) Training & Development Specialist promotes the integrity and fidelity of the On-the-Job Training (OJT) program for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) at the SSLC.  Collaborates with supervisory staff and OJT instructors to develop their skills in providing OJT.  Conducts OJT to demonstrate/model correct content delivery and build the skills and improve performance of OJT instructors. Provides constructive feedback to OJT instructors to build their skills.  Plans, designs, and develops methods for the assessment and evaluation of OJT training effectiveness for DSPs.  Reviews all DSP OJT modules for sufficiency, ease of understanding and to ensure most current and effective training methods are being used. Revises content as necessary. Reviews and revises current policies, procedures and guidelines related to the delivery of OJT.  Monitors and uses data to evaluate the effectiveness of DSP OJT and coordinates with others to develop and implement actions plans as needed, including the development of specialized training. Provides feedback and reports to SSLC leadership and conducts specialized reviews as assigned. Ensures accurate records are maintained to track DSP progress toward successful completion of OJT and takes action to address deficiencies in records and/or in staff performance. Supervises assigned staff.  Attends and/or facilitates meetings, serves on committees, and performs other duties as assigned. Works under limited supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility.

Promotes the integrity and fidelity of the On-the-Job Training (OJT) program for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) at the SSLC.  Collaborates with supervisory staff and OJT instructors to develop their skills in providing OJT.  Observes OJT instructors as they provide instruction in accordance with a routine schedule approved by the SSLC Director.  Makes recommendations for additional staff to become OJT instructors. Utilizes an evaluation tool during monitoring and provides constructive feedback to the OJT instructor.  Conducts OJT to demonstrate/model correct content delivery and build the skills and improve performance of OJT instructors. 

Plans, designs, and develops methods for the assessment and evaluation of OJT training effectiveness for DSPs.  Follows the progress of newly hired DSPs for the first twelve months of employment to ensure DSP competency in performing their job duties.    Works with the assigned OJT instructors to develop and implement tools such as knowledge and skill observation checklists related to specific tasks.  Provides guidance for when the tools are used to evaluate DSP competency following completion of OJT.  Uses the results to coach the OJT instructors to improve their training skills and ensure fidelity to the OJT curriculum.  Shares information identifies concerns and trends, and recommends improvements to enhance OJT modules, and/or improve delivery by OJT instructors. 

Supervises assigned staff such as OJT instructors.  Performs managerial functions including hiring, assigning work, completing performance evaluations, recommending personnel and disciplinary actions, and overseeing the work performed by staff.  Uses leadership and teambuilding skills to motivate staff to work toward common objectives and goals. 

Reviews all DSP OJT modules to ensure that they are sufficient for DSPs to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their jobs safely and effectively and to ensure the most current and effective training methods are being used.  Analyzes training content for ease of understanding and implementation by DSPs at all levels of professional development. Revises and/or develops curriculum as necessary in collaboration with subject matter experts.  Ensures OJT instructors are trained on the new/revised modules and oversees implementation or new/revised modules. 

Reviews current policies, procedures and guidelines related to the delivery of OJT.  Develops and/or revises policies and procedures as needed to improve effectiveness of the OJT program.  Collaborates with the Competency Training and Development (CTD) Director to ensure the OJT program is in alignment with classroom training provided by CTD staff.  Instructs, trains, and/or provide in-services on approved policies, procedures, guidelines, and OJT training modules as needed. 

Uses data to evaluate the effectiveness of DSP OJT through reviewing markers of safety and quality of life for individuals served.  Monitors and reviews available data such as the number of unusual incidents (restraints, peer to peer aggression, falls, skin integrity issues, etc.).  Uses the data to assess if there is systemic issue with the quality of OJT, or if a particular DSP/DSPs need remedial training.  Coordinates with home supervisors and/or OJT instructors to develop an action plan for areas that need to be addressed and ensure implementation. If data review reveals a need, participates in the planning and developing of specialized training and staff development to address the unmet need.  

Provides feedback to SSLC leadership on the integrity of the OJT program based on observation, use of assessments and data review. Conducts special audits/reviews and monitoring as scheduled or requested by facility director to ensure the quality of care is being delivered to the individuals. Prepares and coordinates various reports assigned within timeframes required by the SSLC Director. 

Ensures accurate records are maintained to track DSP progress toward successful completion of OJT. Maintains a formalized record keeping system for DSP OJT records in accordance with the agency’s record retention schedule.  Ensures OJT instructors provide accurate documentation of each DSP’s progress and performance based on standardized evaluation guidelines. Reviews the documentation to ensures OJT instructors provide guided practice of all training modules through demonstration, coaching, checklists, step-by- step instructions, and that they are providing regular feedback to ensure staff are practicing the targeted skill correctly until sufficiently mastered. Provides timely written communication to leadership when the OJT instructor, DSP supervisor and/or OJT training specialist believes the DSP in training cannot perform the essential job functions of the DSP position. 

Facilitates meetings with subject matter experts from various departments to analyze OJT training methods, ensure OJT modules remain up to date with current policies and procedures, as well as ensuring training methods adhere to staff development. Works with SSLC leadership to provide ongoing OJT in home shift meetings, management meetings, and town hall meetings as warranted.  Attends and/or facilitates meetings such as Incident Management Review Team (IMRT), unit morning meetings, critical incident team, Quality Assurance Quality Improvement (QAQI) to monitor frequent incidents and inform OJT needs.  Serves on other committees and performs other specific tasks as directed by the facility Director. 

Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.  Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of policies and procedures relevant to the facility, HHSC, the State of Texas, and the CTD Department

Knowledge of adult education principles, practices, and techniques

Knowledge of training procedures and methods

Knowledge of group processes, dynamics, and interpersonal relations 

Skill in designing, writing, editing, and producing educational, informational, and technical materials (including reports) for various purposes to diverse audience(s)

Skill in analyzing data for the analysis of training effectiveness and production of required reports.

Skill in dealing with facility staff in a courteous and professional manner.

Ability to lead, instruct, and motivate others in a professional manner.

Ability to analyze training needs.

Ability to evaluate training effectiveness.

Ability to interpret policies and procedures.

Ability of organize, prioritize, and coordinate multiple tasks efficiently, effectively, and concurrently.

Ability to use computer systems, Microsoft software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet) or other training software. 

Ability to use charts, graphs, spreadsheets, and other technological tools.

Ability to express oneself clearly both verbally and in writing in a professional manner.

Ability to work with minimal supervision and make varied decisions within broad guidelines/parameters.

Ability to be certified as an instructor in Safe Use of Restraints (SUR), Ukeru, Basic Life Support (BLS) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Valid Texas driver’s license. Applicants with an out-of-state driver’s license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure.  Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in business administration, education, communication, journalism, technical writing, or a related field is generally preferred.

Four (4) years of work experience in training, teaching or coaching adult learners in a classroom or on-the-job setting.

Experience with Microsoft Office products.

Experience developing policies, reports, or curriculum/training materials.

Experience in a supervisory or lead role.  

Additional Information:

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).

Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.