Child Protective Services (CPS) Training Specialist

Loudoun County Government has been named one of Forbes' 2025 Best Large Employers! We're proud to be recognized nationally for our commitment to employee satisfaction and excellence in public service. At Loudoun County, we bring together talented professionals from all backgrounds to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic, growing community - that's The Loudoun Difference.

Welcome and thank you for your interest in employment with Loudoun County Government!

ALL SECTIONS OF THE APPLICATION MUST BE COMPLETED IN ITS ENTIRETY. THE RESUME IS CONSIDERED SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ONLY. APPLICATIONS THAT ARE INCOMPLETE OR INDICATE 'SEE RESUME' WILL NOT BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

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, professional candidate for its Child Protective Services Trainer position. The successful candidate will join the Prevention and Protective Services division and the diverse department that envisions better health, safety, and well-being for all. The Department supports 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 a skilled and experienced Child Protective Services (CPS) Training Specialist to design, deliver, and continuously improve training that strengthens frontline child welfare practice and directly impacts child safety outcomes. This position ensures fidelity to Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) CPS practice standards and strengthens consistent application of child welfare policy, safety decision-making, and family engagement across all CPS practice areas.

This is a practice-focused training and consultation role, not limited to classroom instruction. The Training Specialist functions as an instructional leader, field coach, and practice partner-supporting staff in Intake, Investigations, Family Assessments, and In-Home Services to build skill, consistency, and confidence in high-stakes child welfare work. This position reports to the CPS Program Administrator and plays a key role in workforce readiness, quality improvement, and strengthening outcomes for children and families.

Key Responsibilities
Training Design & Practice Development

• Design and deliver engaging, skills-based CPS training grounded in adult learning theory.
• Ensure training aligns with VDSS CPS policy, practice standards, and regulatory guidance.
• Facilitate instruction in:
  • Safety and risk assessment (VDSS Structured Decision-Making practices, where applicable).
  • Family engagement and interviewing techniques.
  • CPS legal and policy requirements.
  • Trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and bias-aware practice.

• Provide onboarding, coaching, and practice support for new CPS staff.
• Observe field practice and provide real-time feedback to improve decision-making and consistency.
• Serve as a practice consultant to supervisors and program leadership.

• Develop and update training curricula, e-learning modules, and instructional materials.
• Integrate policy updates, case practice trends, and field feedback into training design.
• Continuously refine training based on emerging needs and performance gaps.

• Use workforce and case practice data to identify training needs and skill gaps.
• Utilize systems such as:
  • OASIS (case documentation system).
  • Safe Measures (performance and quality monitoring).
  • COMPASS (training and compliance tracking, where applicable).
• Evaluate training effectiveness based on:
  • Skill application in the field.
  • Case quality and timeliness.
  • Staff competency development and retention trends.

• Partner with CPS supervisors and leadership to align training with operational priorities.
• Support consistency in practice across all CPS units.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in CPS policy and practice.
• Coordinate with state and regional partners to ensure alignment with VDSS expectations.

• Hiring salary commensurate with experience.
• Eligible for Loudoun County Hiring & Retention Bonus Program ($3,000).
• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement plan.
• Opportunity to directly influence CPS practice quality, workforce readiness, and child safety outcomes across Loudoun County.
  

Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, education or related field, or a bachelor's degree in any field with at least two (2) years of directly related human services experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in social work, human services, education, or related field.
• Direct experience in Child Protective Services or Virginia child welfare practice strongly preferred.
• Experience delivering training, facilitating adult learning, or providing staff development.
• Experience developing curriculum, training materials, or e-learning content.
• Strong working knowledge of VDSS CPS policy, safety/risk assessment, and in-home practice standards.
• Experience with systems such as OASIS, SafeMeasures, or COMPASS.
• Spanish/English bilingual skills.
• Certifications such as:
  • Motivational Interviewing.
  • Trauma-Informed Care.
  • Train-the-Trainer.
  • Forensic Interviewing.

Work Schedule & Environment:

• Full-time (37.5 hours/week).
• Hybrid work schedule following onboarding period.
• Initial 90-day in-person training period required.
• Occasional after-hours or emergency response availability may be required based on operational needs.
  

• Pass pre-employment background checks to include criminal, credit, CPS/APS, and DMV.
• Have a valid driver's license and good driving record (driving records may be reviewed annually for continued qualification).
• Hold or obtain certifications such as CPR if required for assigned position.
• Obtain specific training such as CPS/Foster Care/APS state training as required or desired for assigned area.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Equal Employment Opportunity

Loudoun County Government prides itself on fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that promotes employee wellness and work-life balance. As an equal opportunity employer, we consider all qualified applicants regardless of age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors.

Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process should call Human Resources directly at

703-777-0213 or email Human Resources.