Role Snapshot
The Foster Parent Training Specialist leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of statewide foster parent training and caregiver support initiatives for the University of Kentucky's College of Social Work. This role impacts child welfare outcomes by designing innovative curricula and training delivery across multiple platforms.
Key Responsibilities: Develop and expand statewide foster parent training programs, design curricula and instructional materials, deliver training in various formats, evaluate program outcomes, and coordinate partnerships with stakeholders and the Department for Community Based Services. Provide subject-matter expertise to staff and partners while overseeing project management, budgets, and resource allocation to ensure accessible training services.
Skills & Tools: Required skills include professional knowledge of child welfare practices, instructional design, research skills, written and oral communication, public speaking, Microsoft Office proficiency, attention to detail, organization, and knowledge of social media platforms. Strong interpersonal and time management abilities are essential.
Qualifications: Master's degree (MA) required with 3 years of related experience in foster care, training development, or child welfare services. Preferred qualifications include lived experience as a foster or adoptive parent.
Compensation: $48K–$80K/yr
Job Description
Foster Parent Training Specialist
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Posting Details
Posting Details
Job Title
Foster Parent Training Specialist
Requisition Number
RE55982
Working Title
Foster Parent Training & Curriculum Development Specialist
Department Name
8T110:College of Social Work
Work Location
Lexington, KY
Grade Level
45
Salary Range
$48,214-79,560/year
Type of Position
Staff
Position Time Status
Full-Time
Required Education
MA
Click here for more information about equivalencies:
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
Required Related Experience
3 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Repetitive motion typical of desk work (sitting, bending, typing, twisting); prolonged exposure to computer screen; pushing, lifting, or pulling up to 25 lbs.
Shift
Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00 pm (40 hrs/wk); Evening and weekend work will be required.
Job Summary
Since 1983, College of Social Work has been a leader in higher education. Our mission is clear: Through rigorous research, excellence in instruction, and steadfast service, the CoSW works to improve the human condition. Always, in all ways.
To assist in actualizing our mission, we seek a qualified Foster Parent Training & Curriculum Development Specialist. This position provides leadership for the development, expansion, implementation, and continuous improvement of statewide foster parent training and caregiver support initiatives. The position leads curriculum and instructional design, training development and delivery, program evaluation, quality assurance, and the use of innovative learning technologies across in-person, virtual, online, and blended environments. Responsibilities include identifying emerging caregiver and child welfare training needs; translating research, data, stakeholder input, and program priorities into practical learning solutions; and evaluating outcomes to guide program improvement and growth. The position also provides coordination for statewide outreach, partnerships, special initiatives, and program operations; serves as a subject-matter and technical resource to staff, DCBS, and other partners; and supports project, contract, budget, and resource oversight to ensure high-quality, accessible, and responsive training services for foster, adoptive, and kinship caregivers across Kentucky.
To assist in actualizing our mission, we seek a qualified Foster Parent Training & Curriculum Development Specialist. This position provides leadership for the development, expansion, implementation, and continuous improvement of statewide foster parent training and caregiver support initiatives. The position leads curriculum and instructional design, training development and delivery, program evaluation, quality assurance, and the use of innovative learning technologies across in-person, virtual, online, and blended environments. Responsibilities include identifying emerging caregiver and child welfare training needs; translating research, data, stakeholder input, and program priorities into practical learning solutions; and evaluating outcomes to guide program improvement and growth. The position also provides coordination for statewide outreach, partnerships, special initiatives, and program operations; serves as a subject-matter and technical resource to staff, DCBS, and other partners; and supports project, contract, budget, and resource oversight to ensure high-quality, accessible, and responsive training services for foster, adoptive, and kinship caregivers across Kentucky.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Professional Knowledge of Child Welfare Practices and Foster/Adoptive Service Provision, Instructional Design, Interpersonal Skills, Research Skills, Knowledge of Copyright Regulations, Time Management, Information Development, Public Speaking, Oral and Written Communication, Attention to Detail, Organization, Microsoft Office, Knowledge of Social Media Platforms
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No
Preferred Education/Experience
Lived experience as a Foster or Adoptive parent
Deadline to Apply
10/12/2026
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.