Education & Training Specialist

An Education & Training Specialist at Planned Parenthood of Southern New England is tasked with providing training and technical assistance on sexual health curricula and best practices to adults who serve youth throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island. This role also includes developing educational programs, facilitating workshops, and networking with community organizations to enhance the reach and impact of sexual health education.

To succeed as an Education & Training Specialist at Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, candidates should have a college degree or relevant experience in community education or sexuality/sexual health. A strong command of sexual health curricula and proven experience in providing technical assistance are essential. Familiarity with adult learning principles and digital platforms for educational purposes is also required.

The Education & Training Specialist plays a vital role in enhancing community health by equipping youth-serving adults with evidence-based sexual health knowledge. By offering training and workshops, they help create informed environments that encourage healthy discussions and practices, ultimately improving public health outcomes for the communities in Connecticut and Rhode Island.

Critical skills for an Education & Training Specialist include excellent communication abilities, both verbal and written, strong organizational skills, and a background in adult learning methodologies. Comfort with diverse communities and a commitment to equity and inclusion are also vital, ensuring that educational programs are relevant and impactful.

Planned Parenthood of Southern New England offers a comprehensive benefits package for the Education & Training Specialist position. This includes health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and participation in wellness programs, among other great perks, encouraging both personal and professional development.

The Education & Training Specialist role at Planned Parenthood of Southern New England offers flexibility with the option to work remotely, in a hybrid setting, or from the office. This flexibility allows for a work-life balance while still meeting the needs for in-person training and community outreach across Connecticut and Rhode Island.

To apply for the Education & Training Specialist position at Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, candidates can visit the organization's careers page and submit their application along with a resume and cover letter detailing their experience and passion for sexual health education. Ensure to express your commitment to the mission and values of Planned Parenthood.

When training youth-serving adults on sexual health curricula, it's important to engage them actively by adapting the content to their specific needs and the context of their audience. Begin by assessing their existing knowledge and identifying areas for growth. Utilize diverse training methods and encourage open dialogue to create a comfortable environment for discussion.

In discussing a sexual health curriculum, focus on detailing the target audience, objectives, and outcomes of the program. Highlight successful elements, any feedback received, and how the curriculum met the educational needs of youth or adults. Discuss your process of integrating evidence-based practices and community feedback into its design.

Engaging diverse communities requires cultural competence and tailored messaging. My strategies would include collaborating with local leaders and organizations, conducting needs assessments to understand community priorities, and developing inclusive programming that reflects the values and experiences of those communities.

I stay current on sexual health education trends by following reputable journals, attending workshops and conferences, networking with peers in the field, and participating in relevant coalitions. This ongoing learning allows me to integrate new information into training content effectively.

An effective training session includes a well-structured agenda, clear learning objectives, engaging interactive activities, and assessments to evaluate understanding. It’s crucial to create a supportive atmosphere that encourages questions, discussions, and feedback to ensure participants feel comfortable.

When delivering training on sensitive topics, I acknowledge possible discomfort and create a respectful space for discussion. I use age-appropriate language and examples and set ground rules to ensure participants feel safe to share. Being prepared to navigate difficult questions with factual, non-judgmental responses is also key.

In community outreach related to sexual health, I’ve established partnerships with local organizations to promote educational initiatives. I have organized events, presented at community meetings, and tailored outreach materials to specific groups to increase awareness and participation in sexual health programs.

I evaluate the impact of training programs through participant feedback, pre-and post-training assessments, and evaluating behavior changes in the participants’ professional practice. Gathering data on program outcomes helps in understanding areas for improvement and demonstrates effectiveness.

Teamwork is essential in sexual health education. Collaboration with colleagues and community partners enriches the training content and allows for shared expertise. I value input from diverse perspectives, which enhances program development and ensures a more comprehensive learning experience.

I want to work for Planned Parenthood of Southern New England because I am deeply aligned with its mission of providing reproductive health care and promoting social justice. It’s a privilege to be part of an organization that impacts lives positively and is committed to equity, empowerment, and education.