Training Director (Full-time, salaried, exempt position)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Training Director is responsible for developing, delivering, and maintaining training for staff and volunteers who staff Centre Helps' crisis and resource lines, including the 988 crisis line and the Local Resource Line. This role ensures that all counselors and support staff are fully prepared to respond to callers with consistency, competence, and care — from initial onboarding through ongoing skill development. The Trainer plays a key role in maintaining service quality, supporting counselor confidence and retention, and ensuring compliance with 988/Vibrant Emotional Health, ICH, and other applicable standards. The Training Director's central responsibility is to develop and implement a robust training program that meets 988, ICH, and state requirements and that ensures consistency among counselors. This position will deliver initial and ongoing training, keep current with applicable knowledge, provide remedial training, and develop other formats of training to help diversify the volunteer pool. The Training Director must also 1) supervise student trainers and 2) take responsibility for other projects as determined in conjunction with the Chief Executive Officer, the Hotline Program Director, and/or other support staff. We are growing and are looking for team members who can support that growth. We are looking for someone who can bring positive energy to their work and who wants to join a team of non-judgmental, supportive, and fun staff who are dedicated to helping others. At Centre Helps we value empathy, empowerment, and commitment. We cultivate a strong organizational culture of trust, support, and partnership which leads to a stronger, safer, and more dynamic workplace and community for all. The Training Director must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organizational skills and the ability to pay attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously is critical. Flexible scheduling; evening and weekend work required. 35 hour work week. We value diversity and inclusion, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or criminal record.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Bachelor's Degree in related field (social work, psychology, rehabilitation, activity therapies, counseling, education) and three year's experience, including direct mental health 2. Strong public speaking, facilitation, and adult-learning instructional skills 3. Ability to give constructive, supportive feedback to counselors at varying skill levels 4. High degree of discretion with sensitive caller and staff information 5. Ability to work with minimal supervision

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Training Development & Delivery

• Design, deliver, and continuously update new-hire training curriculum for both the 988 crisis line and the Local Resource Line
• Deliver initial training covering crisis intervention, active listening, suicide risk assessment, de-escalation, and use of relevant call platforms/software
• Train staff on Local Resource Line protocols, including referral processes, community resource knowledge, and distinguishing resource calls from calls requiring crisis-level intervention or escalation to the 988 line
• Develop and deliver ongoing/refresher training based on identified skill gaps, QA findings, call trends, or updated best practices and to ensure all staff complete 6 hours annual training
• Supervise student trainers who deliver training and assess readiness to be on the line Quality & Compliance
• Ensure training content aligns with 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline / Vibrant Emotional Health standards and any applicable state or funder requirements
• Coordinate with the QA function to identify recurring training needs based on call review findings
• Support new counselor readiness assessments prior to independent call-taking on either line Support & Collaboration
• Partner with the Program Director and Assistant Manager to identify training priorities based on staffing needs, turnover, and service expansion
• Provide coaching and additional 1:1 support to counselors who need extra skill-building after onboarding
• Stay current on crisis intervention best practices, suicide prevention research, and evolving standards for both crisis and resource line work Benefits Health and Vision Insurance Retirement plan with employer match Generous PTO and holiday time Annual Retention Bonus Monthly Self-Care Stipend Opportunities for skill development and growth within a community-focused nonprofit About Us Since 1971, Centre Helps has been a vital support system in Centre County, providing uninterrupted 24/7 hotline services.

Originally focused on alcohol and drug intervention, our scope has expanded to include emotional support, crisis intervention, and basic needs assistance, along with information and referrals to community resources. We also handle suicide and crisis calls as part of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. We are committed to delivering unbiased, non-judgmental support, and empowering individuals by validating their feelings and enhancing their interpersonal skills. At Centre Helps our core values are empathy, empowerment, respect, commitment, and community. We strive to embody these values in all interactions. Interested candidates should submit and resume and cover letter.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

From $48,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) matching Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply Ability to

Relocate:

State College, PA 16801: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person