CPCS is seeking applications for the Training Director of the Children and Family Law (CAFL) Training Unit.  The CAFL Training Unit is part of the Training Department of the Committee for Public Counsel Services, which provides high-quality training to all staff and private assigned counsel. The office location for this position is negotiable and may be sited in any available CPCS office, depending on the needs of the candidate, Training Department, and available space. 

POSITION OVERVIEW

The CAFL Training Director works within the Training Department under the supervision of the Training Chief and in consultation with the CAFL Deputy Chief Counsel to develop and deliver training for CPCS staff and privately assigned counsel throughout the state. The Training Director also oversees the development of written resources and provides advice on cases, court practice, and legal strategies. The Training Director collaborates with others within the Training Department to create and offer training on core competencies for the benefit of all CPCS clients. The CAFL Training Director is a member of the CAFL leadership team and provides advice on CAFL performance standards, proposed legislation and other policy issues.

The CAFL Training Director reports to the Training Chief.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

• Must be eligible to practice law in this jurisdiction as a member of the Massachusetts bar in good standing, or as an attorney in another jurisdiction who is eligible to engage in limited Massachusetts practice under Supreme Judicial Court Rule 3:04;
• Minimum of 7 years of experience as a family regulation/child welfare attorney and two years of experience as a manager, supervisor, or trainer with knowledge of training principles and practices for adult learners, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience;
• Access to an automobile in order to travel to offices, courts, and training locations that are not easily accessible by public transportation; and,
• Access to home internet access sufficient to work remotely.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

• Commitment to working with a culturally diverse population and an understanding of the biases affecting our clients;
• Knowledge of training principles and practices for adult learners;
• Knowledge of training evaluation and needs assessments;
• Ability to develop curriculum and training materials and present information to audiences in a clear and engaging manner;
• Ability to facilitate small group discussion and coach skills exercises to maximize learning for the participants;
• Ability to organize event logistics.
• Ability to work concurrently on multiple short-term and long-range projects;
• Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively, orally and in writing;
• Ability to assess the training needs of the CAFL bar;
• Skills in supervision and performance coaching;
• Excellent administrative and supervisory skills;
• Skilled in the use of technology to support distance learning through knowledge management and learning management systems as well as video-based webinars;
• Excellent organizational, time management, and analytical skills;
• Demonstrated commitment to the principle of zealous, client-centered advocacy in the representation of indigent persons in CAFL matters; and,
• Understanding of, and commitment to, providing reasonable accommodations and accessibility in trainings.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

• Designing, implementing, and evaluating training programs for CPCS staff attorneys and private panel attorneys;
• Presenting lectures, facilitating large and small group discussions, and providing coaching and feedback at skills exercises and mock hearings;
• Working with CAFL leadership to assess the training needs of CPCS staff and the private bar;
• Supervising members of the CAFL Training Unit, including promoting the professional development of staff and completing annual staff performance evaluations in a timely and comprehensive manner;
• Researching, preparing, and publishing training materials, legal outlines, practice guides, and practice advisories;
• Preparing the CAFL annual training plan;
• Working with Training Department administrative support personnel on oversight of the CAFL training budget and the federal Court Improvement Program grant;
• Identifying, recruiting, and coaching qualified CPCS staff members and the private bar to help plan and teach at CAFL training programs;
• Supporting the CAFL resource attorneys (private contracted attorneys) to provide training to practitioners in their local jurisdictions;
• Overseeing CAFL email listservs, webpages and electronic research sites;
• As a member of the Training Department, collaborating with others to plan and implement cross divisional and agency-wide training programs;
• Providing advice to staff and private attorneys on individual cases;
• Staying up to date on practice issues and emerging laws that affect clients, attorneys, investigators, and social workers;
• Participating in statewide task forces and working groups related to CAFL practice;
• Working with the Training Leaders Group within the Training Department to develop an overall vision for CPCS training needs and to develop cross practice area trainings and CPCS Core Competency Training; and,
• Other duties as assigned.