FTR Career Development Training Specialist

Summary 

Founded in Santa Clara County in 1928, Goodwill of Silicon Valley (GWSV) is dedicated to improving employment opportunities, increasing standards of living, providing economic independence, and restoring our clients’ sense of self-worth. We achieve this through workforce creation, vocational training, and environmental stewardship. With 18 retail stores, an online store, an extensive reuse/recycling operation, and our Mission Services division, we help individuals overcome barriers to employment, build sustainable lives, and strengthen communities. 
 

The Career Development Program (CDP) is a comprehensive work experience initiative designed to support entry-level employees as they transition into their roles and develop their professional skills. This program aims to foster a smooth onboarding experience while equipping participants with the tools they need to thrive in their current and future careers. 
 

The CDP Training Program is designed to strengthen employee skills, consistency, and performance across GWSV. This program provides structured, hands-on learning experiences that build both technical and professional competencies essential for success in key organizational roles, especially in our retail stores. Under the supervision of the L&D Manager, Trainers are responsible for developing and delivering engaging, role-specific training that ensures team members and leaders have the tools and knowledge they need to excel in their positions and contribute to a culture of continuous learning and growth. 

We are seeking an individual who is bilingual in Spanish and English and has facilitation or classroom experience. The ideal candidate will be able to effectively deliver training in both languages, foster engagement across diverse learning groups, and support the development of a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. 

While the program centers on developing job-related skills and consistent performance, Trainers may also help participants access internal and community resources that promote success at work, personal well-being, and long-term career development. 

Job Responsibilities 

Major Responsibilities 

• Design, facilitate, and evaluate engaging training programs that develop role-related skills and ensure consistent operational and customer service standards across departments. 

• Collaborate with department leaders to identify training needs, create development pathways, and align training initiatives with organizational goals and values. 

• Dedicate efforts toward reducing the drop rate of participants by supporting employee success and through connection to internal or external career and resource-support programs. 

Major Duties 

• Develop and deliver structured, engaging and interactive training sessions, workshops, and on-the-job learning experiences that build core competencies and knowledge for assigned roles. 

• Partner with Human Resources and departmental leadership to support onboarding and role-specific training, including and following New Employee Orientation (NEO) onboarding.  

• Create and maintain engaging training materials, guides, and learning tools that align with organizational standards and policies. 

• Observe employees in their work environments to assess skill application, provide feedback, and identify opportunities for additional training or reinforcement. 

• Track training participation, measure learning outcomes/KPIs, and prepare regular reports on progress and program impact. 

• Collaborate across departments to ensure consistency and effectiveness in training delivery and communication. 

• Provide post-training support to employees as needed to reinforce learning and improve performance. 

• Refer employees to internal programs or community partners that offer career, educational, or personal support services. 

• Model professional conduct and a growth mindset in all interactions. 

• Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned. 

Responsibilities may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally either orally or in writing. 

Required Qualifications 

• Proficient in the English language (verbal & written) 

• Minimum two years of experience in workforce training, employee development, or related roles, supporting individuals with challenges to employment. 

• Valid California Driver’s License and ability to travel between multiple worksites. 

• Strong computer literacy, including Microsoft Office, Zoom, and learning management tools. 

Preferred Qualifications/Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree or three years of relevant experience preferred. 

• Bilingual English/Spanish fluency desired. 

• Proven experience designing and delivering training programs across diverse functional areas, including career development and professional growth techniques. 

• Strong facilitation, coaching, and communication skills. 

• Knowledge of adult learning principles and ability to adapt to varied learning styles. 

Equipment Used 

• Computer, telephone, copy and FAX machines.  

• Projectors and screens for training slides.  

• Retail store equipment (e.g., cash registers).  

• Zoom and Microsoft experience preferred. 

Working Conditions 

•  Work is performed in office, training, and retail environments. 

• Standard workweek with occasional evenings and/or weekends. 

• Regular travel between Goodwill of Silicon Valley locations.  

Emotional Effort 

Moderate: Occasional short deadlines. The work environment is occasionally hectic with occasional high activity, with great emphasis on teamwork. 

• Requires flexibility, creativity, and interpersonal sensitivity in a dynamic work environment. 

• Frequent interaction with employees and managers, balancing multiple priorities and deadlines. 

Physical Requirements 

• The job involves both sedentary work and the ability to stand or be on one’s feet for extended periods (50–90% of the workday) while conducting training both at the headquarters and within retail store settings 

• The position may include lifting up to 25 pounds on occasion. 

Goodwill of Silicon Valley is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender, sex stereotyping, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or an unfavorable discharge from military service, and other categories protected by federal, state or local law