PDIS Trainer

Job Description:
Training and Development Spec5
The Trainer is selected by the Program Development and Information Services (PDIS) Directorate Manager (DM). The Trainer is responsible for planning, designing, organizing, presenting, and evaluating training programs; promoting the use of training services, methods, and techniques; developing training methods and materials; coordinating and conducting formal training sessions; and planning, assigning, and supervising training participants. Performs highly responsible, professional duties under minimal direction and supervision, exercising considerable initiative, extensive latitude and independent judgment. The Trainer conducts extensive research of Social Security Administration (SSA) disability policies and procedures involving medical, legal, vocational, and computer issues. Interprets these in order to identify long-range training needs and to design training programs and conduct training on complex procedures and policy issues for State Agency Medical Consultants (SAMCs), Disability Specialists (DS), Managers, subject-matter experts such as Program Specialists, Policy Administration (PA), external contacts, and Support Staff. Reviews policy and procedure drafts such as the POMS Related Materials Manual (PRM) and recommends necessary revisions or clarifications. Works with PA staff to identify technical policy and procedural error trends and develops training programs to address these. Designs and develops programs and procedural materials, training aids and manuals for selected topics. The Trainer develops plans, procedures and programs, and conducts training on general management, personal effectiveness, computer skills and other identified specific training needs. Manages the electronic training claims database using extensive coordination with national and regional SSA personnel, internal systems personnel and other PDIS Trainers to ensure the timely receipt of sufficient claims that are used to instruct DSs in the policies, procedures, medical and technical aspects of the SSA Disability Program. The Trainer researches, recommends and plans supplemental training programs with external training experts. The Trainer is responsible for ensuring that training programs are ADA compliant. Serves on State of Texas division-wide, SSA Regional and National work groups/committees and other special projects as assigned. Occasional in state and out-of-state travel is required of this position.
This position occasionally requires work during the weekends, holidays, and before or after normal business hours. DDS employees perform all business functions for SSA, using the federal SSA network and equipment. Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)-12 security clearance is required.
Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Presents training for SAMCs, DSs, Managers, external contacts and other professional and support staff. Plans activities, assigns tasks and supervises activities of training participants ensuring training objectives are met. Manages technical, internal and external interferences making immediate decisions regarding adaptations and modifications to achieve training goals within allotted timeframes. Ensures accessibility of training for all participants according to ADA guidelines.

Establishes standards for customer-focused communication and coordination within areas of responsibility and with all internal and external associates and customers.

Assesses long-range training needs of all staff and SAMCs in order to research, design, develop, and present training programs on complex policies and procedures, medical topics, and computer applications. Assesses and analyzes training needs and coordinates efforts with the PDIS DM in developing training plans. Devises learning objectives for the purpose of designing and developing assessment and evaluation methods of the effectiveness of training in order to determine long-range training needs and to identify necessary improvements to current training programs and workshops. Conducts evaluations of training presented by Program Development and Information Services. Analyzes effectiveness of training through participant feedback by compiling and evaluating feedback data and submits written analysis of evaluation results, along with recommendations for modifications to the PDIS DM.

Design new training programs by researching appropriate policy issues and procedures. Ensures accuracy of policy information under minimal supervisory review. Completes preparation of training programs, training aids and materials. Assigns and monitors support staff in completion of preparation for training programs and workshops to ensure that deadlines are met. Develops and revises assigned procedure and policy references, desk aids and other training materials in order to create or incorporate new policies, procedures or claim processing instructions. Updates all relevant training materials prior to each presentation.

Manages the electronic training claims database. Researches, plans and develops training claims application criteria to provide adequate instruction to DSs in the policies, procedures and technical aspects of the SSA Disability Program. Plans, develops and monitors long-range planning of the electronic training claims database to ensure the timely receipt of claims to meet departmental and agency training needs. Assigns and supervises the receipt and clearance activities of training claims by other PDIS Trainers. Coordinates PDIS Trainers’ electronic claim activities to create claim processing milestones and training scenarios for the Disability Specialists on their assigned training cases.

Designs, develops and presents information about the Social Security Disability Program to advocacy groups, medical and legal professionals, and other external agency parties. Takes lead responsibility on special projects as assigned.

Assists with extensive training of DSs who have completed basic training and are assigned to Regular Assignment Units.. Provides individual and advanced on-the-job guidance regarding the claims adjudication process, management of claim tasks for organizational and efficiency skills, and the development of claim processing goals. Provides direction to DSs in the utilization of vast reference materials to research procedures and policies.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Extensive knowledge of training techniques and procedures, group dynamics and interpersonal relations.

Knowledge of instructional design; curriculum development and planning; preparation of training materials, manuals and visual aids; implementation of training programs; and, creation of evaluation tools to assess achievement of learning objectives using educational principles and modern instructional methods.

Knowledge of SSA and HHSC/DDS laws, regulations, policies and procedures.

Knowledge of goal setting, problem solving and decision making and planning, assigning, and supervising the work of others.

Knowledge in effective communication, both orally and written.

Knowledge of how to maintain and use the SSA electronic training claims database.

Skill in presenting ideas and information in training programs and in facilitating workshops for adults.

Skill in managing training interferences and making immediate modifications to achieve training goals.

Skill in utilizing needs assessment and evaluation principles, tools & techniques.

Skill in the use of computers, computer software and the navigation of multiple, interrelated systems.

Ability in evaluating training and developing long-range training goals and modifying current training programs.

Ability to plan, manage, and administer activities related to the delivery of distance learning.

Ability to operate audio/visual equipment.

Ability to organize, direct, and coordinate the work of participants in training and Support Staff.

Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with staff, management, organizations, and internal and external contacts.

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