Policy Associate 2: Child Welfare Workforce Development Trainer

The Catherine Cutler Institute at the University of Southern Maine is pleased to announce an opening for two full time Policy Associate II: Child Welfare Workforce Development Trainers to join Family and Child Welfare Education, Training & System Support (FACETS), a dynamic and dedicated team at the forefront of transforming child welfare workforce development and training at both state and national levels to improve outcomes for children and families.

This position delivers cutting edge in-person and virtual training for new child welfare caseworkers and student interns, leads and facilitates collaboration with stakeholders, crafts visionary strategies for programs, and spearheads innovative development in child welfare training and workforce enhancement.

This is a grant funded position with a starting annual salary up to $72,000 commensurate with experience.  The Catherine E. Cutler Institute has locations in Portland and Augusta. Frequent (more than 50%) travel to Augusta to deliver in-person training is required.

The University of Southern Maine is a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland, Maine area, including campuses in Portland, Gorham, Lewiston, and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing hands-on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment, USM is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond.  USM is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM, visit About Our University. 

The University of Southern Maine offers highly competitive benefits for full-time and eligible part-time employees that includes (but is not limited to):

• 14 paid holidays plus earned vacation time and sick time.
• Health, dental and vision insurance.
• Low-cost short-term disability insurance and employer-paid long-term disability insurance.
• Employer-paid basic life insurance and supplemental life insurance.
• A tuition waiver program for employees and their spouse or dependent child(ren).
• A 403(b)-retirement plan with employer contribution.
• Free access to the METRO system, including the Husky Line with service between our Portland and Gorham campuses.

To learn more, please review the Benefits Information Summary.  

The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates varied perspectives, enhancing teaching, learning, personal growth, and overall institutional achievement.  We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our dedication to academic excellence and the enrichment of our community.

We are dedicated to our Service Promise, Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree and five years of relevant professional experience; or bachelor's degree and ten years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated skill in managing multiple projects, tasks, and timelines at once, setting priorities and balancing deadlines, logistics, and follow-up tasks effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in group settings, provide guidance to others, and take on leadership roles as needed.
• Ability to physically transport materials and lift up to 25 pounds.

Preferred Skills:

• Proven experience developing and delivering effective training for adult learners.
• Skilled in facilitating in-person and virtual training sessions for diverse adult learner groups.

To apply, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below or visit our USM Careers Page and submit the following:

• Cover Letter
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Finalist candidates will be asked to provide a list of the names and contact information for references.

For full consideration please submit all required materials by February 16, 2026.

We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.

Clery Act:

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish, and distribute an Annual Security Report (ASR), and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. View the University’s Annual Security Report (PDF). If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact our Public Safety Office at 207.780.5211.

EEO Statement:

The University of Southern Maine is an EEO/AA employer and is committed to nondiscrimination. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207-581-1226.  TTY 711 (Maine Relay System)