QI​/CANS Community Trainer

Position Overview

The Qualified Individuals / Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (QI/CANS) Community Trainer is a University employee at the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy (MNCWTA). The University of Minnesota's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) established the MN Child Welfare Training Academy (MNCWTA) in partnership with the MN Department of Children, Youth, and Family (DCYF), a new collaborative that focuses on creating impactful, inclusive, and accessible training opportunities to meet the needs of the many MN child welfare workers and agencies.

The QI/CANS Community Trainer, in support of the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA), prepares clinicians and community members to help reduce the number of children in childcare institutions through a 2-day training program. Training sessions will be delivered based on training needs. Training sessions are typically conducted virtually, with sessions being scheduled at least 6 months in advance.

Facilitation (100%)

• Review the curriculum developed by the MNCWTA to conduct training
• Prepare the appropriate materials needed to conduct the training
• Conduct a 2‑day virtual training on Qualified Individuals (QI), applying the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS)
• Ensure learners can do the following after completing the training:
  • Distinguish and explain their role and responsibility as a Qualified Individual (QI)
  • Apply cultural responsiveness in the Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP) assessment process
  • Partner with county and tribes, and consult with the family and permanency team members
  • Administer the MN Brief Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessment to determine the best setting that would meet the child’s needs

• High School Diploma/GED with two years of experience with communities that are historically and disproportionately represented in child welfare.
• Demonstrated commitment to advocating for an inclusive environment for all backgrounds and identities.
• Certified as a Qualified Individual (QI) or be willing to take the QI training and certification needed to train.
• Must possess a Minnesota Brief Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) score of .80 or more.
• No connection to or affiliation with any placement setting once employed.
• Ability to facilitate course and navigate challenging conversations related to assessment policy and difficult situations.

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or a closely related field. We strongly encourage those with lived experience to apply.
• Desire to be a part of helping Minnesota’s children find appropriate and safe placement options when necessary.
• Experience with assessment tools and integrating tools to inform decision‑making with families.
• Ability to take part in the Train the Trainer process for QI CANS training, including review of curriculum, observation, and co‑training onboarding.

The Multidisciplinary Institute for Child Welfare (MICW) is a new organizing structure housing several dynamic research and training entities, including The Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW), the Minnesota Linking Information for Kids (Minn-LInK) project, and the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy (MNCWTA). Each entity is grant‑funded and self‑sustaining. During an early phase of strategic planning for CASCW in 2024, the creation of the MICW emerged as an essential task to continue to support the growth and productivity of these entities while also continuing the mission of the School of Social Work and the College of Education and Human Development as it pertains to continued community service, growth, and innovation.

The Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW) is a research and training center located within the School of Social Work in the College of Education and Human Development on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota. CASCW supports the education and training of public child welfare professionals; identifies and examines effective child welfare practice methods, informs the public and policy makers about various child…