Onboarding & Training Specialist

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Onboarding & Training Specialist plays a vital role in ensuring new and existing employees have the tools, knowledge, and resources to succeed at the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids. This position will develop, facilitate, and maintain onboarding programs and ongoing trainings to support staff development across the Association. As a member of the Human Resources team, and reporting to the Talent Acquisition & Engagement Director, the Onboarding & Training Specialist will collaborate with subject matter experts, department leaders, and executive leaders to create an engaging and welcoming experience for all employees. Occasional weekday evening and weekend hours should be expected. 

DAY-TO-DAY GLIMPSE

As the Onboarding & Training Specialist at the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, you’ll be the cornerstone of a welcoming and empowering staff experience. Your daily work will focus on creating meaningful connections, developing processes, and coordinating opportunities to equip employees with the skills they need to thrive at the Y.

· Welcome & Engage – Coordinate engaging onboarding sessions, ensuring new hires feel supported, informed, and inspired from day one.

· Plan & Organize – Support the development and scheduling of onboarding and training programs.

· Collaborate & Consult – Partner with HR team members, department leaders, and subject matter experts to identify onboarding and training needs and implement effective solutions.

· Manage & Track – Maintain training materials, track participation, and gather feedback to continuously enhance learning experiences.

· Flex & Adapt – Occasionally support training events during weekday evenings or weekends to accommodate staff schedules.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

· Develop & Coordinate Onboarding Processes: Work collaboratively to develop and support an engaging new hire orientation and provide position specific onboarding guidance, while ensuring a positive and mission-driven introduction to the YMCA’s culture and expectations.

· Drive Consistency & Innovation: Maintain and update onboarding and job function training materials, including presentations, documents, and online learning modules by serving in a project manager role.

· Manage & Track: Coordinate and track completion of required trainings (CPR, Child Abuse Prevention, etc.) for new and current employees. Ensure training records and certifications are accurately maintained in the HRIS, LMS, and other necessary systems.

· Coordinate & Plan: Support the scheduling and logistics of in-person and virtual training sessions.

· Collaborate: Partner with HR, program, and department leaders to assess training needs and recommend enhancements to existing programs.

· Advance Best Practices: Provide Recommendations & Stay informed on industry trends and best practices in onboarding and staff development to enhance YMCA training initiatives.

· Support: Provide support for HR-led initiatives, staff engagement efforts, and training-related projects as needed.

Performs other essential duties to ensure the YMCA’s success.

COMPENSATION

$21.63/hr - $24.04/hr; Full Time; Non-Exempt (40 hours per week) 

BENEFITS

· Free YMCA Family Membership and discounted program fees

· Health/Dental/Vision Insurance

· Paid Time Off, beginning at 3 weeks per year

· 9 Paid Holidays per year 

· 12% retirement contribution upon eligibility, learn more here.

· 403(b) retirement savings account

· The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. More information can be found here.

· Paid Parental Leave

· Discounted childcare

· Long term disability, basic life insurance and other voluntary benefits

· Ongoing training and development opportunities

· Access to the Employee Assistance Program and resources for you and your family

· Community Discounts, and more! 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

· Education: Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Training & Development, Organizational Leadership, or a related field preferred.

· Experience: Previous experience in training, onboarding, or HR support is a plus but not required.

· Expertise: Strong presentation and facilitation skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences. Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, HRIS systems and learning management systems (LMS) required.

· Mission-Driven Leadership: Passion for the YMCA’s mission and a commitment to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace.

· Relationship Building: Skilled in engaging diverse communities and fostering authentic connections.

CERTIFICATES & LICENSES

•  Background Check: State of Michigan criminal clearance (ICHAT).
• Safety Training: Bloodborne Pathogen and Child Abuse Prevention training upon hire.

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

· Project Management – Organizes program or project resources, space, or deliverables to best meet intended goals and outcomes. Delivers a high-quality experience to members, participants, or project teams.

· Inclusion & Belonging – Fosters an equitable, diverse, and welcoming culture, ensuring all individuals feel valued and respected.

· Collaboration & Influence – Listens with the intent to understand the perspective of others by using appropriate communication methods, including open-ended questions. Responds to the individual needs of the other person.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work environment is primarily office-based with frequent interaction across various departments and branches. This role will require occasional travel to YMCA locations for meetings, events and onsite training sessions. 

This role requires strong organization and communication skills to effectively execute role responsibilities. The physical demands of the position include the ability to:

• Remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods.
• Operate standard office equipment, including computers and projectors.
• Occasionally lift and transport training materials or equipment, up to 25 pounds.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, in person and through virtual platforms.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Salary : $22 - $24