Trauma-Informed Instructional Designer

Overview

Responsibilities

• Design comprehensive instructional materials that align with trauma-informed care principles and neurodivergent accessibility standards.
• Consult with subject matter experts in psychology and social work to validate the clinical accuracy of educational content.
• Conduct accessibility audits of digital and physical learning materials to identify potential sensory or emotional triggers.
• Develop training programs for foster care staff and educators focused on de-escalation and supportive interaction techniques.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of educational interventions through data analysis and feedback from foster agencies.
• Manage the lifecycle of instructional projects from initial discovery and stakeholder interviews to final implementation.
• Stay current with emerging research in neurodiversity and childhood trauma to inform continuous curriculum improvement.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor or Master degree in Instructional Design, Educational Psychology, or a related field is essential.
• Professional experience in developing curricula for social services, special education, or mental health sectors is required.
• Demonstrated mastery of instructional design models such as ADDIE or SAM within a trauma-informed context is necessary.
• Technical proficiency in authoring tools like Articulate Storyline or Adobe Captivate is a baseline requirement.
• Deep understanding of the impact of trauma on cognitive development and learning retention is mandatory.

Nice to have

• Professional certification in Trauma-Informed Care or Behavioral Health is highly preferred.
• Experience working directly with foster care systems or alternative education programs provides a significant advantage.
• Familiarity with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) frameworks and neuro-inclusive design practices is beneficial.

Work environment

• The work is primarily conducted in a digital environment using cloud-based collaboration and design software.
• Collaboration is frequent, involving multidisciplinary teams of educators, clinicians, and project managers.
• Standard office hours are typical, though occasional evening meetings may occur with school boards or non-profit directors.
• The culture is mission-driven, focusing on long-term social impact and student advocacy.

Benefits & growth

• Compensation packages typically include standard health benefits and retirement contributions common in the non-profit and education sectors.
• Career progression often leads to roles such as Director of Curriculum or Chief Learning Officer within social service organizations.
• Professional development is highly encouraged, with many employers funding certifications in mental health or advanced educational technology.
• Opportunities for consulting or independent contract work are abundant as demand for trauma-informed expertise increases globally.