What Does an Instructional Specialist Do?

Working as an instructional specialist involves educating others and assisting with the acquisition of knowledge. Individuals in this field typically work in a business environment. While the materials covered by an instructional specialist will differ from job to job, the essential job duties are similar. These include undergoing necessary job training, orienting employees, teaching required subject matter, providing additional one-on-one assistance when needed and handing out feedback surveys.

Before an instructional specialist can perform his job and educate others, it's necessary for him to first receive his own in-depth training. For example, if he is working for a telemarketing company, he will need to learn all of the company's policies, products offered and sales techniques. Typically, he will learn this information from an instructional manager or company expert. Without going through the initial phase of training, it's impossible to effectively transfer that information to others.

After an instructional specialist has undergone his training, it's his duty to successfully orient other employees. In many instances, when companies hire new staff members, those individuals need to be acclimated to the work environment and learn the fundamentals of the company. As a result, it's usually the instructional specialist who is responsible for getting new employees up to speed. During the initial phase of training, he will go over the basics that will prepare employees for learning more in-depth information. While this has traditionally taken place in a classroom or conference room, more and more training is now being done through teleconferencing over the Internet.

Once the initial orientation process is complete, the instructional specialist will train employees in the required subject matter. For example, he may be responsible for teaching staff about a particular computer program that will be used on the job. If employees will be dealing with customer service, he may instruct them on the proper ways to interact with customers and increase sales. As a result, this aspect of the job is perhaps the most important and requires an individual with expert teaching skills.

Along with providing general instruction, it's also up to the instructional specialist to provide one-on-one assistance with certain individuals. While some employees may comprehend the information effortlessly, others may need some additional help in order to get on track. When this happens, he might spend some additional time with certain people to ensure that everyone understands and is on the same page.

In some instances, an instructional specialist will also hand out feedback surveys after course completion. These surveys allow individuals to rate the specialist's abilities and provide constructive criticism. This practice helps a company improve its orientation and training program in the future.