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  • Employment and Training Counselor II - Promotional

    Santa Rosa, California United States Sonoma County, CA Full Time $85,843.25 - $104,356.00 Annually Dec 19, 2025
    County of Sonoma Employer:

    Sonoma County, CA

    Room to Move. Room to Grow. Diverse services. Various options. Build your career with the County of Sonoma. Our County's mission is to provide superior and courteous services to support, preserve, and enhance the health, safety and quality of life for the people of Sonoma County. Explore Your Career: As the region’s largest employer, the County of Sonoma offers you a level of career diversity that is as expansive as the county itself. From nursing to engineering, information technology to land management and everything in-between, we’ve got over 800 different opportunities waiting for you. But even more than just opportunity, we give you flexibility. Follow your dreams of working at the top. Or follow your interests and work where you want. Either way, you can have it all here. Explore Your Life: With over 1,600 square miles of rolling hills and staggering coastline, you could spend a lifetime exploring everything that Sonoma County has to offer. Whether you explore wineries and epicurean delights, or our uncharted expanses of backcountry wilderness, our 300 plus days of sunshine will provide the perfect setting for the lifestyle you’ve always wanted.      

    Apply Now View job Employer Profile

    Job Description

    Position Information

    This recruitment is promotional only. You must presently be a full or part-time regular or probationary County of Sonoma, Community Development Commission, Sonoma County Fairgrounds, or Sonoma County Water Agency employee in order to apply for this position.

    The Human Services Department (HSD) has requested a department promotional certification to fill multiple English and Bilingual (English/Spanish) positions at either the Employment and Training Counselor I or II levels. If you are interested in being considered at the I level, you must apply to the separate, concurrent recruitment being conducted at that level. Only qualified permanent and/or probationary Human Services Department employees on the eligible list may be eligible for referral to the department for the advertised position. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time positions as they occur during the active status of the list.

    As an Employment and Training Counselor II, you will be responsible for providing intensive coaching and case management to clients who need assistance providing a safe and stable home for themselves and their families. Counselors work with clients to understand their goals and determine what services they need to improve their income, skill, and/or housing stability. Additional responsibilities include:
    • Providing outreach, assessment, case management, and wrap-around supportive services that assist with goal planning, career development, training, job searching, and barrier reduction
    • Working collaboratively with Eligibility Specialists, Social Workers, employers, and other community partner organizations to assist mutual clients
    • Interviewing clients struggling with social, emotional, financial, medical, and/or family problems in order to develop background and create an assessment of needs
    • Counseling clients to identify personal strengths and potential barriers, and assisting in setting priorities and defining employment related goals
    • Providing clients experiencing crises such as homelessness, mental health, substance abuse, and/or domestic abuse with intensive services and resources
    • Explaining program rules and regulations and highlighting available services
    • Inputting data into CalSAWS/CalJOBS and other caseload management systems
    • Collaborating with team members and employers to place clients in subsidized work experience programs
    • Managing complex cases and making independent decisions that impact clients and their families

    The ideal candidate will possess many of the following:
    • Extensive experience providing counseling or social work services
    • Knowledge of job seeking practices, labor market trends, and community resources
    • Expertise in case management practices and experience developing case plans
    • The ability to work and collaborate with a wide variety of clients, partners, and community organizations
    • Experience working with culturally and economically diverse groups and clients facing social, health, or economic challenges
    • A strong understanding of Safety-Net programs and available services, including CalWIN, CalSAWS, MEDS, and CalJOBS
    • Strong verbal and written communication abilities, with the ability to interact with a diverse customer base
    • Excellent customer service skills


    Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire to be completed.

    Minimum Qualifications

    Experience and Education: Any combination of coursework, training, and/or work experience that clearly demonstrates possession of the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, that would include:

    Employment and Training Counselor II

    Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units at an accredited college including at least 18 semester or 24 quarter units in sociology, psychology, counseling, social work, or other related fields,

    AND

    The equivalent of one year of experience as an Employment and Training Counselor I with continued training in employment/vocational counseling principles and techniques.

    OR

    One year of experience as a Social Service Worker II with the County of Sonoma Human Services Department.

    License: Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including necessary special endorsements, as required by the State of California to perform the essential job functions of the position.

    The positions advertised on this announcement do not require possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

    Special Requirement: Designated positions may require the ability to speak, read, and write a language in addition to English.

    Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

    Working knowledge and understanding of: basic principles of sociology, psychology, group and family dynamics, and related subjects; career, vocational and employment counseling theories and techniques; principles and methods of effective interviewing, job search, and goal setting; principles and practices of ethical assessment testing; Federal, State and County employment and training programs, policies, rules, codes, and regulations; current economic conditions in the local community and regional area including current employment and labor practices and employment trends; socioeconomic problems, cultural difference, language and other barriers to employment associated with various ethnic or disadvantaged segments of the community; problem solving and motivational techniques to assist clients in analyzing their strengths and problems to work toward mutually agreed upon goals; factors which support individual and family self-sufficiency, especially as related to employment and training; public and private community agencies and resources available to meet client needs.

    Ability to: effectively interview clients from diverse backgrounds to obtain facts and to recognize relevant case information; identify employment and social service needs and the resources available to meet the needs; assist clients in recognizing barriers and using strengths to obtain and/or retain education and/or employment; secure the trust and cooperation of clients needing personal, vocational and educational counseling; plan, design, and conduct orientations and relevant training, seminars, and workshops; develop and take necessary action to implement employment and training plans; administer and interpret vocational, aptitude, and interest surveys and tests; interpret, explain and apply complex laws and regulations; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to deal tactfully and work effectively with clients, co-workers, team members, community groups, private and public agency employees, and the general public.

    Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

    • Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
    • You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
    • You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
    • Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.

    Please visit Getting a Job with the County of Sonoma to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.

    Application submissions require the Supplemental Questionnaire be completed.

    Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state, "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.

    The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:

    An Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Personally identifiable information (PII) is removed from the standard application fields and applicable attachments. This PII blind screening practice redacts a candidate’s personal information that could potentially influence or bias the scoring process. Personal information includes the applicant’s name, former last name, address, phone number, email, driver's license number, school name, education start and end dates, age, date of birth, gender, and race. This PII blind screening practice helps contribute to a fair and equitable examination process. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
    • Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.

    Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination which evaluates the education, training, experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, and other qualifications that you demonstrate in your application and/or response to the supplemental questionnaire. Please be aware that resumes and cover letters are not typically evaluated in the Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as the number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.

    Additional Information

     A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

    Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the Job Classification Screening Schedule to determine the requirements for this position.

    How To Apply

    Applications are accepted online at: www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org . Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

    The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

    HR Analyst: EP
    HR Tech: VH

    Important Note: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

    County of Sonoma Benefits: General*

    These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:

    Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.

    Health Plan: Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generous County contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.

    Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit https://scretire.org/active-/-deferred/when-you-are-hired .

    IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.

    Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.

    Student Loan Debt Relief: County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education.

    Plus, excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.

    For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at Labor Agreements & Salary Resolution . For specific information about health and welfare benefits, including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts, go to Human Resources or contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonomacounty.gov or (707) 565-2900.

    *Important Notes: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

    Closing Date/Time: 1/6/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
    Apply Now View job Employer Profile

    Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

LATEST JOBS

Government Social Service Jobs: Roles, Skills, & Opportunities

Government Social Service Jobs: Roles, Skills, & Opportunities

Are you searching for a stable career that allows you to make a difference in your community? Government social service jobs offer many opportunities to help improve lives and support public welfare. Whether you’re interested in working with families, veterans, children, or individuals with disabilities, government roles provide meaningful work with long-term employment security.

This guide will explain the key roles in government social services, the qualifications you’ll need, and how to get started on this fulfilling career path.

 

Key Types of Government Social Service Jobs

Government social services span a variety of roles, allowing you to focus on areas that align with your passion and expertise. Here are some of the most common positions you can pursue:

Social Workers:

Social workers are critical in supporting individuals and families facing social, health, or emotional challenges. They conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and connect clients with vital resources. Social workers can specialize in child welfare, mental health, or healthcare, and many roles are available in agencies like the Veterans Affairs and state departments of human services.

Child Welfare Specialists:

These professionals protect children from abuse and neglect while supporting families in crisis. They are often responsible for investigating reports of child abuse and working toward family reunification when possible. Child welfare specialists may work in foster care, adoption services, and family preservation programs.

Community Outreach Coordinators:

Coordinators bridge the gap between government services and the community, ensuring that vital resources are accessible to those who need them. These professionals organize public events, educate the community about government programs, and gather feedback on improving social services.

Rehabilitation Counselors:

Rehabilitation counselors work with individuals with disabilities, helping them achieve personal and professional goals. They assess clients’ abilities, develop rehabilitation plans, and assist with job placement. Specializations include vocational rehabilitation and substance abuse recovery.

Substance Abuse Counselors:

These counselors provide support to individuals struggling with addiction by offering individual and group therapy, conducting assessments, and developing treatment plans. Substance abuse counselors often work in government-run treatment centers and community health clinics.

Elderly Services Coordinators:

Elderly services coordinators manage programs that help older adults access healthcare, social engagement, and transportation services. They advocate for senior citizens’ rights and ensure their needs are met in a safe and supportive environment.

Disability Services Specialists:

These specialists ensure equal access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities by advocating for accessibility, coordinating support services, and helping to implement disability policies across government agencies.

Disability Services Specialists:

These specialists ensure equal access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities by advocating for accessibility, coordinating support services, and helping to implement disability policies across government agencies.

 

Education and Qualifications for Government Social Service Jobs

A career in government social services generally requires a combination of education, experience, and relevant certifications. Here’s a breakdown of the typical qualifications needed for various roles:

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Educational Requirements

  • Bachelor’s Degree: Most entry-level positions in government social services require at least a bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, or public administration. For specific roles, degrees like education or nursing may also be acceptable.
  • Master’s Degree: Advanced positions, such as clinical social work or rehabilitation counseling, typically require a master’s degree. Standard options include a Master of Social Work (MSW), a Master of Public Administration (MPA), or a Master’s in Psychology or Counseling.
  • Doctoral Degree: While rare for most positions, a Ph.D. in Social Work, Public Policy, or Public Administration can benefit those pursuing high-level roles in administrative services, policy-making, or research.

Licenses and Certifications

Certain roles in government social services require specific certifications and licenses:

  • Social Work License: Clinical social work positions often require a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or similar designation. This requires passing an exam after completing an MSW and supervised hours.
  • Counseling Certifications: A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) certification may be required for roles like substance abuse or mental health counseling.
  • Child Welfare Certification: Some states require additional certification for child welfare specialists, which may include passing an exam after completing specific training.
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Other Key Qualifications

Experience:

Government agencies often value practical experience in addition to formal education. Internships, volunteer work, or entry-level roles in human services can help build your qualifications. For advanced positions, several years of experience may be required.

Language Skills:

Being bilingual, especially in languages other than English, can be a significant asset when working with diverse communities.

Technology Skills:

Many government roles require proficiency in case management software, data analysis, and office tools. Some positions, especially in administrative services, may also require skills in areas like social media management or research.

 

Continuing Education

Government social service professionals must complete continuing education to maintain their licenses or certifications. Agencies like the California Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control or research organizations like the National Institute of Mental Health may provide training on emerging social services practices and new policies. Staying updated on trends in mental health, family support, and public health is crucial for career growth.

 

Security Clearance

Some government social service jobs, particularly at the federal level or in departments like Veterans Affairs, may require a security clearance. The clearance level depends on the job’s sensitivity, particularly in roles related to national security or handling personal data. Obtaining clearance usually involves a detailed background check.

 

Where to Find Job Opportunities

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Government social service jobs can be found at the city, county, state, and federal levels. Key departments offering these positions include the California Department of Human Services, Veterans Affairs, and local health and human services agencies. You can also search for roles through job boards specific to government jobs, such as USAJobs.gov or state and local government websites.

To streamline your job search, many agencies offer email notifications and the option to click save on job postings that interest you. Explore positions in health, education, and disability services to find the right match for your skills.

 

Conclusion

Government social service jobs provide a rewarding and stable career path for those committed to positively impacting society. Whether you’re interested in working with children, families, veterans, or individuals with disabilities, these roles offer a unique opportunity to support communities and promote social well-being.

With the proper education, certifications, and a commitment to ongoing learning, you can embark on a fulfilling career in government social services. You can explore job opportunities in your area and find a role that aligns with your passion for helping others.

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