Employment and Training Counselor II

Position Information

Help members of our community reach their career goals.
Become an Employment and Training Counselor II!


Starting salary up to $ 48.08 /hour ($ 100,348 /year) plus a competitive total compensation package*

The Human Services Department (HSD) seeks skilled candidates to fill multiple 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.

Employment and Training Counselor IIs will be assigned to either the SonomaWORKS or Job Link programs in the Human Services Department and are responsible for providing intensive coaching and case management to clients who need assistance providing a safe and stable home for their families. Counselors work with clients to understand their goals and determine what skills or services they need to obtain to improve their family's income and housing needs. 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 assist 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
• Staffing the America's Job Center of California (AJCC) Resource Center on a weekly basis for Job Link Employment and Training Counselors
• 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
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are desired but not required

About the Human Services Department (HSD)

As the largest agency in Sonoma County government, the Human Services Department’s mission is building upon strengths, we bridge people to opportunity through responsive safety-net services. We work to protect vulnerable children and adults, to help people rise above poverty and thrive in our community, and to promote maximum independence and well-being for individuals and families. HSD is responsible for child and adult protective services, veteran services, and administration of state and federal programs, including CalFRESH, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, and In-Home Supportive Services. The department is dedicated to providing responsive, client-focused services so that all in our community can live freely chosen lives up to their full potential throughout their lifespan. The core values that drive our work are dignity, humility, integrity, responsiveness, partnership, and belonging.

HSD fosters a positive work environment, where our commitment to providing opportunities for advancement is strengthened by a robust staff development program. We believe in the merits of work/life balance and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that our work contributes to the betterment of our community.

The Department works collaboratively at the federal, state, and local levels to find creative solutions to support the well-being of individuals, families, and the community. To meet that goal, the department has fostered strong relationships with other public and private sector partners, including other government agencies, community-based organizations, and business leaders. For more information regarding HSD's services please visit http://sonomacounty.ca.gov/Human-Services .

What We Offer

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing your contributions work to better our shared community. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:

• Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment
• Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
• Staff Development/Wellness Pay - Annual benefit allowances of up to $500 and ongoing education/training opportunities
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
• Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the U.S. Department of Education

*Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the Service Employees International Union Local 1021 Memorandum Of Understanding (SEIU MOU) and our Employee Benefits Directory .

This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified candidates who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: 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.

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 application, examination, and department selection processes.

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 & 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. 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 & 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 & 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: EV

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 and sick leave accruals; 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 generousCounty 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 https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources/divisions-and-units/employee-relations/labor-agreements-and-salary-resolution . For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/human-resources or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at benefits@sonoma-county.org or (707) 565-2900.

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

Closing Date/Time: 10/29/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• County of Sonoma

• 707-565-8059

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