Employment and Training Specialist - English & Bilingual (English/Spanish) - County of Sonoma

Employment and Training Specialists (ETSs) with the Human Services Department (HSD) are responsible for determining clients' initial and continued eligibility for SonomaWORKS, CalFresh, and other public assistance and employment programs. In order to develop goals that help clients reach self-sufficiency, ETSs identify, analyze, and address social problems and barriers to employment. They monitor client progress through various programs, evaluate specific needs, and provide additional assistance as required. ETSs also work closely with Employment and Training Counselors and partner staff on a variety of issues and strategies related to client’s progress, support, and case management, and are responsible for monitoring, motivating, and assisting clients in carrying out employment-related activities.
 
The ideal candidates will possess:

• A passion for working with the community and assisting others to reach their employment goals
• Experience working with regulations and the ability to accurately apply rules, policies, and procedures
• A background in working with individuals experiencing the challenges of homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, poverty, and other significant barriers
• Strong word processing skills and high attention to detail
• Caseload management skills and familiarity with Safety-Net service programs
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the proven ability to build effective working relationships
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities, with the ability to interact with a diverse customer base

About The Employment and Training (E&T) Division

The E&T Division helps individuals and families with job search, financial assistance, and employment and training services. E&T also helps employers find qualified workers and supports workforce development through community partnerships and Job Link, a Sonoma County Workforce Investment Board job center. E&T programs include:

• California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs)
• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
• Sonoma County Workforce Investment Board (WIB)

For additional information about the E&T Division, please visit our website.

About the Human Services Department (HSD)
 
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.
 
As the largest agency in Sonoma County government, our mission is to protect vulnerable children and adults, 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 high-quality, client-focused, cost-effective services and values the diversity, integrity, teamwork, leadership, and accountability of all staff in accomplishing the mission of the department.
 
HSD 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 and 12 paid holidays
• 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

*Salary is negotiable within the established range. 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. 

**The bilingual positions for this recruitment requires English and Spanish skills at the fluent (reading, writing, and conversational) level. Applicants who wish to be considered for these bilingual positions must indicate their level of skill in the required supplemental questionnaire. An examination will be conducted prior to employment to confirm the level of skill in this area. Fluent bilingual premium pay is $1.50/hour.

This recruitment is currently being conducted to fill two English and four fluent bilingual (English/Spanish) Employment and Training Specialist positions. 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 County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.