Supervising Employment and Training Specialist

Position Information

• Developing and implementing policies and procedures
• Participating in employee selection, advancement, training, coaching, and disciplinary action
• Promoting cooperative working relationships between employees, units, divisions, and other departments
• Interviewing clients, reviewing cases, creating solutions, and implementing corrective actions that impact client benefits and services
• Managing fraud cases, and coordinating information to be presented at fair hearings
• Working with community groups, agencies, and educational institutions to ensure effective use of employment and training resources

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Thorough knowledge of the SonomaWORKS and other E&T programs, including state mandates
• The ability to motivate, coach, and train staff effectively
• A comprehensive understanding of HSD policies, procedures, and regulations in order to train and inform staff of standard practices and changes
• The ability to problem solve and create effective solutions
• Excellent communication skills, including active listening practices and giving clear instructions and explanations
• The ability to model respectful, professional, and ethical standards
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with a diverse population
• The ability to work collaboratively with program partners and other agencies
• Excellent customer service and presentation skills
• The ability to work in a fast-paced environment

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.
 
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 $650 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

*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. 

This recruitment is being conducted to fill a Supervising Employment and Training Specialist. 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. 
 

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, one year as Senior Employment and Training Specialist or two years as an Employment and Training Specialist, coupled with some coursework or training in supervision, will provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed.

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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of: Federal, State and County employment and training, TANF, Food Stamps and deprivation-based MediCal programs, goals, regulations, policies and procedures; principles, methods, and techniques of effective interviewing and techniques related to gathering relevant information; socioeconomic, physical, mental, and behavioral problems, cultural differences, and language barriers to employment; dynamics of human behavior including problem solving and motivational techniques; principles and practices of organizing and managing a case load; the use of computer information systems used within the agency; basic record keeping procedures and general office procedures; cultural and human behavior, including knowledge of self, to deal effectively with clients and staff; public and private community resources available to meet client needs; and how to organize information and time.

Working knowledge of: the principles of supervision, training and instructional methods and techniques.

Ability to: plan, assign, and supervise the work of others; interpret and apply rules, regulations, and revisions affecting the eligibility determination and case management process; provide assistance and develop strategies with team members to accomplish program goals; speak, write, and interview effectively in a variety of locations and circumstances; establish rapport and maintain cooperative working relationships with professional and technical employees and the general public; analyze situations problem solve and make logical conclusions; motivate and train staff in accomplishing program and agency goals; assist and guide clients in accessing available services; evaluate the quantity and quality of individual performance; identify problems requiring referrals to other agency staff; use available sources of information effectively in determining eligibility and effectively managing a caseload.

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.

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