Career Employment Specialist

The Career Employment Specialist I and Senior positions within the Department of Social Services in Santa Barbara County offer a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about helping families achieve self-sufficiency through employment. These roles involve providing a comprehensive range of client services aimed at overcoming employment barriers and assisting individuals in their career journeys. The department is accepting applications for vacancies in Lompoc and Santa Maria and for establishing an eligible list for future full-time, part-time, and temporary positions across Lompoc, Santa Maria, and Santa Barbara. Key Responsibilities: Client Assessment and Planning: Conduct comprehensive assessments of participants' skills, needs, strengths, and barriers to create personalized employment plans that align with their goals. Work closely with participants to empower them through job training, career counseling, and connecting them to supportive services. Case Management and Support: Manage a caseload of participants, providing ongoing support and guidance to help them achieve self-sufficiency through employment or training. Assist participants in overcoming barriers such as poor work history, criminal backgrounds, mental health and substance abuse issues, childcare, and transportation challenges. Maintain accurate records and documentation of client progress and program activities. Building Community Partnerships: Develop and maintain relationships with businesses, community partner agencies, schools, and universities to expand employment opportunities for participants. Participate in job development activities, including job fairs, employer events, and representing the program to potential employers. Educate employers and site supervisors about the program's roles and responsibilities. Professional Growth: Engage in ongoing professional development to continuously improve skills and knowledge relevant to the role. Examples of Duties: Interview clients to determine employability and explain program regulations, policies, and procedures. Collaborate with a team to develop and implement workforce projects and apply for funding through grant applications. Assess client education, work experience, skills, and job interests to match them with appropriate employment or training opportunities. Identify and address barriers to employment by referring clients to specialized services such as education, child care, substance abuse treatment, or mental health services. Develop and implement individual employment plans, ensuring compliance with program rules and regulations. Engage with public and private employers to create job placement opportunities and maintain awareness of the local job market. Monitor client progress and provide necessary guidance or intervention to ensure successful outcomes. Use automated systems to maintain accurate records and prepare reports on client and program activities. Employment Standards: To qualify for the Career Employment Specialist I/Senior positions, candidates must meet the following criteria: Completion of 12 semester units, 18 quarter units, or 12 continuing education credits in business administration, economics, behavioral sciences, or a related field. Two years of experience in a related field, such as conducting interviews, handling a caseload, or providing counseling, or direct public contact experience dealing with employment-related issues. Alternatively, two years of experience equivalent to an Eligibility Worker with Santa Barbara County, or a combination of training, education, and experience that meets the required standards. Additional Requirements: A valid California Class C Driver’s License may be required. Bilingual skills may be required depending on the position. Incumbents may be required to perform civil defense duties and work outside normal business hours. The role may involve exposure to communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis. As a condition of employment, selectees must agree to comply with California Penal Code sections relating to child and elder abuse reporting. Knowledge and Abilities: Understanding of public social services programs and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population. Skills in employment interviewing, assessment methods, and vocational guidance. Ability to learn and apply State and Federal regulations, policies, and procedures governing the assigned program area. Capability to develop employment plans, assess and mitigate barriers to employment, and maintain accurate records. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with clients, employers, and community partners. Application & Selection Process: The application process includes reviewing applications and a supplemental questionnaire to determine eligibility. Candidates must score at least 70% on the supplemental questionnaire to be placed on the employment list. The list remains active for a minimum of three months, with candidates notified of their exam score, rank, and list duration. Reasonable Accommodations: Santa Barbara County is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Verification from a professional source may be required. Conditional Job Offer: Successful candidates will undergo a background check, including a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. A post-offer medical evaluation may be required, and appointees must complete a one-year probationary period. Benefits: Santa Barbara County offers generous benefits, including retirement reciprocity and advanced vacation accrual rates for applicants from other public sector employers. Additionally, all County employees are designated as disaster service workers, subject to disaster service activities as assigned. Commitment to Equity and Inclusion: Santa Barbara County is dedicated to creating an environment of equity and inclusion at all organizational levels. The County is committed to eliminating systemic racism and barriers that affect diverse community members and aspires to build a workforce that reflects these values. The County celebrates diversity, promotes belonging, and upholds federal, state, and local laws related to equal opportunity employment. Application Deadline: Applications and supplemental questionnaires must be submitted by 09/17/2024 at 4:59 PM PST. Applications can be obtained online at www.sbcountyjobs.com.