EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING SPECIALIST I/II

Job Specifications

Class Code:	SF5/SH1
Analyst:	CE, JS

Date Originated:	01/88
Dates Revised:	04/95, 08/16

COUNTY OF SANTA CRUZ

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, interview, assess for strengths and barriers and counsel eligible participants; develop individualized employment plans; identify and refer participants to employment and work readiness/training opportunities; refer clients for classroom, on-the-job training and employment; identify and authorize supportive services and monitor attendance and participation; and perform other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Employment and Training Specialist I is the entry and trainee level class of this series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents perform basic duties while learning County and program policies, procedures and guidelines. This class is alternately staffed with Employment and Training Specialist II and incumbents are expected to advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications of the higher level class.

Employment and Training Specialist II is the journey level class of this series, fully competent to independently perform the full range of job duties. Incumbents in this class exercise independent judgment in counseling clients with employment barriers to assist them in becoming employable through placement in appropriate work readiness activities, classroom, on-the-job training or direct employment referral in accordance with established County policies and procedures and program regulations and guidelines.

This series is distinguished from the higher level of Senior Employment and Training Specialist in that the senior level works as lead worker with the responsibility of training and reviewing the work of Employment and Training Specialist I/II or other staff and carries a caseload of the more difficult and complex cases.

TYPICAL TASKS

Interview eligible participants to determine work activities best suited to their particular skills and abilities; assess participant qualifications and readiness for job referral, classroom training, on-the-job training or support services; administer assessments to identify aptitudes, educational and vocational achievements and interests; interpret and discuss assessment results with participants; explore and identify employment barriers with participants; develop employment plans; counsel clients regarding recommended solutions to employment barriers and suggested supportive services; contact private employers, public and private non-profit agencies, employment agencies and civic groups by field visit, telephone and other communication to solicit employment and training opportunities for clients; negotiate services to be provided by participating employers or trainers to specific clientele; refer clients to training programs and other resources to improve employability; be familiar with local labor market data; assist clients to prepare for interviews and assist with applications and resumes; conduct workshops in job search techniques and appropriate career planning methods; maintain and update records on client employment and/or training, as well as performing follow-up activities on caseload; confer with other staff on plans for client employment or training; review reports on caseload and update program activities; take part in promotion and outreach activities; prepare reports and correspondence; input, access and analyze data using a computer; maintain detailed case records; and meet with participants in their homes or other locations outside of the office to gather required information regarding participation and to identify barriers to employment and self sufficiency.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

Employment and Training Specialist I

Working knowledge of:

• Interviewing and counseling techniques.
• Fundamental principles of human behavior.
• Record keeping methods.
• Effective case management techniques.

Some knowledge of:

• Community resources and programs to assist clients.
• Group dynamics.

Employment and Training Specialist II

Working knowledge of the above, plus:

• Career, vocational and employment counseling techniques.
• Employment and training programs and related community resources.
• Hiring trends and practices of private and public sector employers.
• Common occupational titles, the usual minimum qualifications, training and/or experience required in order to secure employment in those occupations.
• Resources available for military veterans may be required for some positions.
• Available community programs/services to assist clients in overcoming employment barriers and becoming job ready.

Some knowledge of:

• Career planning practices and techniques.
• Employment counseling tools including interest and vocational assessments.

Ability to:

The following abilities apply to level I as trainee and level II as journey:

• Interview persons from various backgrounds, to obtain information concerning their employment skills, work readiness needs and occupational goals.
• Identify and assess needs and barriers to employment and develop meaningful employment plans that meet requirements and identify supportive services needs.
• Implement client employment plans through referral to appropriate programs and services.
• Conduct follow-up with clients, service providers and employers to monitor attendance, evaluate progress and take necessary case actions.
• Prepare reports, forms, plans and agreements.
• Interpret, explain and apply complex Federal and State regulations.
• Maintain a large caseload of participants.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others.
• Plan and schedule work effectively.
• Effectively utilize community and agency partners.
• Input, access and analyze data using a computer according to procedures and within mandated timeframes.
• Design and conduct individual and/or group activities to improve job readiness of clients.
• Work with employers to develop employment opportunities.
• Determine and authorize necessary supportive services for clients.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Employment and Training Specialist I: One year of experience which has included interviewing, handling a caseload or counseling; OR six months of experience which has included interviewing, handling a caseload or counseling AND successful completion of twelve (12) college level semester units in psychology, sociology, counseling, vocational rehabilitation, education or other related field; OR equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology or other related field.
• Employment and Training Specialist II: One year of experience in career, vocational or employment counseling. A Masters Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation, Counseling, Industrial Psychology or a closely related field may be substituted for six months of the required experience.

Special Requirements/Conditions:

• License Requirements: Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License, or the ability to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.
• Background Investigation: Some positions may require fingerprinting.
• Other Special Requirements: Some positions may require the use of a personal vehicle; some positions may require working weekends and/or after hours.

PREVIOUS CLASS TITLES: Employment and Training Specialist (for Level II)
Bargaining Unit: 41
EEOC Job Category: 03
Occupational Grouping: 89
Workers' Comp Code: 0285