SENIOR EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING SPECIALIST

Job Specifications

Class Code: SH2

Analyst: JAD, OM, CL

Date Originated:	2/85
Dates Revised:	8/86, 1/88, 11/22

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under direction, plan, organize and supervise the work of a unit of Employment & Training Specialists, who are engaged as case managers for one or more public assistance programs.  This includes training, directing, assigning prioritizing, and evaluating the work of subordinate staff. This classification may also work directly with program participants, which may include the following: assess strengths and barriers; develop individualized plans; identify and refer clients for employment and training opportunities; refer clients to community partners for barrier-removal services; identify and authorize supportive services; monitor attendance and participation; and perform other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Senior Employment and Training Specialist: Positions in this class serve as supervisors with the responsibility of training and reviewing the work of subordinate staff.

TYPICAL TASKS

• Plans, trains, evaluates, and directs the work of subordinate staff, who are working with clients that receive public assistance benefits;
• Provides guidance to staff on difficult or complex issues with participants;
• Coordinates with service provider staff;
• Acts as a liaison to community partners concerning services for program participants, including employment and training programs, case conferences, coordination of supportive services, housing, mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, legal services;
• Provides technical assistance to staff;
• Analyzes unit needs and establishes work priorities;
• Reviews completed staff work to ensure compliance with regulations, agency policies, performance standards and unit goals;
• Reviews and analyzes reports to monitor participant, program, and staff performance;
• Keeps supervisor informed of unit functioning and consults with supervisor on difficult personnel problems, policy matters, business processes, and performance standards;
• Serves on departmental committees and workgroups;
• Attends and conducts unit meetings;
• Attends and participates in conferences and in-service training sessions;
• Interviews program participants to identify and assign work activities best suited to their skills and abilities;
• Assesses participant qualifications and readiness for referrals of employment, classroom training, on-the-job training, or supportive services;
• Administers assessments to identify aptitudes, educational, vocational achievements and interests;
• Interprets and discusses assessment results with participants;
• Develops plans with participants that reflect short- and long-term goals;
• Counsels clients regarding solutions to employment barriers with participants;
• Refers clients to training programs and other resources to improve employability;
• Assists clients to prepare for interviews and assist with applications and resumes;
• Conducts workshops related to job search techniques and appropriate career planning methods;
• Maintains up-to-date documentation of client progress;
• Co-case management with other staff and community partners;
• Reviews reports on caseload and program activities;
• Takes part in promotion and outreach activities;
• Prepares reports and correspondence;
• Input, access, and analyze data using a computer;
• Maintains detailed case records.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

• The principles of supervision, coaching, and training;
•  Interviewing and counseling techniques;
• Career, vocational or employment counseling techniques;
• The fundamental principles of human behavior;
• Appropriate record keeping methods;
• Employment and training programs and related community resources.

Some Knowledge of:

• The 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;
• The resources available for military veterans may be required for some positions;
• Principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Ability to:

• Plan, train, assign, supervise, and evaluate subordinate staff;
• Provide guidance to staff regarding difficult or complex client situations;
• Effectively use data reports to help oversee the work of staff;
• Communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written form;
• Coordinate activities with service providers;
• Interpret, explain, and apply complex regulations, directives and policies dealing with eligibility determination and program operation;
• Evaluate unit operations and revise procedures and workflow as needed to improve efficiency;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, departmental staff, and others contacted in the course of work;
• Recognize and effectively handle personnel problems with staff;
• Prepare reports, forms, plans, and correspondence;
• 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 employability plans;
• Implement client employment plans through referral to appropriate programs;
• Conduct follow-up with clients, service providers and employers to monitor attendance, evaluate progress and take necessary case actions;
• Plan and schedule work effectively;
• Effectively utilize community agency partners;
• Work with employers to develop employment opportunities;
• Determine and authorize necessary supportive services for clients.

Training and Experience: Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be:

Two years of experience[1] in career, vocational, or employment counseling and successful completion of fifteen (15) semester units in psychology, sociology, counseling, career planning, testing and measurements or related courses. A Master’s Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation, Counseling, Industrial Psychology, or a closely related field may be substituted for six months of the required experience.

or

One year of experience equivalent to Employment and Training Specialist II in Santa Cruz County.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License, or the incumbent must be able to provide suitable transportation approved by the appointing authority.

ORIG: 2/85
REV: 8/86, 1/88, 11/22
JAD, OM, CL
DISC#2-SH1

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[1] Supervisory experience is highly desirable.