YOU'RE INVITED TO APPLY: The Marin County Human Resources Department and the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are announcing a recruitment for the position of Employment Development Counselor. Currently, there is one (1) full time, fixed term vacancy in the Division of Social Services, Employment and Training Branch, Workforce Investment Act Program. This fixed term position is funded through December, 2010 and may continue contingent upon ongoing Federal and State funding. The eligible list established from this recruitment will be used to fill the current fixed term vacancy and any future vacancies which may occur in this assignment while the list remains active. Eligible lists remain active for a minimum of six (6) months.

THE POSITION: This position manages a caseload of WIA eligible participants in training and job search activities that meet requirements and outcomes of the WIA program. The ideal candidate for this position will have skills and experience in vocational counseling, assessing for a wide range of barriers to employment, ability to motivate, inspire and establish rapport with clients toward the goal of self sufficiency.

TENTATIVE EXAM SCHEDULE: Depending on the number of qualified applications received, the examination process may consist of a supplemental application screening, written examination, practical performance, oral examination or any combination to determine which candidate’s names may be placed on the eligible list.

TENTATIVE ORAL INTERVIEW EXAMINATION:

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

DUTIES: Duties include but are not limited to:

• Assesses participants' potential barriers to successful program participation or employment and provides appropriate services or makes appropriate referrals.

• Interviews, counsels and assists participants in organizing employment plans which may include remedial education, job search workshops, job placement, vocational training, and other areas such as mental health, domestic abuse, substance abuse, physical, mental and learning disability issues.

• Uses motivational techniques to assist participants in successfully implementing employment plans which may include addressing major barriers to employment, vocational training and (re) entry into the labor market. Discusses with and counsels participants in demonstrating work ethics, good work habits and attitudes and effective problem solving, decision making, communication and interpersonal skills

• Counsels, monitors and evaluates participants’ progress in meeting employment and training objectives.

• Case management in regards to case file organization, understanding and knowledge of program policies and procedures, clear documentation, confidentiality between agencies, regular meetings and ongoing contact/correspondence with clients to monitor progress. Consistent case notation in files.

• Conducts program orientations, job search and related workshops.

• Provides coverage in the Career Resource Center. Participate as a member of the Marin Employment Connection (MEC) team. Attend and participate in staff meetings and other team events.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Employment Standards): EITHER: A combination of education and/or experience equivalent to three years of college level coursework with major emphasis in a social or behavioral science or closely related field AND one year of employment development and/or vocational counseling work experience with jobseekers who may be economically disadvantaged or disabled persons. OR: With a minimum of one year as a Marin County Eligibility Worker II, Support Services Worker or comparable County classification working with this population, candidates may substitute for the one year of required employment development and/or vocational experience a total of 15 semester or 22 quarter college units in related course work, such course work to include a combination of career planning, vocation guidance principles, personality development, occupational testing and measurement, and counseling preparation.

HIGHLY DESIRABLE: Ability to facilitate and lead workshops in the areas of job search, career development and pre-employment skills.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Successful candidates are subject to fingerprinting by the Sheriff’s Department prior to appointment.