Group Counselor (Entry)

This is the entry-level class in the Group counselor series. Incumbents staff a post position on an assigned unit in a juvenile detention facility and supervise the day‑to‑day activities of a group of juvenile offenders. This class is distinguished from Group Counselor in that the latter is the fully experienced working level.  Incumbents are expected to learn techniques for effective supervision and/or counseling of juveniles preparatory to promotion to the journey level.

Under immediate supervision, incumbents provide supervision and counseling to juvenile offenders in a locked 24-hour juvenile detention facility.

The Probation Department is recruiting for Extra Help positions.

The eligible list established from this recruitment will be used to fill part-time and full-time regular, limited-term or extra-help positions as vacancies occur or the need arises.  

“Applicant must be free of felony convictions and may not be on active probation.”

Group Counselor (Entry)

• Provides crisis intervention counseling for wards going through stressful periods and suicide prevention counseling for wards in states of depression.
• Provides general counseling to give support or to modify juveniles' behavior; may give personal guidance and counseling to reduce anxiety and tension of juveniles who are confined.
• Learns to manage assaultive behavior of emotionally disturbed juveniles; prepares behavior summaries and written daily observations, including special incident reports for wards on a daily basis or as needed; enforces the disciplinary policies of the institution.
• Plans recreation for medium to large groups of juveniles of varying ages, ability and sophistication.
• Monitors group behavior and attitude to avoid overt conflicts; maintains constant observation and security checks; supervises work, study, meal time, cleanup and visits of wards; documents the behavior of individuals by writing timely reports and keeping accurate records.
• Searches and processes wards at intake to the facility. Orients all wards to the facility setting and to staff expectations. Instructs wards in personal hygiene, grooming, accepted social customs and behavior, and other skills for independent living.
• Transports wards to medical, dental, court or other mandatory appointments; provides emergency medical First Aid treatment as needed; logs and dispenses medications as prescribed by medical staff.

Experience: Six (6) months of related experience supervising groups in a detention facility

OR

Education: Completion of fifteen (15) semester units is required from an accredited college or university preferably in criminology, social work, psychology, sociology or a closely related field.

All candidates qualifying for the position under the education requirement must submit a copy of their official/unofficial transcripts (verifying the courses and units completed) by the final filing date.  Candidates who fail to submit their diploma or transcripts by the final filing date will be disqualified from the recruitment.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:  Candidates who attended a college or university that is accredited by a foreign or non-U.S. accrediting agency must have their educational units evaluated by an educational evaluation service.  The result must be submitted to the Human Resources Department no later than the close of the recruitment.  Please contact the local college or university to learn where this service can be obtained.

In addition to uploading attachments when applying online, candidates may submit documents in-person or by mail at Solano County Department of Human Resources 675 Texas Street, Suite 1800, Fairfield CA  94533, by fax to (707) 784-3424, or by email to recruitment@solanocounty.com.  When submitting documents in-person, by mail or by fax, include the recruitment title (Group Counselor Entry) and the recruitment number (14-512020-01).  If submitting documents by email include the recruitment title and recruitment number in the subject field.

• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Class C California Driver’s license is required.
• Possession of a valid American National Red Cross Standard First Aid and Personal Safety certificate within one year of appointment is required. Evidence of successful completion of training in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation within one year of appointment is required.
• Successful completion of training under Section 832 of the California Penal Code is required within one year of appointment.
• Peace Officers must meet minimum standards concerning citizenship, age, character, education and physical/mental condition as set forth in Section 1031 of the California Government Code.
• Must complete the Juvenile Counselor Core Course certified by the California Board of
  Corrections Standards and Training for Correctional Programs with twelve (12) months.

• Independent travel is required.
• Positions allocated to this class may require bilingual skills.
• Incumbents must be able to work in a restricted, sometimes hostile environment.
• Incumbents of this class should demonstrate necessary knowledge and abilities to be promoted to Group Counselor within eighteen (18) months of appointment.

 EXTRA-HELP - Extra-help employees do not receive or accrue benefits of regular employees during their period of employment.

Based on the information provided in the application documents, the best qualified applicants will be invited for further examination. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. Depending upon the number of applications received, the selection process may consist of a resume screening, written and/or practical exam, oral interview, or any combination. Candidates will need to successfully pass a post-offer drug screening test prior to employment.  Information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract. These provisions are subject to change.

All additional application materials as requested in the job announcement (e.g. copies of diploma and/or transcripts, certificates, DD-214) must be submitted with the Document Cover Sheet, available on the employment website or at the Department of Human Resources’ office, and are due by the final filing date.  Previously submitted application materials (i.e. copies of diploma and/or transcripts, etc.) for prior recruitments will not be applied for this recruitment but must be re-submitted for this recruitment.

Please visit the County of Solano website, www.jobsatsolanocounty.com, to apply.  Any further questions can be directed to the Department of Human Resources at (707) 784-6170 or at 675 Texas Street, Suite 1800 Fairfield 94533.  The office is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.  Paper applications may be completed in person during office hours. EOE/AA

To be eligible, applicant must have served at least 181 consecutive days of active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States and have received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions.  A COPY OF THE DD 214, SHOWING DISCHARGE TYPE, MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT BY THE FINAL FILING DATE.  Applicants who have a service connected disability must submit a recent award letter from the VA stating they are receiving disability benefits for service connected reasons.  Disability must be rated at least 10% to be eligible for disabled veteran's points. 

Veteran applicants for initial County employment with an honorable or general under conditions discharge shall receive five (5) points added to their combined grade.  Disabled veterans shall have 10 points added to their combined grade.  Veteran scores will only be added to passing scores. 

It is the policy of Solano County that all employment decisions and personnel policies will be applied equally to all County employees and applicants and be based upon the needs of County service, job related merit, and ability to perform the job.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES:  Qualified individuals with a disability, who are able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, and need special testing arrangements, must contact the Solano County Department of Human Resources at (707)784-6170, to obtain a Request for Testing Accommodation by Applicants with Disabilities Form.  This form must be received in the Human Resources Department by the final filing date of the recruitment.  Applicants will be contacted to discuss the specifics of the request.

DIRECT DEPOSIT: All persons hired will be required to participate in the direct deposit program. 

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE ACT – Depending on the applicant’s job class, prospective employees may be required to undergo a Urine Drug Test in accordance with the Solano County Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace Policy once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Solano County employees are subject to the provisions of the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the California Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1990.

RETIREES - Solano County invites all to apply for positions; however pursuant to Government Code Section 21221(h) and 21224, hiring restrictions may apply to California Public Sector Pension Plan Retirees. 

BACKGROUND PROCESS –The background process may include but not limited to conducting a reference check, completing a personal history statement, conducting a background interview, and live scan fingerprinting.  The County of Solano also utilizes e-Verify to verify employment eligibility.  Note:  A felony conviction will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from employment.    The County will consider the nature, date and relationship between the offense and the position for which you are applying.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION - Prior to appointment, candidates may be required to pass a medical examination.  Candidates are encouraged not to quit or give notice to present employers until the medical examination has been completed and passed.

APPOINTMENT - At the time of appointment, all candidates will be required to execute an oath of allegiance to the United States and the State of California and may be fingerprinted.  Candidates will also be required to offer proof that they are a lawfully admitted alien or U.S. citizen.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD - All new positions are required to successfully complete a minimum probationary period of 6 to 12 months, depending upon the job class.  A probationary period does not apply to "at will" positions.

DISASTER WORKERS - In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, County employees, in the event of a disaster are considered disaster workers and may be asked to respond accordingly. 

EXTRA-HELP – An employee appointed to an extra-help position must meet all the requirements of the corresponding regular position.  Extra-help employees cannot work more than 999 hours in the fiscal year.  Extra-help employees are excluded from civil service and do not have rights to regular or continued employment.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.  Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

"SOLANO COUNTY IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER"