NHS Human Services, Inc.

HS Employment Specialist IV

Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/ventura/jobs/newprint/4560479)

Apply



HS Employment Specialist IV

Salary

$62,499.00 - $83,340.17 Annually

Location

Ventura and may require travel throughout Ventura County, CA

Job Type

Full-Time Regular

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

0298HSA-24AA (PB)

Department

Human Services Agency

Opening Date

07/01/2024

Closing Date

7/15/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Description

Be part of the strength of human relationships and community partnerships by becoming an Employment Specialist IV for Ventura County!

WHAT WE OFFER

The County of Ventura offers an attractive compensation and benefits package that includes:

• A general salary increase of 3.5% effective December 22, 2024.

• Merit Increases – New employees are eligible for an initial 5% merit increase within the pay range upon completion of at least 1,040 hours (approximately 6 months) assuming work meets satisfactory standards. Subsequent merit increases within the pay range will be upon completion of each additional 2,080 hours (approximately one year) from the initial merit increase.

• Educational Incentive - An educational incentive of 2.5% for completion of an associate's degree, 3.5% for completion of a bachelor's degree, OR 5% for completion of a graduate degree.

• Bilingual Incentive – Based on agency need, proficiency levels by exam are $.69 per hour (Level I), $1.00 per hour (Level II), or $1.32 per hour (Level III).

• Flexible Workweek/Telework Schedule – We support work life balance by offering compressed work (e.g., 9/80 or 4/10 workweek) and remote hybrid telework schedules for most positions subject to organizational needs and satisfactory performance.

• Vacation Accrual – New regular, full-time employees shall accrue approximately 14 days of vacation a year for the first 10,400 hours or 5 years of service; vacation accruals increase at 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 20 years of service topping out at 26 days a year and 400 hours of vacation hours banked.

• Annual Leave Redemption – After 14,560 hours of continuous County service an employee may elect to "cash in" or redeem up to 80 hours of vacation accrued in the same year after using 80 hours of vacation in the preceding 12 months.

• Sick Leave - Full time regular employees accrue 3.08 hours of sick leave per bi-weekly pay period with an advance at hire of 40.04 hours which will be balanced at the completion of 13 bi-weekly pay periods.

• Deferred Compensation - Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3.00% match on your 401(k) contributions.

• Health Plans–Full time employees are given a flexible credit allowance to offset the purchase of medical, dental, and/or vision insurance for you and your dependents.

• Employee only - $502 per biweekly pay period

• Employee plus one dependent - $730 per biweekly pay period

• Employee plus family - $905 per biweekly pay period

• Flexible Spending Accounts - Pre-tax benefit towards eligible medical, dental and vision care and/or dependent care expenses.

• Pension Plan - Participation in the County's defined pension plan, which has reciprocity with other public retirement systems, such as PERS.

• Holidays - 12 paid days per year which, includes a scheduled floating holiday.

• Additional Benefits - Tuition Reimbursement, Disability Plans, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Wellness Program.

OUR COUNTY AND COMMUNITY

Ventura County is located on California's "Gold Coast," approximately 35 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 20 miles southeast of Santa Barbara. The County includes 42 miles of coastline which is home to the fol­lowing cities and points of interest: Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, and Ventura as well as national protected areas such as parts of the Angeles National Forest, Channel Islands National Park, and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Ventura County’s beauty and weather combined with a wonderful quality of life are among the many reasons our residents choose to call Ventura County "home."

THE AGENCY

To learn about the Human Services Agency, click “Who We Are (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lq89F-aztw0) ” to view a short video about our multiple departments.

HSA is comprised of nearly 1600 staff members who serve approximately a third of Ventura County residents, all of whom have unique experiences and perspectives. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and assist communities by bringing these values into the workforce.

THE POSITION

Under general supervision, HS Employment Specialist IV performs operational and general administrative functions related to case management laws and procedures in accordance with local, State and Federally funded career placement and assistance programs and requirements.

HS Employment Specialist IV is the lead-worker level. The incumbent has the ability to handle a complex caseload, perform lead and training mentor duties, and is responsible for unit activities in the unit supervisor's absence of short duration.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate possesses some job training/development experience and a Bachelor's degree in a field related to Human Services; strong communication skills, both written and verbal; excellent problem-solving and leadership skills; is results-focused; and has a positive outlook which embraces technology in an ever-changing environment; and a work ethic that encompasses diversity, equity and inclusion.

HS Employment Specialist IV is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and is eligible for overtime compensation.

Examples Of Duties

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Manages client cases of a higher degree of complexity to achieve employment through interviews, home visits, work site visits, record reviews or consultations with service delivery partners and other related agencies.

• Evaluates clients’ interests, education, and experience, and uses labor market information to determine possible job placements; develops employment plans with clients based upon formalized assessments and advises participants regarding training and employment opportunities.

• Regularly reviews policies and procedures. Assists in conducting regular case reviews to assure compliance with regulations and procedures. Identifies error trends and provides recommendations regarding staff training needs.

• Prepares and maintains case notes, documents and reports, charts client career objectives and contractual accomplishments, records service delivery and interactions by HSA partners, and answers a variety of correspondence related to case management using automated systems, manuals, and reference documents; and prepares reports on program trends.

• Conducts and participates in group presentations, discussions and client/staff development workshops and other meetings related to the coordination of client needs and status monitoring and the effective delivery of career and human services tools.

• Mentors and coaches co-workers and provides supervision in short-term absence of supervisor.

• Mentors new workers, provides consultation to less experienced workers, and serves as a resource person for co-workers.

• Provides training in employment services and program requirements and governmental procedures individually and/or in group settings, including providing assistance in the agency resource centers.

• Performs other related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications

These are entrance requirements to the exam process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

EDUCATION, TRAINING and EXPERIENCE

A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university in a field related to human services AND one (1) year experience comparable to a HS Employment Specialist III;

OR

An Associate’s Degree (or at least 60 semester units of college coursework) in a field related to human services AND two (2) years of experience in general human services or direct client services within a social services program AND one (1) year experience comparable to HS Employment Specialist III;

OR

Four (4) years of experience in general human services or direct client services within a social services program AND one (1) year experience comparable to HS Employment Specialist III.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of or the ability to obtain, prior to appointment, and maintain a valid California driver's license

• Strong written communication skills must be demonstrated in the completion of the employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Work is primarily performed in an office environment but may require visits to other organizations, agencies and departments, private businesses, client homes or work locations; and also requires direct meetings with the public, co-located and external program partners and other community groups.

COUNTY EMPLOYEES AS DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

When a disaster strikes of natural or manmade origin, Ventura County employees may be called upon to provide service to the community by assisting in emergency response efforts. This may require employees to work in other locations, different hours, and out of class. At the time of hire, all County employees will be required to sign an Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance for Disaster Service Workers and Public Employees (Sections 3102 and 3103, Government Code of California).

DESIRED

• Bachelor's (or higher level) degree in a field related to human services.

• More than two years of employment services case management experience at the HS Employment Services Specialist III level.

• Experience managing employment services cases of a higher degree of complexity.

• Experience evaluating, developing, and presenting training material to staff.

• Experience serving as a resource and mentor to new and/or less experienced workers.

• High level of proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office products and automated systems such as CalSAWS, CalJOBs, PolicyTech, and FileNet P8.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of:

• Principles and techniques of interviewing and case management.

• Community resources and human service programs available within the state, community, and Career Center agency partnerships.

• Principles of individual and group behavior.

• The laws, rules and policies governing career and employment services program operations.

• The use of automated systems (e.g., CalSAWS, CalJOBs, PolicyTech, FileNet P8) and MS Office Products.

Working knowledge of:

• Crisis intervention.

• Physical and mental illnesses and their impact on a client’s ability to achieve a career.

Thorough ability to:

• Conduct complex interviews, extract information both in person and over the telephone; and obtain and recognize relevant facts.

• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.

• Establish rapport with clients and their families of diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

• Analyze occurrences and situations, and apply effective remedies and courses of action.

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

• Conduct group presentations and training.

• Understand, interpret, explain, and carry out complicated verbal and/or written instructions, directions, laws, and operating policies and procedures.

Recruitment Process

FINAL FILING DATE: Applications must be received by the County of Ventura, Human Resources in Ventura, California, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 15, 2024.

To apply online, please refer to our web site at www.ventura.org/jobs. If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call (805) 654-5129 for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura, Human Resources, 800 South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.

Information for Transfer Candidates: NOTE: If presently permanently employed in another "merit" or "civil service" public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a "merit" or "civil service" style examination, then appointment by "Lateral Transfer" may be possible. If interested, please click here (http://vcportal.ventura.org/CEO/HR/docs/Lateral_Transfer.pdf) for additional information.

Note: It is essential that you complete all sections of your application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and accurately to demonstrate your qualifications. A resume and/or other related documents may be attached to supplement the information in your application and supplemental questionnaire; however, it/they may not be submitted in lieu of the application.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE - qualifying: All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this exam AT THE TIME OF FILING. The supplemental questionnaire may be used throughout the recruitment and hiring process to assist in determining qualifications for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in removal of the application from further consideration.

APPLICATION EVALUATION - qualifying: All applications will be reviewed to determine whether the stated requirements are met. Applicants meeting the stated requirements will be invited to continue to the next step in the examination process.

TRAINING and EXPERIENCE EVALUATION: A Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) is a structured evaluation of the job application materials submitted by a candidate, including the written responses to supplemental questions. The T&E is a method for determining the better qualified applicants among those shown to meet the stated requirements. Using a T&E, applicants may be scored or ranked according to criteria that most closely meet the business needs of the department. Candidates are typically scored or ranked in relation to one another; consequently, when the pool of candidates is exceptionally strong, some qualified candidates may receive a score or rank which is moderate or lower resulting in them not being advanced in the process.

NOTE: In a typical T&E, your training and experience are evaluated in relation to the background, experience and factors identified during a job analysis as needed at the time of hire for successful job performance. For this reason, it is recommended that your application materials clearly show your relevant background and specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is also highly recommended that the supplemental questionnaire is completed with care and diligence. Responses such as "See Resume" or "Refer to Resume" are not acceptable and may disqualify an applicant from further evaluation.

If there are three (3) or fewer qualified applicants, a T&E may not be conducted. Instead, a score of seventy percent (70%) will be assigned to each application, and each applicant will be placed on the eligible list.

Candidates successfully completing the examination process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of one (1) year. The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill present and future Regular, Temporary, Fixed-Term, Intermittent, or Extra Help vacancies.

SELECTION INTERVIEW: When a position becomes available, applicants are referred to the employing department for interviews beginning with the highest scoring applicants, moving down the list from the top until the available positions are filled.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A thorough pre-employment, post offer background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education, criminal background information, and driving record is required for this position.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the County of Ventura to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for county employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For further information about this recruitment, please contact Patty Booker by email at patty.booker@ventura.org.

YOUR BENEFITS AS A COUNTY OF VENTURA EMPLOYEE

Service Employees International Union (LOCAL 721)

(SEIU)

To learn more about Benefits, Retirement, and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), see links below.

• Benefits website (https://hr.ventura.org/benefits) or you may call (805) 654-2570.

• Retirement FAQ's (https://vcportal.ventura.org/CEO/benefits/docs/RETIREMENT%20-%20FAQs.pdf)

• Memorandum of Agreement

Union Codes: UPA, UPC, UPE, UPH, UPI, UPJ, UPT, UWS

01

Do you possess, or have the ability to obtain and maintain, a valid California driver's license?

• Yes

• No

  02

  Please indicate the highest level of education you have completed.

• No high school diploma or GED

• High school diploma or GED

• 1 to less than 60 semester units of college course work

• 60 or more semester units of college course work, but no degree

• Associate's degree

• Bachelor's degree

• Master's degree or higher

  03

  Please indicate the major field of study for the highest level of education you indicated above.

• Social Work

• Human/Social Services

• Sociology

• Psychology

• Public Administration

• Other field of study closely related to this position

• Other field of study not related to this position

• N/A

  04

  If you selected "Other field of study closely related to this position" in the question above, please indicate the field of study for your highest level of educational achievement, and how it relates to this position. (Indicate "N/A" if not applicable.)

  05

  If you selected "60 or more semester units of college coursework, but no degree" in question 2, please list the college-level courses you have taken and successfully completed in human services or a closely related field. Include all of the following:

  A. Name of the accredited college(s) or university(ies) attended

  B. Course titles

  C. Number of semester or quarter units for each course (Indicate "N/A" if not applicable.)

  06

  Which option below best describes your full-time progressively responsible experience in general human services or direct client services within a social services program?

  (NOTE: Full time is considered 40 hours per week; anything less than that must be prorated.)

• No experience

• Some to less than 1 year

• 1 to less than 2 years

• 2 to less than 3 years

• 3 to less than 4 years

• 4 to less than 5 years

• 5 to less than 6 years

• 6 to less than 7 years

• 7 to less than 8 years

• 8 to less than 9 years

• 9 to less than 10 years

• 10 or more years

  07

  Which option below best describes your experience that is comparable to an HS Employment Specialist III with the County of Ventura Human Services Agency?

• No experience

• Some to less than 1 year

• 1 to less than 2 years

• 2 to less than 3 years

• 3 to less than 4 years

• 4 to less than 5 years

• 5 to less than 6 years

• 6 to less than 7 years

• 7 or more years

  08

  Please describe your experience managing employment services cases of a higher degree of complexity that require significant internal and external agency interaction. Include a specific example and all of the following:

  A. Time frame (start and end dates in month/year format)

  B. Detailed description of your role and responsibilities

  C. Community resources and human services programs (within the state, community and/or agency partnerships) you interact with

  D. The laws, rules, and policies you adhere to

  If you do not have this type of experience, please type "no experience."

  09

  Describe your proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Products (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), and other automated systems (i.e., CalSAWS, CalJOBs, PolicyTech, FileNet P8.) For each application/system, include:

  A. Your proficiency level (beginner, intermediate, advanced, expert)

  B. Description of your use of the applications/systems to demonstrate your proficiency

  If you do not have this type of experience, please type "no experience."

  10

  Please describe the principles and techniques of interviewing clients to determine job placements, develop employment plans and recommend appropriate training and employment opportunities. Include the following:

  A. An example of a complex interview you conducted

  B. How you extracted/obtained information from the client

  C. Your recommendations

  D. The outcome

  If you do not have this type of experience, please type "no experience."

  11

  Please describe your techniques with AND the importance of establishing rapport with clients and their families of diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Include the most challenging situation that you have experienced and how you handled it.

  If you do not have this type of experience, please type "no experience."

  12

  Please describe your experience participating in the evaluation, development, and presentation of training for personnel.

  If you do not have this type of experience, please type "no experience."

  13

  Please describe your experience serving as a resource and mentor to new and/or less experienced co-workers.

  If you do not have this type of experience, please type "no experience."

  14

  Please acknowledge your understanding and acceptance, by marking "Yes" below, that incumbents in these positions must be available to work outside their normal schedules, as required, in the event of an emergency incident or disaster as a Disaster Services Worker. This may include evenings, weekends, and extended hours; 24/7 availability during an event may be required. Additionally, incumbents may be exposed to unhealthy work conditions depending on the nature of the incident or disaster, and must be able to work effectively in a high-stress environment.

  If you do not understand, or are unwilling to accept the work conditions described in the statement above, select "No".

• Yes

• No

  Required Question

Agency

Ventura County

Address

800 S. Victoria Avenue LOC. #1970 Ventura, California, 93009

Phone

(805) 654-5129

Website

http://hr.ventura.org

Apply

Please verify your email address Verify Email