Workforce Services Specialist

Contra Costa County’s Employment and Human Services Department works diligently to provide the community with resources that support, protect, and empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency. The department is committed to hiring candidates that share our core values of delivering an exceptional customer service experience, encouraging open communication, embracing change, practicing ethical behavior, and embracing diversity.

Under general direction, the Workforce Services Specialist plans and carries out administrative tasks within the Employment and Human Services Department (EHSD), specifically in the Workforce Services Bureau (WFSB), the Workforce Development Board (WDB), or other major divisions and programs, including but not limited to CalWORKs, CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and Welfare to Work programs. This role serves as a primary contact and external representative on policies, programs, and services. The Specialist makes recommendations regarding policies, programs, and administrative issues that may significantly impact the ability of EHSD, WFSB, WDB, and partnering service providers in Contra Costa County to achieve their strategic goals and objectives. Additionally, the Specialist performs related work as required.

The Employment & Human Services Department is currently recruiting to fill two (2) Workforce Services Specialist vacancies. 

We are looking for someone who is:

• Proficient in the operational aspects of benefit programs
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with line staff, supervisors, and external stakeholders
• Exceptional leadership capabilities
• In-depth knowledge of regulations pertaining to benefit programs, as well as relevant departmental policies and processes
• Strong analytical skills and technologically proficient
• Able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Conduct ongoing reviews and analysis of operational data
• Provide direct and indirect support to line and supervisory staff
• Organize and facilitate meetings and participate in data-gathering groups
• Monitor and effectively communicate operational requirements
• Collaborate with and lead division and department workgroups
• Gather, review, analyze, and validate data and reports
• Support personnel and career development within the Bureau

A few reasons you might love this job:

• Opportunity to serve and make a meaningful contribution to vulnerable members of the community
• Dynamic and fast-paced work environment
• Strong support from colleagues and leadership
• Provides an enriching learning environment
• Serves as a foundational entry point for a career in management

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• Management of competing priorities amid changing policies and processes
• High-volume interactions with customers
• Ability to handle multiple situations simultaneously while multitasking effectively
  

Competencies Required:

• Delivering Results: Meeting organizational goals and customer expectations and making decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks
• Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Informing: Proactively obtaining and sharing information
• Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
• Handling & Resolving Conflict: Managing interpersonally strained situations
• Involving Others (Engaging Teams): Engaging others for input, contribution, and shared responsibility for outcomes
• Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
• Leading Cross-Divisional Collaboration: Demonstrating cooperation and teamwork while working within and across divisions and teams

To read the complete job description, please visit the website; www.cccounty.us/hr License Required:  Candidates must possess a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s license. Out of state valid motor vehicle operator’s license will be accepted during the application process.
 
Education: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in business or public administration, social or behavioral science or a closely related field.
 
Experience: Four years of full-time experience, or its equivalent, having responsibilities for the administration of an economic or workforce development program, in an employment and training program or in a social service program in a direct client service environment. Two years of the required experience must have included responsibilities providing administrative direction to subordinate staff or performing analytical duties. 
 
Substitution for Education: Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units at an accredited college including 12 semester units or 18 quarter units in psychology, sociology, social welfare, public administration, business administration or a closely related field, and two (2) additional years of required experience listed above may be substituted for the required education. 
 
Substitution of Academic Major: One (1) additional year of qualifying experience may be substituted for the required academic major.
 
Substitution for Experience: Possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in social welfare, business administration or public administration or a closely related field may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Strong technical expertise and knowledge in programs including CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and CalWORKs
• Ability to interact effectively with staff at all levels and engage proficiently with external support and community partners.
• Demonstrates a professional demeanor and leadership style
• Strong organizational skills, resourcefulness, and the ability to learn quickly.

1. Application Filing and Evaluation: All applicants must apply online at www.cccounty.us/hr and submit the information as indicated on the job announcement and supplemental questionnaire by the final filing date. 
2. Online Virtual Interview: Candidates who possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an online interview.  In the oral interview, candidates must achieve an average passing score of 70% or higher on each of the oral interview competencies, as well as an overall passing score of 70% of higher.  The interview will measure candidates' competencies as they relate to the Workforce Services Specialist classification. These may include but are not limited to professional and technical expertise, attention to detail, professional integrity and ethics, handling and resolving conflict, and/or valuing diversity. (Weighted 100%)

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Salary : $105,729 - $128,515