What are the responsibilities and job description for the Employment and Training Specialist - English and Bilingual (English/Spanish) position at County of Sonoma, CA?
Salary : $69,041.93 - $83,902.22 Annually
Location : Santa Rosa, CA
Job Type : Full-Time
Job Number : 25 / 02-3030-OEB
Department : Human Services Department (HSD)
Opening Date : 02 / 19 / 2025
Closing Date : 3 / 10 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit : 05
Position Information
Grow your career with the County of Sonoma.
Become an Employment and Training Specialist!
Starting salary up to $40.20 / hour ($83,902 / year), a competitive total compensation package
- p lus an additional $1.50 / hour for fluent bilingual assignments
Employment and Training Specialists (ETSs) with the Human Services Department (HSD) are responsible for determining clients' initial and continued eligibility for SonomaWORKS, CalFresh, and other public assistance and employment programs. In order to develop goals that help clients reach self-sufficiency, ETSs identify, analyze, and address social problems and barriers to employment. They monitor client progress through various programs, evaluate specific needs, and provide additional assistance as required. ETSs also work closely with Employment and Training Counselors and partner staff on a variety of issues and strategies related to client's progress, support, and case management, and are responsible for monitoring, motivating, and assisting clients in carrying out employment-related activities.
The ideal candidates will possess many of the following :
About The Employment and Training (E&T) Division The E&T Division helps individuals and families with job search, financial assistance, and employment and training services. E&T also helps employers find qualified workers and supports workforce development through community partnerships and Job Link, a Sonoma County Workforce Investment Board job center. E&T programs include :
For additional information about the E&T Division, please visit our .
About the Human Services Department (HSD)
As the largest agency in Sonoma County government, the Human Services Department's mission is building upon strengths, we bridge people to opportunity through responsive safety-net services. We work to protect vulnerable children and adults, to help people rise above poverty and thrive in our community, and to promote maximum independence and well-being for individuals and families. HSD is responsible for child and adult protective services, veteran services, and administration of state and federal programs, including CalFRESH, CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, and In-Home Supportive Services. The department is dedicated to providing responsive, client-focused services so that all in our community can live freely chosen lives up to their full potential throughout their lifespan. The core values that drive our work are dignity, humility, integrity, responsiveness, partnership, and belonging.
HSD fosters a positive work environment, where our commitment to providing opportunities for advancement is strengthened by a robust staff development program. We believe in the merits of work / life balance and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that our work contributes to the betterment of our community.
The Department works collaboratively at the federal, state, and local levels to find creative solutions to support the well-being of individuals, families, and the community. To meet that goal, the department has fostered strong relationships with other public and private sector partners, including other government agencies, community-based organizations, and business leaders. For more information regarding HSD's services please visit
What We Offer
Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing your contributions work to better our shared community. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits
This recruitment is being conducted to fill two English and two fluent Bilingual (English / Spanish) Employment and Training Specialist positions in the Human Services Department. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified candidates who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience and Education : Possession of the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally, completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units at an accredited college including at least 18 semester or 24 quarter units in sociology, psychology, counseling, social work, business, math, or other related fields and two years of experience providing case work services, including some experience dealing with employment-related issues.
One year of experience as an Eligibility Worker in an employment and training environment would provide such opportunity.
One year of experience as an Eligibility Worker II with the County of Sonoma Human Services Department.
License : Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.
Special Requirement : Designated positions may require the ability to speak, read, and write a language in addition to English.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Working knowledge of : Federal, State, and County public assistance and employment and training programs, goals, regulations, policies, and procedures; principles, methods, and techniques of effective interviewing and techniques related to gathering relevant information; socioeconomic, physical, mental, and behavioral problems, cultural differences, and language barriers to employment; dynamics of human behavior including problem solving and motivational techniques; the use of computer information systems used within the agency; basic record keeping procedures and general office procedures; the use of tables and formulas.
Knowledge of : basic mathematics; the English language sufficient to read and understand job-related materials and to effectively explain them to clients; good public relations.
Ability to : assist clients in achieving the goal of self-sufficiency; work independently in performing most work assignments; define problems, analyze data, evaluate, and select from possible alternatives for problem resolution; identify potential and real barriers to employment; read, understand, and uniformly apply complex governmental regulations, directives, policies, and procedures; function effectively in a system with pressure, strict deadlines, and constant changes; use computer information systems and analyze and interpret such information; plan, organize, prioritize and process work to ensure deadlines are met; accurately complete basic mathematical computations; effectively communicate orally and in writing with persons from a variety of backgrounds; confer with staff on client problems, issues, and progress; refer clients to program components, staff, and other community services, as needed; assess and manage difficult and hostile person : or situations and call for intervention when appropriate; courteously deal with people both in person and on the telephone.
Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying
Please visit to review more detailed information about the application, examination, and department selection processes.
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED. Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.
The selection procedure will consist of the following examination :
An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass / not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria :
Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination which evaluates the education, training, experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, and other qualifications that you demonstrate in your application and / or response to the supplemental questionnaire. Please be aware that resumes and cover letters are not typically evaluated in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as the number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.
Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the to determine the requirements for this position.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are accepted online at : Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.
The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.
HR Analyst : EP
HR Tech : EV
IMPORTANT NOTE : Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.
COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS : GENERAL
These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers :
Paid Time Off : Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
Health Plan : Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generous County contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.
Retirement : Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit
IRS 457 Plan : Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
Retiree Medical : County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance / benefits.
Student Loan Debt Relief : County employees may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Education.
Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.
For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at or (707) 565-2900.
How did you first learn about this opportunity?
Please indicate if you would also be interested in future part-time or extra-help (temporary, intermittent, or seasonal employment) positions should they become available. Check all that apply.
ENGLISH / SPANISH BILINGUAL ABILITIES : Do you have fluent English / Spanish bilingual abilities and wish to be considered for a bilingual position? (Fluent means the ability to speak, read, and write English & Spanish using correct grammar, translating accurately, conveying information correctly and clearly, etc.) Candidates must pass a bilingual proficiency examination to be eligible for a bilingual position.
Please indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for the Employment and Training Specialist position by checking the appropriate box below.
For this question, and all subsequent questions, provide sufficient information to allow for a thorough evaluation of your qualifications. Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria and may be reviewed by hiring managers.
Based on your response to question four, please detail how you meet the experience and education requirements of these positions.
Please provide an example that demonstrates your ability to monitor and motivate a client's progress. Include :
The challenges you faced and how you overcame them
The tools or methods you applied
Your assessment of the outcome
Please provide an example that demonstrates your ability to review, analyze, and apply rules, regulations, policies, and / or procedures when assisting a client. Describe the situation, the steps you took, and the outcome.
Required Question
Salary : $40,200 - $83,902
