About the Position

Under direction conducts and/or assists with in depth appraisals/assessments; determines the need for vocational services and public assistance; diverts and refers applicant/participants to alternative program resources; develops and provides training. Collaborates on Welfare-to-Work plans and authorizes the provision of program benefits, and does other related work as required.

Typical Tasks and Representative Duties
Conducts and/or assists with appraisals/assessments to determine vocational needs and/or public assistance of participants as well as any barriers to employment, such as substance abuse, family violence or mental health issues; provides participant training, which may include, job search and life-skills activities; engages and collaborates on the development and implementation of Welfare-to-Work plans for cases assigned to a team focusing on participant personal responsibility, employment and self-reliance; has regular contact with participants; communicates with community agencies and businesses; prepares and maintains case records relative to individual case management and outcome statistics; participates in customer led case management focused on the participant’s goals and staff development activities of the unit/team; interprets rules, regulations and policies pertaining to eligibility for public assistance programs and explains them to participants and the general public; performs computer entry and interpretation of data; operates automated office equipment as appropriate; answers correspondence.

Distinguishing Characteristics
This classification is not a part of the Employment/Resource Specialist career series; incumbents are expected to have considerable latitude for independent judgment; focus on evaluating the extent of vocational needs and public assistance of applicants/participants; provide vocational counseling; demonstrate knowledge of all aspects of the team process, which may include Cash Aid, Welfare-to-Work, CaLFRESH and Medi-Cal; know departmental organization; assist, mentor and guide other workers with questions and assist the supervisor as directed.

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The Ideal Candidate

Knowledge of:
Correct English usage, spelling, grammar, punctuation and basic mathematical skills; effective communication skills, both oral and in written; the use of automated office equipment; and systems used by the department; principals of interviewing and problem-solving methodology; basic welfare to work plans; advanced vocational counseling and barriers to employment such as substance abuse, family violence or mental health issues; community organizations and the social problems calling for the use of public and private community resources; rules and regulations necessary to make eligibility and benefit determinations for various public assistance programs; department and community resources available to participants; all aspects of the team process, which may include Cash Aid, Food Stamps and Medi-Cal; screening, assessment, appraisal and individual and group counseling methods; fundamentals of leadership; training methods, staff development and supervisory practices.

Ability to:
Interview effectively and keep records; operate automated office equipment; speak and write effectively; organize and maintain work; read, understand and follow complex rules, regulations, policies and interpret them to participants; obtain and recognize relevant and significant facts; make accurate arithmetic computations; communicate with others from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds; establish and maintain the confidence and cooperation of participants; develop, establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with agency staff, the general public, and employers; do a high volume of work amid interruptions; be able to work under pressure of deadlines; perform repetitive work; operate within appropriate confidentiality guidelines; work independently; use community collaboration to expand available resources; develop appropriate Welfare-to-Work plans; problem solve and make appropriate decisions; take on all aspects of team functions; mentor, teach and counsel participants and other team members; analyze situations and adopt effective courses of action which may include referrals and or training; make effective group presentations and motivate participants; work with community groups and professionals to obtain needed services for participants; work constructively within a community setting and effectively use appropriate resources and services; provide consultation, education and information services to community or business groups and individuals.

Education and Experience
Either A: One year as an Employment Resource Specialist III in San Luis Obispo County;

Or B: Three years experience performing duties comparable to an Employment/Resource Specialist II in a social services setting, with experience in Welfare To Work, Cash Aid, Food Stamps and Medi-Cal.

How to Apply

Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.

An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.

Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at ha.humanresources@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.

Supplemental Information

Reasonable Accommodation Notice:
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-781-5959 for assistance or e-mail hr@co.slo.ca.us for more information.

Pursuant to recent California Department of Public Health orders, workers in designated facilities and positions are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and/or submit to weekly COVID-19 testing. If your position is determined to fall under the State orders, you will be required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or submit to weekly COVID-19 testing, where applicable.

Did you know that if you are employed by a government agency you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program?

Make a Difference
Employees of the County of San Luis Obispo are public servants who impact the lives of our community every day. From supporting efforts to reduce homelessness, keeping our drinking water clean, or serving the families in need in the community, County employees make a difference.

Compensation and Benefits
Your annual salary is supplemented by a generous benefit package.
Note that if you are being hired as a temporary employee some of these benefits may not be offered to you. Benefits for temporary employees are limited. Please contact hr@co.slo.ca.us for more information.

For additional information regarding the benefits listed that may be available to you, visit the associated Benefits-At-A-Glance webpage (click here for link).

Some benefits include:

• Medical (PPO, EPO), Dental (HMO, PPO) and Vision Insurance
• Cafeteria (County contribution to pay for insurance premiums)
• Free visits to the employee health clinic
• Mental Health resources/benefits
• Voluntary insurance plans (life insurance, disability, critical illness and many more)
• A lifelong retirement benefit through the San Luis Obispo County Pension Trust
• Optional deferred compensation Plan with up to $500 per year match
• Tax savings accounts (medical and dependent care)
• Paid personal, sick and vacation days
• 12 paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Education and Wellness Allowance
• Post Employment Health Plan
• Family Friendly workplace policies
• Flexible work schedule options
• Rideshare commuter benefits

The County of San Luis Obispo has been recognized as a Diamond Level Family Friendly Workplace by San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. We support our employees through: childcare assistance, flexible scheduling practices, paid and unpaid leave, comprehensive health benefits, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance programs.

Learning and Development
The County prioritizes your learning, personal and professional development, and career growth. Employees have access to over 1500 on-demand courses, instructor led courses, and job-specific trainings.

Employees can take courses to upskill to make themselves more competitive for promotional opportunities and further their career growth. Examples of courses include:

• Emotional Intelligence
• Supervisor/Manager academies
• Microsoft Suite courses
• Defensive Driving
• Financial management
• Retirement preparedness
• Teambuilding
• Written Communication
• Conflict Management
• Clifton StrengthsFinder and DISC
• Job specific conferences/trainings

Student Loan Forgiveness
Did you know that if you are employed by a government agency you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
County employees also have access to GotZoom, a program that offers tools and support to navigate your federal student loans.

Homebuyer assistance program
Employees have access to the “Assist-to-Own” program sponsored by Golden State Finance Authority (click here for link to more information) to get a loan for the down payment.