County of Alameda

Under general direction, to supervise, review and evaluate the work of a group of Employment Counselors who directly manage and counsel clients, determine and maintain eligibility, facilitate, and monitor their progress toward self-sufficiency through employment services; be the liaison to community employment-related services; to maintain acceptable standards of casework practice and case management; and to perform related work as required.  

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES  

This is the supervisory level of the Employment Counselor series.  Incumbents are assigned supervision of a group of Employment Counselors who manage and counsel clients and facilitate and monitor their progress toward self-sufficiency through employment services that may include training activities; conduct orientation and appraisals; determine eligibility; evaluate test results and employment goals.  Positions of Employment Counselor Supervisor are found in the Social Services Agency.  Employment Counselor Supervisors are distinguished from Social Work Supervisors in that Employment Counselor Supervisors are responsible for supervision of a group of counselors or similar classifications who determine public assistance eligibility, make referrals, manage client’s progress through an employment program that may include training activities and provide goal-directed counseling and casework.

NOTE:    The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification.  However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.  Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Plans, assigns, and reviews the work of a group of Employment Counselors engaged in providing employment services that may include training activities and determining and maintaining eligibility to clients.  May supervise other professional and/or technical staff. May be designated site manager for building issues when assigned to a satellite office.
2. Confers with subordinate staff on more difficult employment case problems and assists workers in identifying problems requiring referral to appropriate community or professional resources. Holds periodic group and individual conferences with staff members to explain or clarify employment regulations and procedures, discuss, interpret, and implement County, Federal, and departmental rules, regulations, and policies.
3. Reviews cases to ascertain conformity with Federal, State and County Welfare regulations and acceptable casework practices.
4. Discusses with and instructs staff and clients in demonstrating work ethics, good work habits and attitudes, effective problem solving and decision making, communication and interpersonal skills.
5. Assesses performance, completes and submits periodic evaluations, identifies, recommends, and/or provides appropriate educational and training resources; provides coaching and development as may be required to improve staff’s program and procedural comprehension and performance.
6. Provides input on program design and process.
7. Liaises with community-based organizations, community colleges, adult schools and employment oriented organizations as needed.  Makes public presentations and/or represents the Agency at community meetings to educate and inform the public about CalWORKS.
8. May perform non-supervisory staff training, special studies or projects requiring knowledge and expertise in all aspects of employment programs.
9. Consults with management and other professional staff regarding personnel, discipline, policy, and regulatory matters and/or unusual issues.
10. May serve on task forces and committees to establish new systems and procedures or investigate their feasibility; may represent the Agency with a variety of stakeholders.
11. Attends mandatory meetings and trainings; keeps abreast of new or updated programs, and computer systems.
12. Administers County, State, and Federal-funded workforce development programs; plans and develops workforce development programs; makes recommendations for and implements modifications to existing programs; develops proposals for funding of workforce development programs. Oversees program performance as required by state, federal, or local requirements.  
13. Creates partnerships and develops business relationships with employers in the community and business and industry associations in Alameda County. Coordinates with local economic development agencies and other workforce development agencies.
14. Prepares reports on the status and progress of employment and workforce training programs operated by the County and/or sub-contractors; prepares statistical reports.

EITHER I

Experience:  

The equivalent of three (3) years of full-time experience as an Employment Counselor or an equivalent or higher level employment service position in the Alameda County classified service. 

OR II  

Experience:  

The equivalent of three (3) years of full-time experience as a Supervising Eligibility Technician or an equivalent or higher level social service supervisory position in the Alameda County classified service.   

OR III

Experience:  

The equivalent of three (3) years of full-time experience in a supervisory capacity for staff engaged in employment-related case management, employment counseling determining eligibility or in providing employment-related services in a recognized public or private agency.  

Substitution:  

Possession of an Associate’s degree in sociology, social psychology, vocational counseling or a closely related social science field may be substituted for one (1) year of experience in patterns II or III above.  

License:  

Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License is required.  

NOTE:    The Civil Service Commission may modify the above minimum qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

NOTE:    The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.  

Knowledge of:  

• Casework methods and techniques with particular reference to principles of vocational and employment counseling.
• Education and experience requirements for a wide variety of jobs and employment opportunities.
• County, State and Federal regulations governing employment, labor conditions and public welfare.
• Principles and practices of public administration.
• Principles of eligibility determination.
• Management and supervisory practice.  
• Social Services policies and procedures.
• Community and Social Services resources.
• Organizational and administrative concepts pertinent to employment and training, economic development, and/or public assistance program.
• Remedial, career educational and training resources.
• Proven employment and training and career advancement strategies for public assistance recipients, and unemployed, underemployed adults and youth.
• Use and proficiency of modern technology such as Office 365, Excel and Word to assist staff.  

Ability to:  

• Written communication.
• Oral communication.
• Decision making.
• Leadership.
• Interpersonal sensitivity.
• Problem solving.
• Analyzing data.
• Supervision.
• Planning and organizing.
• Acquire and apply program-specific technical knowledge and knowledge of community resources.
• Perform data entry and learn to effectively use a sophisticated on-line electronic data processing system.
• Foster a supportive environment for clients.

JH:pb

10/26/87

DF:pb

Revised:  9/91

JH:jc/Revised 7/14/98

DF:jc

Revised 2/99

Old document:  1081h

New document:  Jobspecs/6785

ys/8/01

CSC Date:  3/17/99

MG:sa Revised 06/18/2021

CSC Date: 08/11/2021

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Group Auto/Home Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.