VOCATIONAL COUNSELOR I/II - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT County Administrative Office  Are you interested in making a difference? If so, please consider joining our dedicated team in our Economic Development Division!  Minimum Qualification: Vocational Counselor I: Equivalent to graduation from a four year college or university with major coursework in psychology, social services, business or public administration or a field related to the work. Vocational Counselor II: In addition to the above, two years of experience in vocational counseling at a level equivalent to the County's class of Vocational Counselor I. Required licenses/certifications:  This specified position requires possession of a valid California driver's license. The Ideal Candidate:  Possesses the ability to establish strong professional relationships with employers, clients, and culturally diverse adult and youth populations; to function in a highly energetic environment and possess strong computer skills. Possesses the ability to work with clients to teach and develop life skills, such as money management, workplace skills, prepare clients for job interviews, and develop job placements. Is well informed about various rules and regulations pertaining to the WIOA program, and related support programs available to qualifying participants, excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills are highly desirable. Is willing to travel. What You'll Do: This position is responsible for a variety of duties, including; * Performs duties in support of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program.  * Create and implement a realistic Individual Employment Plan (IEP) to address employability planning and/or completion of education/training, support services and identify available resources. * Provide intensive file and case management assisting participants in overcoming barriers that inhibit success in education, employment or training. * Coordinate activities with other AJCC staff members who provide related services. * Conduct life skills, vocational, occupational and employment counseling, with groups and individuals.  Where You'll Do It: This position is located in Eureka, California DEFINITION Under general supervision, provides client assessment, counseling and job development support for a variety of adult and youth employment training and placement programs; performs related work as assigned.   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS   Vocational Counselor I is the entry level class of this professional vocational counseling series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents perform the more routine assessment, job development and job placement functions while learning County and program policies and procedures. As experience is gained, work becomes more diversified and is performed more independently. This class is alternately staffed with Vocational Counselor II and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency with meet the qualifications for the higher level class. Vocational Counselor II is the journey level class in this series, fully competent to perform responsible and difficult professional work in a variety of vocational program areas. Incumbents are expected to exercise independent judgment in the assessment and placement of clients and to make continued efforts toward educating the community to the various programs available. This class is distinguished from Employment and Training Program Coordinator in that the latter is the first full supervisory level of this series. * Conducts assessment interviews; administers and scores interest, aptitude, academic and clerical skill tests for individuals and groups; interprets test results and recommends appropriate training or placement programs for clients. * Prepares employability development plans to determine clients' job readiness and potential for training and job placement. * Participates in the design and implementation of group assessment procedures, job referral systems, and special activities, as assigned. * Teaches competency-based pre-employment skills such as job search and interviewing techniques; operates a computerized basic skills laboratory to provide remedial training in reading, math, language and high school equivalency courses; assists clients with resume preparation. * Conducts ongoing counseling and monitoring of client progress in training and placement situations; conducts on-the-job training, as required. * Performs job development work, including contacting public and private employers to secure interest in job training and placement programs. * Acts as a direct placement counselor; takes job orders, registers clients and refers them utilizing a computerized database to match client and employer needs. * Evaluates current and potential job-sites to determine suitability for program involvement; maintains communication with employers related to client status. * Prepares a variety of reports related to assigned caseload; maintains case files. * Conducts termination interviews and evaluates clients' achievement of employment and training skills. Knowledge of:   NOTE: The level and scope of knowledge and skills listed below are related to the job duties as defined under Distinguishing Characteristics.   * Vocational and occupational opportunities in state and local labor market. * Principles and methods of vocational assessment, job development and job placement, including appropriate assessment instruments. * Methods and techniques of interviewing, evaluating client job readiness, and, and career counseling. * Reporting and recordkeeping principles and practices. * Office practices and procedures including the use of a personal computer. * Business arithmetic.   Skill in:   * Performing client assessments, administering aptitude and skills tests and making effective client placements. * Monitoring job sites and client placement status. * Conducting ongoing counseling of clients. * Performing job development to maximize community interest and placement options. * Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials. * Maintaining accurate caseload records. * Prioritizing work, managing a caseload and meeting dead-lines. * Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.   Other Requirements: Specified positions may require possession of a valid California driver's license.   Desirable Education and Experience: A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:   Vocational Counselor I: Equivalent to graduation from a four year college or university with major coursework in psychology, social services, business or public administration or a field related to the work. Vocational Counselor II: In addition to the above, two years of experience in vocational counseling at a level equivalent to the County's class of Vocational Counselor I.EMPLOYEE PERKS  CalPERS health insurance program, providing several options to employees; the County pays most of the employee premium and a portion of dependent coverage. Dental and vision plan with premiums for the employee and dependents paid by the County. At hire, earn 12 vacation days per year. Upon 3 years of service, increases to 15 days per year. Upon 10 years of service, increases to 20 days per year. Upon 15 years of service, increases to 25 days per year. Upon 20 years of services, increases to 30 days per year. 15 paid holidays per year, including 2 personal holidays. 12 sick days per year with an unlimited cap on sick day accumulation. The County participates in the CalPERS retirement system, with both the County and the employee making contributions toward the employee's retirement. A Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer. Other benefits like life insurance, longevity pay, educational reimbursement, deferred compensation, and an employee assistance program. Additional voluntary benefits may also be purchased, including supplemental life insurance, pet insurance, and flexible spending accounts. Please Note: Extra Help positions are non-benefitted but may be eligible to purchase health insurance upon meeting the hours worked requirement under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  For more information about County benefits, visit our benefits webpage: https://humboldtgov.org/2492/Employee-Benefits. For more details about employee perks, see our Employee Perks flyer: https://humboldtgov.org/DocumentCenter/View/115226/Employee-Perks-Flyer-.  FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How long does it take to fill out the application? * You should allow 30 - 45 minutes to fill out your application.   Can I change my application after submitting it? * You may only submit one application per day.  * You may submit an edited application after waiting at least one day from your initial submission. * Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will be archived.   How long until I hear back from you? * You can expect to hear back from Human Resources about 3 - 4 weeks after the closing date listed on the job posting.   How can I check for updates on my application? * You can log into your Government Jobs account and review current information regarding any application you have submitted.   Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview? * Yes, you will be informed if you are not selected for an interview.   The County of Humboldt's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways - oftentimes, outside of formal institutions - and strives to take a holistic approach to in assessing an applicant's qualifications for a position. If you're excited about this role but your past work experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.   HOW TO APPLY A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applications must be submitted online through the County's automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca no later than the final filing date listed on the job flyer. All applications are screened by both Human Resources staff and may be screened by additional subject matter experts. The most qualified candidates may then be invited for further testing.   It is important that your application shows all the relevant experience and education you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Please read the job requirements section of the announcement.  Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.  Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. All candidates who pass will be ranked according to their scores.  The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.   CalPERS RETIREMENT PROGRAM Employees fall into one of the following tiers based on the date you first start working for the County or any other employer that uses CalPERS for retirement. * Tier I - Prior to 7/5/2012: 2.7% @ 55 * Tier II - Post 7/6/2012: 2% @ 55 * Tier III - Post 1/1/2013: 2% @ 62   If this is your first job with a CalPERS employer, you'd be in Tier III. * 2.0 means that for every year you work for the County, you will receive 2% of your maximum annual pay rate for every year that you work for us (or other CalPERS employers) if you work the required minimum number of years (that's called vesting) and retire after the age following the @. * If you work 20 years and retire at 62 years of age, you will receive 20 x 2% or 40% of your maximum annual pay rate every year in retirement payments.   SELECTION PROCEDURE The County runs its hiring on a set of rules to ensure that it is fair.  Hiring and promotion are based on performance and having the best qualifications for the job. "Examination" doesn't always mean taking a test, sometimes it just means how we compare your application to others who have applied, and an "oral examination" means a scored and structured interview.   POLICY OF NONDISCRIMINATION The County of Humboldt does not discriminate based on mental or physical disability in the admission or access to, treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. Contact the Human Resources Department at (707) 476-2349 well in advance of the examination to request an accommodation. The County is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.   MEDICAL EXAMINATION A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.   OTHER EXAMINATIONS Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.   LICENSES Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver's license.   PROBATIONARY PERIOD Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.   EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY It is the County's intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States.  For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.   DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). 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.   THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.  THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.