Vocational Counselor I​/II - Economic Development

Job Overview

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.

Vocational Counselor I is the entry level class of this professional vocational counseling series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents perform 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 meeting 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 about the various programs available. This class is distinguished from the Employment and Training Program Coordinator in that the latter is the first full supervisory level of this series.

• Conduct assessment interviews; administer and score interest, aptitude, academic and clerical skill tests for individuals and groups; interpret test results and recommend appropriate training or placement programs for clients.
• Prepare employability development plans to determine clients' job readiness and potential for training and job placement.
• Participate in the design and implementation of group assessment procedures, job referral systems, and special activities, as assigned.
• Teach competency-based pre‑employment skills such as job search and interviewing techniques; operate a computerized basic skills laboratory to provide remedial training in reading, math, language and high school equivalency courses; assist clients with resume preparation.
• Conduct ongoing counseling and monitoring of client progress in training and placement situations; conduct on‑job training, as required.
• Perform job development work, including contacting public and private employers to secure interest in job training and placement programs.
• Act as a direct placement counselor; take job orders, register clients and refer them utilizing a computerized database to match client and employer needs.
• Evaluate current and potential job sites to determine suitability for program involvement; maintain communication with employers related to client status.
• Prepare a variety of reports related to assigned caseload; maintain case files.
• Conduct termination interviews and evaluate clients' achievement of employment and training skills.

• 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 career counseling.
• Reporting and recordkeeping principles and practices.
• Office practices and procedures including the use of a personal computer.
• Business arithmetic.

• 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 deadlines.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Specified positions may require possession of a valid California driver's license.

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.

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.