Training Specialist

Position Information

Grow your career with the County of Sonoma.
Employment and Training Specialist (ETS) pays starting salary up to $43.06/hour ($89,871/year) plus additional $1.50 for fluent bilingual assignments.

Employment and Training Specialists in the Human Services Department are responsible for determining clients’ initial and continuing eligibility for SonomaWORKS, Cal Fresh, and other public assistance and employment programs. They develop goals that help clients reach self‑sufficiency by identifying, analyzing, and addressing social problems and barriers to employment. ETSs monitor client progress, evaluate needs, provide assistance, and coordinate with Employment and Training Counselors and partner staff on client progress, support, and case management.

They also motivate and assist clients in carrying out employment‑related activities.

• A passion for working with the community and assisting others to reach their employment goals
• Experience working with regulations and the ability to accurately apply rules, policies, and procedures
• A background with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, poverty, and other significant barriers
• Strong word processing skills and high attention to detail
• Caseload management skills and familiarity with safety‑net service programs
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with proven ability to build effective relationships
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities, interacting with a diverse client base

• Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units at an accredited college, including at least 18 semester (24 quarter) units in sociology, psychology, counseling, social work, business, math, or related fields, and two years of experience providing case‑work services including employment‑related issues; OR
• One year of experience as an Eligibility Worker in an employment and training environment; OR
• One year of experience as an Eligibility Worker II with the County of Sonoma Human Services Department.

• Working knowledge of federal, state, and county public assistance and training programs, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to interview clients effectively and gather relevant information.
• Understanding of socioeconomic, physical, mental, and behavioral barriers, cultural differences, and language barriers to employment.
• Problem‑solving, motivational techniques, and data analysis skills.
• Computer literacy and proficiency with record‑keeping and office procedures.
• Excellent communication, both oral and written, with diverse populations.

• Hybrid telework options when available.
• Salary advancement after 1,040 hours (six months).
• Competitive vacation & sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and 8 floating holidays.
• County‑paid health premium contributions (100% coverage for most plans).
• Post‑retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement.
• Retirement pension fully integrated with Social Security.
• Paid parental leave up to 8 weeks after 12 months.
• Dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance, and professional development.
• Student loan debt relief under Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Additional benefits for bilingual positions (English & Spanish) with $1.50/hour premium.

The County of Sonoma is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status or disability.