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Job Description
CAREER DESCRIPTION
Group Counselor Trainee
(EXTRA HELP)
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
This recruitment is being held to establish an open eligible list to fill current and future Extra Help Group Counselor Trainee positions within Social Services Agency. The eligible list established may be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications within the County of Orange.
DEADLINE TO APPLY
This recruitment is open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will close on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 11:59 P.M. (PST).
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply online immediately.
ORANGE COUNTY
Orange County is a desirable place to live and is one of the premier employers in the region, as well as the third largest populated County in California. At the County you will find a variety, individual opportunity, job satisfaction, and the pleasure of working with colleagues who are dedicated to making a positive difference. You can learn more about the County of Orange by clicking here .
SOCIAL SERVICES AGENCY
The County of Orange , Social Services Agency is composed of four business divisions: Assistance Programs; Children and Family Services; Family Self-Sufficiency & Adult Services and Administrative Services; and over 4,300 dedicated employees, providing human services to an average of one in three Orange County residents. Our mission is to deliver quality services that are accessible and responsive to the community, encourage personal responsibility, strengthen individuals, preserve families, and protect vulnerable adults and children.
Click here to learn more about the Social Services Agency.
Click here to view a video about the Social Services Agency.
ORANGEWOOD CHILDREN AND FAMILY CENTER (OCFC)
The Social Services Agency (SSA), Orangewood Children and Family Center (OCFC) is seeking qualified candidates to fill current and future Extra Help Group Counselor Trainee positions. OCFC is a Temporary Shelter Care Facility, owned and operated by the County of Orange through the SSA, that provides care for children who have experienced abuse, abandonment, or neglect.
Click here to learn more about Orangewood Children and Family Center (OCFC).
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Extra Help Group Counselor Trainee works under close supervision to learn and assist in the daily care, supervision, and counseling of children temporarily placed in protective custody at a 24-hour multidisciplinary shelter care facility. The position supports the emotional and physical well-being of children and may perform other related duties as required.
The duties of the position include but are not limited to the following:- Learns to direct activities of children
- Assists with instructing children in standards of conduct
- Learns to provide crisis intervention and discipline
- Assists in providing the children a safe, secure environment
- Checks for and reports illnesses
- Learns to assists in formulation of case treatment plans for assigned children with participation of child, other counselors, and Social Services Workers
- Learns to keep routine of log of activity
- Learns to prepare case records, development assessments, care plans, log entries and special incident reports in compliance with applicable regulations
- Learns to file information in case folders, extracts information for routine reports, totals and averages daily individual and unit grade
TRAINING AND WORK SCHEDULE
Work schedule hours may be different during training. Training consists of 2 weeks (40 hours) for the first 2 weeks, then 16 hours of classroom time. Once training is successfully completed, candidates may be offered the tentative work schedule below.
Tentative Work Schedule (After training is completed)
Candidates must be willing to work weekends and holidays.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Compensation will be determined based on the candidate's education and level of experience. Please click here for information regarding the Extra Help benefits.
CORE COMPETENCIES
In addition to the minimum qualifications, candidates will also demonstrate experience in the following competencies:
Child Supervision, Safety, and Crisis Response- Monitor, supervise, and engage children in group home and recreational settings
- Ensure a safe, positive, and age-appropriate environment
- Follow safety protocols and report concerns promptly
- Maintain self-control and manage stress during emergencies or disturbances
- Apply crisis intervention techniques and appropriate physical restraint methods
- Respond to crises using positive, preventative interventions
- Stay alert, mindful, and proactive in preventing injury
- Communicate clearly and professionally in both verbal and written form
- Listen actively and without bias to understand all viewpoints
- Interact with children using a calm, positive, and empathetic tone
- Build rapport with youth, staff, and others to support consistent care
- De-escalate emotionally charged situations with patience and understanding
- Demonstrate dependability, trustworthiness, and enthusiasm when working with children
- Collaborate effectively with team members to maintain supportive environments
- Apply Title 22 regulations and program guidelines appropriately
- Provide guidance and support tailored to children's developmental needs
- Make sound judgments and take initiative when working independently
- Utilize Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook for documentation and communication
- Maintain professionalism when working with troubled or special-needs youth
Click here to learn more about the minimum qualifications for the Group Counselor Trainee classification as well as the physical and mental requirements and the environmental conditions.
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates will be required to undergo a background clearance check from California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and Community Care Licensing (CCL) and must successfully clear prior to the start of their employment. All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Areas considered in the background check include conviction history, employment history, professional references and education verification (i.e. degree, license, or official transcripts) if applicable. Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Services (N.A.C.E.S.) In addition, a Child Abuse Central Index (CACI) background clearance check may be required. CACI is a repository of child abuse investigation reports managed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) that contains information related to substantiated cases of physical abuse, sexual abuse, mental/emotional abuse, and/or severe neglect of a child.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) screens all application materials for minimum and/or desirable qualifications. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process. All applicants will be notified via email of their status in the process.
Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)
Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applications exhibiting qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.
Mandatory Orientation
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to attend a mandatory orientation which will provide information on the realities of the job. The orientation is usually scheduled in the evening hours between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Candidates who do not attend this mandatory orientation may not proceed in the recruitment process.
Online Assessment (Weighted 100%)
Applicants who meet minimum qualifications and who attend the mandatory orientation will be invited to participate in an online assessment. The online assessment will be scored and will cover job-related skills and competencies needed for this position. After the assessment is completed and scored, only those applicants who are most competitive will move forward to the next step in the recruitment process.
Veterans Employment Preference Policy (VEPP) The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.
Eligible List
Once the competitive process has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
Based on the Agency's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the recruitment process.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
EMAIL NOTIFICATION Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.
Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com .
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Brandy Soria at brandy.soria@ssa.ocgov.com or (714) 245-4580.
EEO INFORMATION
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer,
encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Non-Management Benefits
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits, such as a variety of health plan options, annual leave and paid holidays--we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as a Health Care Reimbursement Account, 457 Defined Contribution Plan and Annual Education and Professional Reimbursement. Employees are provided a Retirement Plan through the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS).
Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information
Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.
Closing Date/Time: 4/22/2026 11:59 PM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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County of Orange
Show moreDiscover a Fulfilling Career at the County of Orange
With a population of over 3 million residents and 34 cities, Orange County is a thriving community known for its beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and strong economy. As the third-largest employer in the county, the County of Orange offers over 18,000 employees the opportunity to make a difference in their community and build a fulfilling career in public service.
As a County of Orange employee, you will have the chance to work in a variety of departments, each providing vital services to our community. From law enforcement and healthcare to public works and environmental protection, there is a wide range of career paths to explore. And with opportunities for advancement and professional growth, you can build a long and rewarding career with us.
As a top employer in the region, the County of Orange is committed to providing our employees with excellent benefits, including a competitive salary, flexible work schedules, and outstanding healthcare coverage. We also offer opportunities for career development and training, ensuring that our employees have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Whether you're just starting your career or looking for a new challenge, the County of Orange is a great place to work. With a supportive and collaborative work environment, a commitment to excellence, and opportunities for growth and advancement, we invite you to join our team and make a difference in your community.
Community Impact:
Working for the County of Orange means you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community. Whether you're providing critical services to residents, protecting the environment, or maintaining public safety, your work will make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Employee Wellness:
At the County of Orange, we prioritize our employees' well-being. We offer telecommuting options, generous health benefits, and wellness programs to promote work-life balance. We believe that by taking care of our employee’s health and well-being, we can help them excel in their careers while still enjoying their personal lives and taking care of their families.
Innovation:
The County of Orange is committed to embracing new technologies and innovative approaches to service delivery. We encourage our employees to think creatively and find ways to improve our processes and systems. If you're someone who loves to problem-solve and think outside the box, you'll find a supportive and dynamic environment here.
Collaboration:
Collaboration is key to our success at the County of Orange. We value teamwork, communication, and mutual support, and we work together across departments and functions to achieve our goals. If you're someone who enjoys collaborating with others and building strong relationships, you'll find a welcoming and inclusive community here.
Equality:
At the County of Orange, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. Our Equity Policy reflects this commitment and guides our efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do.
Career Advancement:
The County of Orange is dedicated to helping our employees grow and advance in their careers. We offer a variety of training and development opportunities to help our employees reach their full potential. If you're looking for a place to build a long and fulfilling career, the County of Orange is an excellent choice.
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