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Job Description
CAREER DESCRIPTION
GROUP COUNSELOR TRAINEE
(Regular and Extra Help Positions)
In addition to performance-based merit increases, this position is scheduled to receive salary range increases on the following dates:
Effective June 28, 2024 - 4.25% increase
Effective June 27, 2025 - 4.00% increase
THIS RECRUITMENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
This recruitment is being held to establish an open eligible list to fill current and future Group Counselor Trainee vacancies within Social Services Agency.
This recruitment will be open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will remain open on a continuous basis until the needs of the County are met. Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.
Do you have what it takes to be a Group Counselor Trainee?
The Social Services Agency (SSA), Orangewood Children and Family Center (OCFC) is seeking qualified candidates to fill current and future Group Counselor Trainee vacancies.
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
The Orangewood Children and Family Center (OCFC) is a Temporary Shelter Care Facility, operated and owned by the County of Orange, Social Services Agency for children who have been abused, abandoned and/or neglected.
Watch the video here to learn more about County of Orange, Social Services Agency.
Click here to learn more about Orangewood Children and Family Center (OCFC)
ABOUT GROUP COUNSELOR TRAINEE CLASSIFICATION
There is no permanent status in this class. Incumbents must successfully complete the probationary period to qualify for promotion to the Group Counselor I level or be subject to termination.
WORK SCHEDULE
Group Counselor Trainees work a fixed schedule (shift work) that changes every 6 months. Typical shifts include 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and include weekends, holidays, and on emergency basis as needed.
CANDIDATES ORIENTATION
Batches of candidates passing the assessment will be invited to a virtual orientation. The orientation will cover the nature and expectations of the job.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate will have experience working in a child care facility, group home, institutions, or similar type of work setting. Candidate who possesses a valid Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and a valid CA Driver's License is highly desired.
In addition, candidates will also demonstrate experience in the following competencies:
Technical Skills | Knowledge of- Title 22 Regulations
- Recreational children programs and activities
- Crisis intervention techniques
- Proper methods of physical restraint
- Engage and interact with children
- Monitor and supervise children in a group home
- Utilize Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
- Ensure children’s safety and maintain a safe and positive environment
- Follow safety protocols and procedures
- Manage stress and maintain self-control during emergency or disturbance
- Report safety concerns efficiently
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
- Listen actively
- Interact with children in a positive tone and manner
- Communicate effectively with children and others in emotionally charged situation
- Display a willingness to work with troubled and special needs children
- Maintain a calm demeanor
- De-escalate emotionally charged youth
- Knows how to listen without judgment
- Genuine and empathetic
- Trustworthy
- Energetic and enthusiastic when working with children
- Dependable and reliable
- Respond to crisis/emergencies using positive interventions
- Work independently and take initiative
- Adjust appropriately for different ages of each child
- Make sound judgments, actions or decisions to prevent injury
- Alert and mindful of children’s safety
- Maintain an open and approachable manner
- Build rapport with others
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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Click here to view the complete classification description for Group Counselor Trainee
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS & ENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Click here to view the Physical and Mental Requirements and Environmental Conditions for Group Counselor Trainee.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application and supplemental materials to identify qualified applicants. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.
Veterans Employment Preference
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.
Online Assessment(s): (Weighted 100%)
Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in one or more online assessment(s) covering job related skills and competencies needed for this position. Only the most successful applicants will move forward to the next step in the recruitment process.
Orientation (Refer/ Non-Refer)
Candidates who pass the online assessment will be invited to 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 and 8:00 p.m.
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.
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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please see below for important information regarding COVID-19 related recommendations.
Effective April 3, 2023, it is strongly recommended that County employees working in health care settings and correctional facilities follow vaccination and booster guidelines provided by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Please click here to see the latest guidance for more details.
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 Dori Edles at teodora.edles@ssa.ocgov.com or (714) 245-6084.
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: Continuous -
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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