Contra Costa County, CA
Independent Living Skill Program Specialist
Contra Costa County, CA - San Francisco
Work at Contra Costa County, CA
Overview
- View job
Overview
Salary : $77,791.32 - $94,555.81 Annually
Location : Contra Costa County, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: X7TA-2025A
Department: Employment & Human Services
Opening Date: 07/21/2025
Closing Date: 8/3/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: 25
The Position
About the Employment and Human Services Department
Contra Costa County's Employment and Human Services Department works diligently to provide the community with resources that support, protect, and empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency. The department is committed to hiring candidates that share our core values of delivering an exceptional customer service experience, encouraging open communication, embracing change, practicing ethical behavior, and embracing diversity.
The Children & Family Services' Independent Living Skills Program (ILSP) is a county-wide initiative designed to support young people transitioning out of foster care by helping them develop the essential skills needed to live independently and successfully navigate daily life. Eligible participants are youth between the ages of 15.5 and 21. The program focuses on building daily living skills, financial management, securing and maintaining housing, continuing education, preparing for employment, and enhancing social and interpersonal abilities.
The Employment and Human Services Department is currently accepting applications to fill one (1) vacancy for the Independent Living Skill Program Specialist position.
We are looking for someone who is:
Minimum Qualifications
License Required: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Out of state valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process.
Education: Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units at an accredited college or university which included at least 12 semester or 18 quarter units in psychology, sociology, social welfare, or a closely related field.
Experience: One year of full-time experience or its equivalent providing services to or working directly with foster youth and/or at-risk youth who closely resemble the profile of youth involved in the child welfare or probation systems.
Substitution: Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year for year basis.
Selection Process
1. Application Filing and Evaluation: Applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
2. Training and Experience Questionnaire: Candidates will be required to complete a training and experience questionnaire at the time of filing. The responses to the training and experience questions on the supplemental questionnaire will be used to evaluate candidates' relevant education, training and/or experience as it relates to the Independent Living Skill Program Specialist classification. (Weighted 100%)
The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.
For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Flor Robb at For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs' applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-524-5627.
CONVICTION HISTORY
After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources Department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. 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.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.
To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to
01
The purpose of the questionnaire is to provide applicants the opportunity to elaborate on their experience, education, and training for this position and to assist the HR staff in assessing each applicant's qualifications. Your responses to the questionnaire will be used to better understand your relevant experience, education, and training to determine which applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the recruitment process.
Do not answer any of the questions by indicating "see attached application or see resume."
Have you completed 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university?
03
Select the sentence that best describes your education in social science. Do not count units in progress.
04
The following questions are part of our Training and Experience evaluation. Your responses to these questions will be used to evaluate your relevant education, training and/or experience as it relates to the Independent Living Skill Program Specialist Classification.
By checking this box, I confirm that all answers I select are accurate and truthful. I understand that misstatements or omissions of material facts may be considered cheating and may result in being disqualified from this recruitment process.
05
Do you have at least one year of full-time experience providing services to or working directly with foster youth?
06
Do you have at least one year of full-time experience providing services to or working directly with at-risk youth who closely resemble the profile of youth involved in the child welfare or probation systems?
07
How many years of direct experience do you have working with at-risk, foster, or justice-involved youth?
08
How many years have you provided case management or individualized support to youth, such as life skills coaching, job readiness training, or educational planning?
09
How many years of experience do you have applying trauma-informed care principles and supporting the developmental needs of adolescents?
10
How many years have you been responsible for engaging youth through teaching, mentoring, or coaching-including facilitating workshops, presentations, or group activities?
11
How many years have you performed documentation, goal planning, and progress tracking as a regular part of your work with youth or similar populations?
12
How many years of experience do you have using strategies to build rapport, motivate, and sustain youth engagement, particularly for those facing significant personal or systemic barriers?
13
I am confirming that all statements made in this supplemental questionnaire and on the application are accurate and true; and I understand that misstatements or omissions of material facts will result in being rejected from this recruitment process or released from future employment with Contra Costa County.
Required Question
Location : Contra Costa County, CA
Job Type: Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: X7TA-2025A
Department: Employment & Human Services
Opening Date: 07/21/2025
Closing Date: 8/3/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: 25
The Position
About the Employment and Human Services Department
Contra Costa County's Employment and Human Services Department works diligently to provide the community with resources that support, protect, and empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency. The department is committed to hiring candidates that share our core values of delivering an exceptional customer service experience, encouraging open communication, embracing change, practicing ethical behavior, and embracing diversity.
The Children & Family Services' Independent Living Skills Program (ILSP) is a county-wide initiative designed to support young people transitioning out of foster care by helping them develop the essential skills needed to live independently and successfully navigate daily life. Eligible participants are youth between the ages of 15.5 and 21. The program focuses on building daily living skills, financial management, securing and maintaining housing, continuing education, preparing for employment, and enhancing social and interpersonal abilities.
The Employment and Human Services Department is currently accepting applications to fill one (1) vacancy for the Independent Living Skill Program Specialist position.
We are looking for someone who is:
- Empathetic and compassionate, able to genuinely connect with others
- Patient and flexible, adapting to individual needs and changing situations
- A strong communicator, comfortable in both listening and expressing clearly
- Dependable and accountable, consistently following through on commitments
- Organized and detail-oriented, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently
- A positive role model who is motivational and encouraging to others
- Culturally competent, respecting and engaging with diverse backgrounds
- A creative problem solver who is resourceful in finding solutions
- Ethical and professional, always upholding the highest standards
- Life Skills Instruction - Teaching essential skills such as cooking, money management, and goal setting
- Case Management - Assessing clients' needs and strengths, coordinating services, and maintaining detailed case notes and records
- Employment & Educational Support - Assisting with enrollment in educational and vocational programs, teaching workplace etiquette, and preparing for interviews
- Housing Assistance - Helping to search for safe, affordable housing, explaining lease terms and tenant rights, and assisting with applications for transitional or permanent housing
- Advocacy and Resource Connection - Connecting individuals to appropriate community resources and advocating on their behalf
- Relationship and Social Skills Coaching - Guiding clients in building and maintaining healthy relationships, resolving conflicts, and improving communication
- Crisis Intervention and Support - Providing immediate support and solutions during challenging situations
- Documentation and Reporting - Tracking client progress and completing required reports accurately and on time
- You'll have a meaningful impact on individuals' lives
- You'll build strong personal connections
- There are opportunities for continuous learning and growth
- You'll experience a deep sense of purpose
- You'll work within a supportive team environment
- Dealing with unpredictable youth behavior
- Handling crisis situations as they arise
- Navigating systemic barriers to resources and support
Minimum Qualifications
License Required: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Out of state valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process.
Education: Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units at an accredited college or university which included at least 12 semester or 18 quarter units in psychology, sociology, social welfare, or a closely related field.
Experience: One year of full-time experience or its equivalent providing services to or working directly with foster youth and/or at-risk youth who closely resemble the profile of youth involved in the child welfare or probation systems.
Substitution: Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year for year basis.
Selection Process
1. Application Filing and Evaluation: Applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
2. Training and Experience Questionnaire: Candidates will be required to complete a training and experience questionnaire at the time of filing. The responses to the training and experience questions on the supplemental questionnaire will be used to evaluate candidates' relevant education, training and/or experience as it relates to the Independent Living Skill Program Specialist classification. (Weighted 100%)
The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.
For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Flor Robb at For any technical issues, please contact the GovernmentJobs' applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-524-5627.
CONVICTION HISTORY
After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources Department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. 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.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.
To find more information on Benefits offered by Contra Costa County, please go to
01
The purpose of the questionnaire is to provide applicants the opportunity to elaborate on their experience, education, and training for this position and to assist the HR staff in assessing each applicant's qualifications. Your responses to the questionnaire will be used to better understand your relevant experience, education, and training to determine which applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the recruitment process.
Do not answer any of the questions by indicating "see attached application or see resume."
- I understand
Have you completed 60 semester units or 90 quarter units from an accredited college or university?
- Yes
- No
03
Select the sentence that best describes your education in social science. Do not count units in progress.
- I have not completed any units in psychology, sociology, social welfare, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
- I have completed less than 6 semester units or 9 quarter units in psychology, sociology, social welfare, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
- I have completed at least 6 semester units or 9 quarter units in psychology, sociology, social welfare, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
- I have completed at least 12 semester units or 18 quarter units in psychology, sociology, social welfare, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
04
The following questions are part of our Training and Experience evaluation. Your responses to these questions will be used to evaluate your relevant education, training and/or experience as it relates to the Independent Living Skill Program Specialist Classification.
By checking this box, I confirm that all answers I select are accurate and truthful. I understand that misstatements or omissions of material facts may be considered cheating and may result in being disqualified from this recruitment process.
- I understand
05
Do you have at least one year of full-time experience providing services to or working directly with foster youth?
- Yes
- No
06
Do you have at least one year of full-time experience providing services to or working directly with at-risk youth who closely resemble the profile of youth involved in the child welfare or probation systems?
- Yes
- No
07
How many years of direct experience do you have working with at-risk, foster, or justice-involved youth?
- I do not possess this type of experience
- I have less than one (1) year of experience as described
- I have at least one (1) year but less than two (2) years of experience as described
- I have at least two (2) years but less than three (3) years of experience as described
- I have at least three (3) years but less than four (4) years of experience as described
- I have four (4) or more years of experience as described
08
How many years have you provided case management or individualized support to youth, such as life skills coaching, job readiness training, or educational planning?
- I do not possess this type of experience
- I have less than one (1) year of experience as described
- I have at least one (1) year but less than two (2) years of experience as described
- I have at least two (2) years but less than three (3) years of experience as described
- I have three (3) or more years of experience as described
09
How many years of experience do you have applying trauma-informed care principles and supporting the developmental needs of adolescents?
- I do not possess this type of experience
- I have less than one (1) year of experience as described
- I have at least one (1) year but less than two (2) years of experience as described
- I have at least two (2) years but less than three (3) years of experience as described
- I have three (3) or more years of experience as described
10
How many years have you been responsible for engaging youth through teaching, mentoring, or coaching-including facilitating workshops, presentations, or group activities?
- I do not possess this type of experience
- I have less than one (1) year of experience as described
- I have at least one (1) year but less than two (2) years of experience as described
- I have at least two (2) years but less than three (3) years of experience as described
- I have three (3) or more years of experience as described
11
How many years have you performed documentation, goal planning, and progress tracking as a regular part of your work with youth or similar populations?
- I do not possess this type of experience
- I have less than one (1) year of experience as described
- I have at least one (1) year but less than two (2) years of experience as described
- I have at least two (2) years but less than three (3) years of experience as described
- I have three (3) or more years of experience as described
12
How many years of experience do you have using strategies to build rapport, motivate, and sustain youth engagement, particularly for those facing significant personal or systemic barriers?
- I do not possess this type of experience
- I have less than one (1) year of experience as described
- I have at least one (1) year but less than two (2) years of experience as described
- I have at least two (2) years but less than three (3) years of experience as described
- I have three (3) or more years of experience as described
13
I am confirming that all statements made in this supplemental questionnaire and on the application are accurate and true; and I understand that misstatements or omissions of material facts will result in being rejected from this recruitment process or released from future employment with Contra Costa County.
- I understand
Required Question