Workforce Development Board Farmworker Resource Center Program Manager

Description

SALARY

$102,627.20- $130,994.24 Annually

The Department of Social Services is accepting applications to fill one, full-time, bilingual (Spanish and a Mexican indigenous language is highly preferred) Programs Manager vacancy in Santa Maria within the Workforce Development Board, Farmworker Resources Center. This is a Human Services Manager I job classification within the Civil Service leadership series.

Although the primary location for this position is home-based in Santa Maria, the position requires regular travel to offices and centers throughout the County of Santa Barbara. This is a management position, which requires in-office and in-person presence during the standard Monday – Friday work week as well as meetings and events on evenings and weekends. The potential for teleworking is very limited and would amount to no more than 8 hours per month at most and on an intermittent basis. Managers in the Department of Social Services are not permitted to have adjusted (9/80) work schedules.

Benefits Overview

• Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
• Holidays: 12 days per year
• Sick Leave: 12 days sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement.
• Health Plan: Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). County contributes toward the employee’s premium.
• On-Site Employee Health Clinic in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria: Provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents over age of 5.
• Life Insurance: $20,000 Term Life Insurance
• Retirement: The County offers a Defined Benefit Plan and eligibility to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. The County contributes 0.24% of base salary to a 401(a) Deferred Compensation Plan.
  
  

For more information on benefits, please click here . In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate
  
  

THE DEPARTMENT:

The Santa Barbara Workforce Development Board (WDB) develops innovative workforce strategies that help businesses, individuals, and industries achieve and sustain economic vitality across all communities in Santa Barbara County. The WDB is a public/private partnership created and funded by the Federal Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) legislation and is supported by professional staff housed in the Santa Barbara County Department of Social Services. The position is funded by a federal grant. Initial funding was approved through September 30, 2025; however, funding is anticipated through September 30, 2028. WDB receives an annual budget allocation of approximately $3 million. To learn more, please visit www.sbcwbd.org .

The Position

The Program Manager, in this role, supports the federally-mandated; private-sector led Workforce Development Board (WDB) in its various programs. They are responsible for their functional areas and are expected to be program subject matter experts, thoroughly familiar with the Workforce Innovation Opportunities Act (WIOA), and the principals of supervision and project management. They must also possess the ability to represent the WDB and his/her functional program areas with the public, partners, and stakeholders. This position will supervise other staff. This exciting position reports to the WBD executive director. The position will support the WDB executive director overseeing the day-to-day management of special grant-funded programs targeting primarily farmworkers and job seekers with barriers to employment. The WBD Programs Manager is responsible for the operation of the Farmworker Resource Center and all related programs.

Santa Barbara County Farmworker Resource Center (FWRC) also known as Proyecto Campesino

The FWRC provides indirect (resources and referrals) and direct workforce (employment and education) services to farmworkers and their families.

Indirect services include closed-loop referrals, warm handoffs, and information on the resources available from County departments, County Partners, and community-based organizations. The FWRC uses a mobile resource center that travels countywide. The center conducts outreach countywide, serving as a one-stop shop providing information, on available resources and services available. The information and access to services, range from but not limited to the following: labor and employment rights, employment assistance and advocacy, education access and support, financial assistance, emergency supportive assistance and referrals, and health and human services. The Goals of the Farmworker Resource Center is to build trust and relationships with farmworkers, their communities, employers, and growers to address the challenges and needs faced by farmworkers.

Direct service aim at empowering farmworkers, including immigrants, migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their dependents by offering comprehensive career services and skills training. The program provides services, such as comprehensive needs assessments and personalized career planning, sector-based training and certification programs, supportive services, and work-based learning opportunities in collaboration with local employers.

This position’s focus and scope is on workforce programming. The position will lead the programs and special project teams of internal staff, and external sub-awardees and contractors, who are responsible for delivering career and training services to hundreds of job seekers and businesses. Additionally, in this role, the individual will work with the WDB executive director to develop long-term program strategies and obtains grant funding for new and innovative projects.

This position will supervise the duties of the WDB program staff and have oversight of projects related to various programs, as well as initiatives that enhance or expand the WDB’s service offerings. Duties include oversight of the operations of the FWRC and other community access points, and mobile center.

The Programs Manager will effectively represent the director in the community, and actively engage with WDB board members.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal WDB Programs Manager will have a well-rounded mixture of experience, skills, and personal attributes that align with the goals of promoting programs that support the agricultural community.

• Strong interpersonal skills and a deep understanding of agricultural practices and our local agricultural community.
• Strong experience leading and managing workforce programs in the public workforce system, economic development, or experience creating and leading training or education programs in the K-12, community college systems, non-profits, or in private-sector -- with an emphasis on training large number of job seekers with barriers to employment.
• Must demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the principles, methods, and procedures in managing employment training programs; program design; planning and management; analyzing federal and state legislation and regulations. The individual will possess expertise in budget preparation, fiscal management, and grant writing and administration. Demonstrated experience and skills in supervising, personnel management, human resources, and policy development and implementation is strongly preferred. A strong understanding of political dynamics, public sector agencies, and committee organizational structures is highly desirable.
• Comfortable with leading change, implementing projects, and overseeing complex programs. The individual will have demonstrated experience in supervising staff, managing resources, and collaborating with stakeholders. Strong verbal and written communication skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, time management, and leadership skills will be successful in this role.
  
  

Examples of Duties

• Assumes responsibility for major functional areas of the programs and special projects.
• Plans, organizes, manages, coordinates and/or supervises the activities of subordinate staff, administrative, technical or operations staff within the WDB to meet WDB and departmental goals and objectives.
• Defines problems, develops project plans and implements major changes related to administrative procedures and WDB initiatives; including staffing and resource management, and other systems or services requirements.
• Analyzes and develops agency and project budget recommendations, monitors budgets, and prepares related reports.
• Prepares and/or coordinates required activity/work measurement and project status reports; compiles and analyzes financial and statistical information to improve operations and/or change service delivery methods.
• Recommends, and implements policies and procedures; designs effective work processes and monitors performance outcomes in relation to funding requirements and, WBD goals and objectives.
• Represents the County and the WBD with other governmental agencies or departments, private organizations, and the public.
• Leads the analysis of new legislation, work methods or reporting requirements, setting up and making enhancements to automated systems, training staff, and assisting in presenting informational sessions to staff and staff from other agencies and departments.
• Represents the WBD or department in developing, negotiating and monitoring contracts and memoranda of understanding, and monitoring sub-awardee, contractor and service provider performance.
• Provides staff support and coordination for subcommittees and workgroups, special stakeholder groups, roundtable meetings and strategic planning workgroups.
• Assists the WDB executive director to develop additional workforce program opportunities and non-­WIOA funding.
  
  

Employment Standards

Education And Experience

The knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below may be acquired through various types of training, education, and experience. A typical way to acquire the required knowledge and abilities would be:

• Equivalent of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in social work, human services, psychology, business or public administration, or related field AND,
• Three (3) years of experience in a related field at a professional or supervisory level
  
  

Licenses and Certificates

For specific positions, possession and maintenance of a valid California driver’s license and the ability to meet automobile insurability requirements of the County or the ability to provide suitable transportation needs as a condition of continued employment.

Knowledge Of

• Principles and practices of assigned human services operational area(s), including, but not limited to, child and family support, senior services, child and adult protection services, outreach and education, case operations, enterprise system planning and implementation, and in-home support services.
• Principles and practices of human service project and program administration.
• Available public and private community resources.
• Principles and practices of public administration and program management, including strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Management principles, practices, and techniques.
• Principles and practices of fiscal management and budgeting.
• Principles and practices of program planning and administration.
• Social, political, and economic issues influencing health services program administration.
• Personnel management principles and practices, including employee supervision, training, coaching, and evaluation.
• Principles and practices of group facilitation, conflict resolution, and consensus building.
• Principles and practices of procurement and contract administration.
• Principles and techniques of effective oral presentations.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and standards.
• Business systems, equipment, and applications relevant to the area of assignment.
  
  

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, manage, and implement assigned human service programs and activities.
• Oversee program adherence to quality assurance and standards.
• Manage assigned operations/programs; ensure ongoing compliance with strategic objectives and performance measures.
• Assist in the planning and operation of in-service training programs; identify training needs.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures.
• Manage and evaluate assigned staff, including training, coaching, participating in the development of goals and strategic objectives, coordinating deadlines, prioritizing work demands, and assigning/monitoring work.
• Analyze and evaluate operational programs, projects, and procedures.
• Plan, organize, coordinate, and supervise changes and improvements in public agency projects and studies.
• Manage budgets, contracts, grants, and resource allocation.
• Interpret, monitor, and report financial information and statistics.
• Oversee the implementation of, and adherence to, quality assurance activities and standards.
• Research, recommend, and implement industry trends, solutions, and best practices.
• Resolve complex problems within area of assignment.
• Prepare and oversee the preparation of reports, grant proposals, documents, and presentations.
• Make presentations to stakeholders, elected officials, County leadership, and the public.
• Collaborate with program stakeholders, elected and appointed boards, the public, and internal leadership.
• Interview complainants and resolve difficult problems.
• Interpret and apply applicable laws, codes, regulations, and standards.
• Communicate effectively, clearly, and concisely.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of individuals, including but not limited to coworkers, subordinate staff, supervisors, other managers, professional agencies, and the general public.
  
  

Supplemental Information

May be required to work a varied schedule of hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Completion of a background investigation to the satisfaction of the County may be required for some assignments.

Some positions in this class may require as a condition of employment that the incumbent sign a statement agreeing to comply with Section 11166 of the California Penal Code relating to child abuse reporting and Section 15630 of the Welfare and Institutions Code relating to dependent adult abuse reporting.

Supplemental Information

• Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.
• Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking. Applicants who meet the employment standard will have their responses to the supplemental questionnaires evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the eligibility list will be determined by the scored supplemental questions. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.
  
  

Applicants must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive written notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Conditional Offer: Appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Statement of Commitment

The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization. The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.

We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances.

We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County’s mission and to embody a culture of “One County, One Future.” Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.

We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: 12/13/24 at 4:59 PM PST. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

For questions regarding this recruitment, contact Jasmine Gaytan at [email protected] or Chanel Turner at [email protected] .