Workforce Specialist I

City of Santa Ana; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Santa Ana seeks a dedicated Workforce Specialist I to support workforce development activities under WIOA and FSS programs. The role emphasizes client interaction, data tracking, and community outreach to connect participants with employment opportunities.

Strong organizational skills and accurate recordkeeping are essential. The position involves resume preparation, eligibility screening, and collaboration with partners to ensure program goals are met.

Qualifications

• One year of responsible work experience involving substantial public contact.
• Valid California Class C driver’s license required.
• Willingness to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Knowledge of workforce development programs and applicable regulations.
• Ability to learn and apply state and federal guidelines and maintain accurate records.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients with resume preparation, letters of interest, and other job search materials.
• Conduct outreach activities to attract participants and make informational presentations.
• Track and monitor client status, job placement, enrollment goals, follow-up, and performance data.
• Screen for eligibility and maintain files in compliance with federal regulations; prepare records for audits.
• Maintain databases on workforce development activities and generate detailed reports.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organization skills

Data collection

Communication (oral & written)

Education

College coursework in psychology, sociology, counseling, human services, business administration, public administration

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a passion for public service. Having highly talented employees provides the best service to our community.

Under supervision, performs responsible entry-level duties to assist with a variety of workforce development program functions, including client orientation, data collection, performance monitoring, marketing and outreach, in accordance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program guidelines/goals and the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program.

This is an experienced entry-level generalist classification requiring the application of knowledge and skills gained through specialized instruction and experience. An employee in this class is assigned a wide variety of duties involved in assisting higher level staff; such assignments may be in the program or the administrative sections of the WORK Center or Housing Division. This class is distinguished from the next higher classification of Workforce Specialist II in that the II functions at the full journey level, with greater independence, scope and complexity of work performed, and greater accountability for meeting program performance standards.

The successful performer is proactive and enthusiastic in helping achieve the performance objectives of the WORK Center and Family Self-Sufficiency Program. Well organized and detail oriented, this individual learns and keeps current with state and federal workforce program regulations, maintains accurate records and handles competing priorities efficiently within strict timelines. A team player, the Workforce Specialist I has strong interpersonal skills, uses tact and good judgment, and provides quality service in all unit operations.

Assists clients with preparation of resumes, letters of interest and other job search materials. Assists in community outreach activities designed to attract and recruit program participants; makes informational presentations to general public. Uses a computer to track and monitor information such as client status, job placement, employment outreach, enrollment goals, follow-up status and general performance goals. Screens for eligibility and maintains files as required by federal regulation and readies them for audit. Maintains database pertaining to workforce development activities; assists with collection and compilation of data; generates reports. Participates as a team player. Builds partnerships with employers and service providers in the community and work with local service providers to ensure that program participants are linked to the supportive services they need to achieve employment self‑sufficiency. Performs other duties as required. Depending on assignment, additional essential functions also include, but are not limited to:

• When assigned to the WORK Center: Assists higher level staff with implementation of workforce programs and services, case management, job development and implementation of clients’ employment plans. Informs applicants of eligibility criteria; orients clients regarding the Job Center system and use of Center resources and assists with job search and prepares them for interviews, and gathers outcomes for reporting in accordance with program performance goals.
• When assigned to the Housing Division: Prepares Individual Training and Service Plans for participants who elect to participate in the FSS program. Ensures that the services included in the participants' contracts of participation are provided on a regular, ongoing and satisfactory basis; that participants are fulfilling their responsibilities under the contracts; and that FSS escrow accounts are established and properly maintained for eligible participants. Monitors the progress of participants and evaluates the overall success of the program.

One year of responsible work experience involving substantial public contact in personnel, human services or workforce development programs. College level coursework in psychology, sociology, counseling, human services, business administration, public administration and other related subjects may be used in combination with experience to meet the necessary qualifications, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which results in the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of: workforce development programs; pertinent regulations and documentation requirements for program participation; interviewing methods; resources for providing information on job opportunities and job search assistance; content and formatting of effective resumes and application materials; methods and techniques of community outreach, networking and program marketing; relevant computer applications and software programs.
• Skill in: personal computer operation, including the use of Microsoft Office software applications.
• Ability to: learn, interpret and explain state and federal guidelines to a variety of clientele; learn and effectively apply methods of case management; communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; keep and retrieve detailed, accurate records to comply with auditing requirements; collect data, prepare and generate detailed reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships with program applicants, One-Stop Partners, local business representatives, state and federal agencies, community organizations, co-workers and the general public; use tact and diplomacy when dealing with clients of diverse economic and social backgrounds.

• SPECIAL REQUIREMENT - Must possess and retain a valid California Class C driver’s license as a condition of employment.
• SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS - Willingness and ability to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.

Oral Interview Examination (Tentatively scheduled for Wednesday September 23, 2026): (Weight of 100%) will evaluate the candidates’ experience, training, education, and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job. Candidates need a minimum passing score in order to be placed on the eligible list.

The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact us regarding providing reasonable accommodation.