Sonoma County Department of Human Services

THE EMPLOYMENT GROUP (TEG)

The Employment Group (TEG) is a consortium of four community-based organizations (CBOs) that provide employment and training services to Sonoma County residents who are transitioning from welfare. With Goodwill Industries of the Redwood Empire (GIRE) as the lead agency of the consortium, TEG implements the SonomaWORKS program through grants awarded by the Sonoma County Human Services Department, Employment and Training Division.

The four CBOs are Circuit Rider Productions (CRP) serving the North County; GIRE serving the Central County; Petaluma People Services Center (PPSC) serving the South County; and West County Community Services (WCCS) serving the West County.

TEG Contact:
Laurie Petta, Vice President of Workforce Development
707-523-0550 ext. 253

SONOMAWORKS

A wide range of employment services are offered to Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF) recipients referred by the Sonoma County SonomaWORKs program, to assist them in successfully making the transition from welfare to work (WtW). Services include a four to six week intensive Initial Job Search (IJS) workshop, one-on-one Other Job Search (OJS) assistance, and Community Service (CSV).

Employment Services (IJS & OJS)

An intensive Initial Job Search (IJS) workshop that offers training in all aspects of a successful job search. Topics include, but are not limited to, resume creation, completing an employment application, cold-calling employers, networking, internet job search & application, mock interviews, being successful in the workplace, job retention, life skills, goal setting, career planning, and image workshops. Following the two-week intensive workshop is two to four weeks of structured and supervised job search conducted from GIRE's resource / computer lab.

Participants referred for Other Job Search (OJS) receive one-on-one job search assistance utilizing, and building upon, the tools that are developed in the IJS workshops. The length of OJS is determined by County staff that refer participants to the program.

 

Community Service (CSV)

Community Service (CSV) activities offered are designed to provide SonomaWORKs clients with successful community service placements in their local areas which will provide clients with general employment skills, specific job skills, and an understanding of the work culture. For many of the clients this is their first exposure to the world of work making it vitally important that the placement is a positive learning experience. The ultimate goal of the program is successful job placement, retention and eventual self-sufficiency gained through unsubsidized employment.

 

Learning Enhancement and Achievement Project (LEAP)

This program provides a wide array of services for SonomaWORKs participants, and other eligible clients, who have been screened and assessed to confirm a diagnosis of a Learning Disability. Clients will receive case management assistance to pursue education, training, career services, community service, and job placement. The Project Coordinator will assist in the implementation of accommodations necessary in each of the above venues. In addition, the coordinator will teach the clients the skills needed to advocate for their needs with employers and training programs.

 

IJS, OJS, & CSV Contact:
Peggy Parlee, Workforce Development Manager
707-523-0550 ext. 281

LEAP Contact:
Doug Condrotte, LEAP Coordinator
707-565-5528

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