Overview
The County of San Diego’s core values mandate that a skilled, competent, diverse workforce be developed and managed. In view of that, departments within the County of San Diego are always looking for the best candidates to fill entry-level and journey-level positions in a variety of occupations.
A significant pool of potential candidates is the Veterans’ community of San Diego County, which has one of the largest concentrations of veterans in the State.
This program is designed to afford veterans with on-the-job training and work experience that will enable them to effectively compete for permanent County jobs.
Program Objectives
This program is designed for individuals interested in pursuing a career in County government. This program is a non-paid internship during which Veteran Interns work in an assignment where they obtain work experience through participation in practical job assignments. Volunteer guidelines will apply when placed in a Veteran Intern status.
Interns are exposed to the responsibilities of County departments that provide services in such critical areas as public health, child welfare, social services, law enforcement, and general government.
Program Structure
Eligibility
The veteran must have been discharged or released from active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States under honorable conditions. A valid DD214, Certificate of Discharge or Separation from Active Duty, or other official documents issued by the branch of service are required as verification of eligibility for Veterans’ Preference Credit. Individuals placed in the Veterans Internship Program must adhere to all County rules and regulations or will be released from the program.
Application Process
Veterans must complete a Volunteer Services/Veteran Internship Program Application and are subject to all requirements and guidelines applicable to volunteers.
Roles and Responsibilities
The Department of Human Resources (DHR) will provide the overall structure, general guidelines, and consultation to the program. The program will be decentralized to County departments for implementation. Specific responsibilities include:
Department of Human Resources -
The Department of Human Resources is responsible for the implementation and oversight of the program. They provide general structure and guidelines to the County departments, serve as liaison with the Chief Administrative Officer and County departments including the Health and Human Services Agency's Veterans' Service Office, manage and maintain a register of eligible candidates and disseminate the list to County Departments for their use in selection interviews, and provide training opportunities for the interns that are currently offered to regular County Employees.
The DHR Program Administrator is:
Rhondi Taylor
619-531-5129
rhondi.taylor@sdcounty.ca.gov
County Departments -
The County Departments identify and provide opportunities for internship slots; utilize the Department Volunteer Coordinator to assist the department in organizing, implementing, and overseeing the Veterans' Internship Program; provide listings of on-the-job instruction and work activities for the interns, and assist the interns in competing for permanent positions at the conclusion of the training period.
Training
Veteran Interns receive both technical job training and guidance on workplace behavior, competencies, individual responsibilities, and development of occupational skill sets. Veteran Interns are assigned to assist journey or higher-level workers in either clerical or line departments in order to enhance previous job skills or to gain new experience in the support areas of administrative, technical, office/clerical, information technology, skilled craft, or heavy maintenance and operational support.
Measurements and Evaluation of the Program
The Department Volunteer Coordinator will ascertain the progress of the internship. During the duration of the internship program, incumbents are expected to develop and demonstrate progressively increasing skills, and to work with greater independence of action as they further gain experience and proficiency in their occupation.
