Big Win for Extra Help Workers: Pathway to Permanent Jobs Now Open

If you are currently working in a temporary position (Extra Help, Provisional, Sub-Provisional) you can apply for positions open on the transfer line, promotional position for current permanent employees or transfer–band positions. You are no longer limited to only applying for open competitive positions.  

You can apply for any promotional or transfer positions that you qualify for (see the minimum requirements section of the posting).  You can also apply for open competitive positions if you wish, but that is mainly limited to people who have not worked for the County in Extra Help or permanent positions.  The path to permanency achieved is with your ability to apply for transfer and promotions that you previously were barred from.  

In essence, it is a lateral transfer to a higher-level position and salary scale, than what you currently hold. You can apply for a position that is higher, if you meet the minimum qualifications/requirements and as long as the salary difference is no higher than 15% of  your current salary, per our Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Article 6.13.  

You can utilize the Transfer Band calculator here to see if you qualify for a lateral transfer band based on the position you wish to apply for: https://esa.santaclaracounty.gov/active-county-employees 

If you know of a position that is open in your department where you are at, make sure that you apply for that utilizing the above links which should be posted in the promotional or transfer list. 

For promotional positions to which you qualify for and/or meet the requirements, you can search for vacant open promotional positions here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santaclara/promotionaljobs 

For open positions available for transfer, you can search here:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santaclara/transferjobs 

If you know of a position that is open in another department where you are at, make sure that you start the promotional rating form process and submit to ESA before completing your application.   

Look at the minimum qualifications and requirements to ensure that you meet those criteria before you request your promotional rating form. 

For promotional positions to which you qualify for and/or meet the requirements, you can search for vacant open promotional positions here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santaclara/promotionaljobs 

For open positions available for transfer, you can search here:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santaclara/transferjobs 

Whether you are interested in transfer or promoting, you must first request in writing to your supervisor and manager that you desire a promotional rating form to apply for a transfer position that you qualify for.  Make sure to follow up after 5 –10 days, depending on the deadline to apply for transfer applications.  You cannot proceed without a promotional rating form. 

“I would like to apply for a permanent position on the (transfer, transfer band or promotional) list.  Based on the new Merit System Rule changes initiated by our SEIU 521 Union, I would like to respectfully request for you (Supervisor or Department Manager) to provide me with a Promotional Rating Form.”   We recommend that you also put this in writing to have a record of your request.  

Be vigilant and follow up to avoid any delays in getting the promotional rating form completed. If you have not heard back from your supervisor or manager after 10 calendar days, be sure to connect with your Internal Organizer so that leadership is able to follow up in monthly meetings with ESA. 

1. Once you have the rating form completed, send it right away to RecruitTesting@esa.sccgov.org.  
2. If approved, you will then be contacted by ESA to schedule your qualifying examination or informed you have met the criteria to apply.

Applications should only be completed AFTER you have submitted your promotional rating form and passed the qualifying exam or informed by ESA that you met the criteria to apply.     

Once you have ESA approval, you can now complete the application for Promotion or transfer on the County website on the specific position: 
Promotional: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santaclara/promotionaljobs Transfer: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santaclara/transferjobs 

You will see the link on the top right-hand corner that says: APPLY.  Click the link to begin the application process.  

Once you put your application in, you may be contacted for an interview for the position you applied for.  

Immediately request your promotional rating form and submit it to ESA to begin the process as discussed above.  Your applications will be denied if submitted prior to October 16, 2025.