~Katie Reynolds
The Public Sector: Government Agencies
When referring to Public Service ,there can be some confusion about exactly what types of organizations are included. The Institute of Internal Auditor (IIA) clarifies what is meant by the term Public Sector, to provide guidance for their members and to identify specific criteria to appropriately classify organizations around the world as being in the public sector.
According to IIA, the Public Sector consists of governments and all publicly controlled or publicly funded agencies, enterprises, and other entities that deliver public programs, goods, or services. The Public Sector may exist at any of four levels:
- International (multistate entities or partnerships).
- National (an independent state).
- Regional (a province/state within a national state).
- Local (a municipal-level body such as a city or county) (Duke & Danesco, 2011)
The County of Ventura is a “general law” county, governed by a five-member, elected–by-district Board of Supervisors. The Supervisors appoint a County Executive Officer (CEO) to oversee the County budget, day-to-day operations, as well as to advise, assist and act as an agent for the Board of Supervisors in all matters under the Board’s jurisdiction.
The services provided by the different agencies and departments include general government administration, elections, public protection, such as law enforcement, fire protection, and watershed protection, public ways and facilities including construction and maintenance of roads, healthcare, environmental health, public assistance, libraries, and recreation and cultural services. In addition, enterprise funds account for the operations of the Ventura County Medical Center, the Santa Paula Hospital, and Ambulatory Clinics, Ventura County Health Care Plan, two airports: Camarillo and Oxnard, Channel Islands Harbor, Waterworks Districts providing sanitation and water services, and Parks.
My Journey With the County of Ventura
I applied to the County because I needed healthcare benefits for my family and had heard they had great plans. Additionally, I was eager to rise in the workplace and understood I could promote within the County without losing coverage. My first appointment in 1992 was as an Office Assistant III for the Ambulatory Care Clinics Operations Manager. After six months, I was promoted to Management Assistant II.
My career development at the County has been remarkable and very rewarding. I have been promoted repeatedly and today am a Personnel Analyst III working for the County Executive Office in support of departments and agencies throughout the enterprise. I truly am committed to the applicants for each recruitment and the departments and agencies I serve. I believe that in a small way I can contribute to creating the amazing lifestyle available here in Ventura County by supporting the County as it serves its constituents.
Recommendations
Whatever your goals you can probably find a position within the County of Ventura that would be of interest to you. As a Senior Human Resource (HR) Business Partner, I have been asked many times how to find the jobs available at the County. I direct inquiring individuals to the HR web page which has helpful information. It is also a good idea to review the information under the “How to” links to prepare for the different examinations and the selection interview.
It pays to do research. Every public sector enterprise has a rich presence online. You can learn much about each agency and the departments within each agency by spending time linking on links and reading the information posted. If you have questions about job opportunities the Human Resource department is your first contact. I encourage you to take time to investigate opportunities.
I invite you to check out all the public sector opportunities throughout the County, such as cities, school districts, water districts, and special districts. They all offer ways to contribute while fulfilling your professional endeavors.
If you have questions, please, feel free to contact my email at katiecreynolds@gmail.com.