We Serve a Diverse County

We serve a diverse county

We have over 995,000 (as of 1/1/2003) residents living within 798 square miles, the ninth largest county in the state.

There are 19 cities and 21 unincorporated areas located within three geographically distinct regions.

Our diverse population is 65% Caucasian, 16% Hispanic, 9% African American, 10% Asian/Pacific Islanders and 1% American Indian.

The median household income in Contra Costa County exceeds $79,134.

Our unemployment averages 5.2%, and 7.3% of our population has income below the poverty level.

Nearly 1,350 Employment & Human Services staff are located in 26 facilities throughout the county near the people we serve.

Last year, we served over 90,000 residents in our county.

As a group, we’re probably pretty much like you

We enjoy watching our families thrive, friendships grow deeper and communities become stronger. Our jobs are meaningful and provide us with the opportunity to offer the highest quality service to the residents of Contra Costa County. We strive to treat all people with respect, dignity and fairness. Our staff is representative of the county: 53% are Caucasian, 24% African American, 14% Hispanic, 8% Asian/Pacific Islander/Filipino and 1% American Indian/Alaskan Native.

Bilingual staff provide services in Spanish, Vietnamese, Laotian, Cambodian, Farsi, Pastu, Dari, Cantonese, Tagalog and American Sign Language. Contract translators are available to communicate in other languages.

The majority of our staff is represented by SEIU Local 535, AFSCME 2700 and 512 and Employees Association, Local #1.

During 2003, we conducted over 5,200 hours of training for more than 7,700 participants from the Department and community. We provide technical program training for Workforce Services, Children & Family Services and Adult & Aging Services, as well as professional development classes for all staff.

The Employment & Human Services Department is responsible for a budget in excess of $300 million; 10% is funded by the County and 90% from Federal and State revenues. We administer over 40 programs mandated by federal, state and local governments.