On March 3, 2025, we had the honor of meeting Maribel, a driven and determined individual with a powerful desire to grow both personally and professionally. From day one, Maribel embraced every opportunity for self-improvement, enrolling in GED, ESL, and Office Automation courses at Visalia Adult School as part of her journey toward greater independence and opportunity.
Maribel quickly stood out for her initiative and commitment. She successfully completed all workshop and job search requirements and thrived in her Work Experience placement at Parenting Network. Her strong work ethic and dedication earned her a well-deserved job offer as a Community Navigator, a role she officially began on May 19, 2025.
Maribel’s academic accomplishments are equally impressive. She has completed her GED, ESL, and Office Automation Skills programs, each milestone reflecting her resilience and unwavering commitment to her goals. On May 13, 2025, Maribel’s hard work was recognized by the Visalia Unified School District, which honored her with an Outstanding Achievement Award, a fitting tribute to her perseverance and inspiring progress.
At Proteus, Inc., we are incredibly proud of Maribel and all that she has achieved. Her journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible through hard work, courage, and dedication. Please join us in celebrating Maribel’s incredible accomplishments and wishing her continued success in this exciting new chapter.
PORTERVILLE, CA — Ana Alcantar found herself unemployed after being laid off from a local pistachio plant and faced limited job opportunities. Alcantar previously worked as a cashier at a Mexican restaurant and wanted to pivot her career path. That's when she turned to Proteus and enrolled in the agricultural workers program with new employment opportunities. Through Proteus, Alcantar qualified for the Department of Labor's seasonal farmworker jobs program. Employment Services Representative Soila conducted a comprehensive assessment of Alcantar's skills and career aspirations, then guided her through the local labor market with targeted job leads and referrals.
Living in Richgrove, a small rural community with scarce employment options, Alcantar recognized she would need to expand her job search to nearby Bakersfield. Her breakthrough came when Proteus received a job order from Leslie's Custom Floral, seeking someone interested in learning floral arrangement while providing excellent customer service. Ana's friendly personality and responsibility were qualities that the employer was looking for and saw potential for a great match. After expressing interest in the position, Alcantar was referred for an interview with Rosa, the business owner of Leslie's Custom Floral. While Rosa was impressed with Alcantar's enthusiasm, the lack of experience presented a challenge. Soila negotiated a solution, a 100-hour work experience contract that would provide Alcantar with hands-on training while the program subsidized her employment. Upon completing the contracted hours, Rosa hired her as a regular employee. Today, Alcantar continues to develop her skills in floral design, with the aspiration of someday opening her own flower shop.
The partnership has been so successful that Leslie's Custom Floral has since hired another Proteus referral from their youth program for their Visalia location. This achievement demonstrates how targeted workforce development programs can create meaningful pathways to employment in rural communities where opportunities are limited, transforming lives one career at a time.
By Martha Loya, Porterville Service Center
This success story was submitted by the Porterville Service Center as part of the Department of Labor's ongoing documentation of effective employment initiatives.
POSITION SUMMARY: In a support role, provides services in the areas of outreach, recruitment, assessment, counseling, and preparation of Individual Employment Plans (IEP), follow-up services, and implements and manages a particular project.
COMPANY OVERVIEW: Proteus is the premier provider of training, education, and community services within the agriculturally rich Central San Joaquin Valley. Since its inception in 1967, Proteus has been in a continuous state of evolution, adding and expanding services as the changing needs of the workforce emerge. Our “Mission” is to provide education, workplace training, job placement, and other support services to farm-working families and diverse program participants to empower them to achieve self-sufficiency.
COMPANY BENEFITS: Proteus, Inc. is proud to offer our eligible employees a comprehensive benefits program, which includes:
A 37.5-hour workweek
13 paid holidays
Self-care and bereavement leave
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision insurance
Employer Funded Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
Employer-paid basic life insurance and AD&D coverage
Voluntary insurance options
A 403(b) and Roth retirement plan
Flexible spending account options
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
A generous $1,500 tuition assistance program
Additionally, Proteus, Inc. is proud to be a Public Service Loan Forgiveness-certified employer.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
Provides outreach, recruitment, and establishes linkages with community agencies to build awareness of Proteus programs.
Completes customers’ intake applications for services, determines eligibility, and administers tests accordingly.
Enters customers’ information, such as eligibility, testing, assessment, and case notes into appropriate data entry systems.
Assists in the preparation and completion of the Individual Employment Plans (IEP).
Provides participant counseling and post placement follow-ups.
Maintains contact with education/training site personnel to ensure accurate and prompt paperwork.
Works closely with job development staff and other professionals to ensure customer program success.
Coordinates training reimbursement activity with training and employment staff.
Completes records, forms and reports required for fiscal and reporting or planning purposes.
Maintains communication with office/division staff to ensure staff is fully informed of project/component requirements and opportunities and coordinates project or component with other programs.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: High school graduate or equivalent and certificate of completion from a college or technical school; or six months of directly related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
COMPUTER SKILLS: Moderate computer skills required for data entry, Word, Excel, and other software programs, as required for the position.
LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read, and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedures manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers, employees, or organizations. Bilingual (English/Spanish) required.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra.
REASONING ABILITY: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Access to transportation, a California driver's license, and the minimum vehicle insurance needed by law.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENT: Will require weekly travel to local Proteus offices or events at 40% of the weekly schedule and other assigned divisional areas. Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-area and overnight travel may be expected.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job.
Employees are regularly required to stand and use their hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to walk: reach with hands and arms; sit, kneel, stoop, climb, or balance.
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Travel to other locations and outside training.
Ability to lift and/or move up to 15 pounds and ability to maneuver a dolly.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Indoor work environment
Working conditions include attendance at meetings
Travel to other locations and outside training
AT-WILL STATEMENT: Employment at Proteus is employment at will. This means that an employee is free to leave his or her employment at any time, with or without cause or notice, and the Company retains the same right to terminate the employee at any time, with or without cause or notice. Please understand that continued employment cannot be guaranteed for any employee. This policy of at-will employment may be changed only by a written employment agreement signed by the Chief Executive Officer that expressly changes the policy of at-will employment. Unless the employee’s employment is covered by a written employment agreement that specifically provides otherwise, this policy of at-will employment is the sole and entire agreement between the employee and the Company as to the duration of employment and the circumstances under which employment may be terminated.
Except employment-at-will, terms, and conditions of employment with the Company may be modified at the sole discretion of the Company, with or without cause or notice at any time. No implied contract concerning any employment-related decision term or condition of employment can be established by any other statement, conduct, policy, or practice. Examples of the types of terms and conditions of employment that are within the sole discretion of the Company include but are not limited to, the following: promotion; demotion; transfers; hiring decisions; compensation; benefits; qualifications; discipline; layoff or recall; rules; hours and schedules; work assignments; job duties and responsibilities; production standards; subcontracting; reduction, cessation, or expansion of operations; sale, relocation, merger, or consolidation of operations; determinations concerning the use of equipment, methods, or facilities; or any other terms and conditions that the Company may determine to be necessary for the safe, efficient, and economic operation of its business.
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and requirements, which may change from time to time based on business needs. When appropriate, reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue hardship to the Company may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
Apply online by visiting our website at www.proteusinc.org. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please get in touch with Human Resources at 559-735-3670 or email at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
Proteus is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. If you would like more information on your EEO rights under law, please visit www.EEOC.gov.
If you are looking for a job that encourages work-life balance, Proteus has just the job for you! Visit our website to review a full list of open positions across our organization.
SUMMARY: Under direction, will be responsible for providing overall services in the areas of employer recruitment, development of OJT contracts, job search assistance, vocational exploration, counseling, and the development of participant Individual Employment Plans.
COMPANY OVERVIEW: Proteus is the premier provider of training, education, and community services within the agriculturally rich Central San Joaquin Valley. Since its inception in 1967, Proteus has been in a continuous state of evolution, adding and expanding services as the changing needs of the workforce emerge. Our “Mission” is to provide education, workplace training, job placement, and other support services to farm-working families and diverse program participants to empower them to achieve self-sufficiency.
COMPANY BENEFITS: Proteus, Inc. is proud to offer our eligible employees a comprehensive benefits program, which includes:
A 37.5-hour workweek
13 paid holidays
Self-care and bereavement leave
Health insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision insurance
Employer Funded Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
Employer-paid basic life insurance and AD&D coverage
Voluntary insurance options
A 403(b) and Roth retirement plan
Flexible spending account options
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
A generous $1,500 tuition assistance program
Additionally, Proteus, Inc. is proud to be a Public Service Loan Forgiveness-certified employer.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Initiates and maintains personal contact with employers, job services and community agencies with express interest in the on-the-job training concept and opportunities.
Researches new and existing business, analyzing local job market for the purpose of developing job opportunities.
Provides job search assistance to customers in areas such as application and resume writing, interviewing skills, and job availability through job search classes or customer specific.
Reaches all quotas mandated by the funding and program.
Conducts all employer 30, 60, and 90-day unsubsidized employment follow-ups.
Develops job openings.
Provides input into the Individual Employment Plan (IEP) as it applies to job availability and requirements.
Participates in individual case management staffing as needed.
Negotiates and develops OJT contracts with employers and develops appropriate OJT training sites for participants.
Provides counseling to clients, such as motivational counseling and counseling with personal and family problems that interfere with job search activities.
Develops Work Experience and Limited Internships training sites.
POSITION QUALIFICATION: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s Degree in related field, OR four (4) years of directly related experience and/or training; OR a combination of education and experience.
COMPUTER SKILLS: Moderate computer skills required for data entry, Word, Excel, and other software programs, as required for the position.
LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read, and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedures manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers, employees, or organizations.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra.
REASONING ABILITY: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Access to transportation, a California driver's license, and the minimum vehicle insurance needed by law.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENT: Will require weekly travel to local Proteus offices or events at 40% of the weekly schedule and other assigned divisional areas. Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-area and overnight travel may be expected.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Employees are regular required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to walk: reach with hands and arms; sit, kneel, stoop, climb or balance.
Travel to other locations and outside training.
Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and ability to maneuver a dolly.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Indoor work environment
Working conditions include attendance at meetings
Travel to other locations and outside training
AT-WILL STATEMENT: Employment at Proteus is employment at will. This means that an employee is free to leave his or her employment at any time, with or without cause or notice, and the Company retains the same right to terminate the employee at any time, with or without cause or notice. Please understand that continued employment cannot be guaranteed for any employee. This policy of at-will employment may be changed only by a written employment agreement signed by the Chief Executive Officer that expressly changes the policy of at-will employment. Unless the employee’s employment is covered by, a written employment agreement that specifically provides otherwise, this policy of at-will employment is the sole and entire agreement between the employee and the Company as to the duration of employment and the circumstances under which employment may be terminated.
Except employment-at-will, terms, and conditions of employment with the Company may be modified at the sole discretion of the Company, with or without cause or notice at any time. No implied contract concerning any employment-related decision term or condition of employment can be established by any other statement, conduct, policy, or practice. Examples of the types of terms and conditions of employment that are within the sole discretion of the Company include but are not limited to, the following: promotion; demotion; transfers; hiring decisions; compensation; benefits; qualifications; discipline; layoff or recall; rules; hours and schedules; work assignments; job duties and responsibilities; production standards; subcontracting; reduction, cessation, or expansion of operations; sale, relocation, merger, or consolidation of operations; determinations concerning the use of equipment, methods, or facilities; or any other terms and conditions that the Company may determine to be necessary for the safe, efficient, and economic operation of its business.
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and requirements, which may change from time to time based on business needs. When appropriate, reasonable accommodations that do not create an undue hardship to the Company may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
Apply online by visiting our website at www.proteusinc.org. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please get in touch with Human Resources at 559-735-3670 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
Proteus is an equal-opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. If you would like more information on your EEO rights under law, please visit www.EEOC.gov.
