• Vale: Phyllis Lewis Leaves JOTF Taking a Position at Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• Pre-Apprenticeship Program (Project JumpStart) Update
• JOTF Legislative Agenda: Session 2006 Wins & Losses
• Research: "Working for Pennies" on the JOTF Website

OTHER NEWS

• Baltimore City Paper, "RESTART Me Up ", (Letter to The Editor)
• Baltimore City Paper, "Legislative Failures ", (Letter to The Editor)

UPCOMING EVENTS

• JOTF to Host "Building & Protecting Wealth for Baltimore's Vulnerable Families: Opportunities & Challenges (05/04/2006)
• ABAG to Host "Understanding Corporate Giving Programs and Foundations (05/16/2006)
• MSDE Correctional Education Program Co-Sponsor Inmate Career Fair at MCIW (05/17/2006)
• Maryland Workforce Development Association Announces Dates for Raising The Bar 2006 (06/12-06/14/2006)

OPPORTUNITIES

• JOTF Seeks Business Liaison
• OSI-Baltimore, Request for Proposals to Improve Behavioral Interventions and Reduce Suspensions and Expulsions in Baltimore City Public Schools
• Belair-Edison Neighborhoods, Inc Seeks Community Organizer
• Lutheran Social Services Seeks Employment Advocate for Refugee and Immigrant Services
• Greater Homewood Community Corporation, Inc Announces the Position of Learner Advocate
• Baltimore Community Foundation Seeks Major Gifts Officer

Back to Top

Vale: Phyllis Lewis Leaves JOTF Taking a Postion at Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Phyllis Lewis leaves JOTF this month to take a position at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) where she will work contracts for the procurement of supplies and services to the Federal government. Phyllis will be greatly missed, and we wish her every success as she embarks on her new road ahead.

Pre-Apprenticeship Program (Project JumpStart) Update

The first class of 20 students will graduate in May from JumpStart -- the pre-apprenticeship training program for careers in  plumbing, carpentry and electrical. JOTF manages the program that is operated by ABC, Goodwill and EBCC.  All of the students are expected to be placed in jobs upon graduation with the expectation that entry into a formal apprentice program will soon follow. 

In March a "meet and greet" was held in which the students had the chance to talk with 15 employers about their training and future opportunities for employment.  The second class of students has been selected and will start class on May 2nd. 

Back to Top

JOTF Legislative Agenda: Session 2006 Wins & Losses

During the 2006 legislative session, JOTF actively supported bills that would increase funding for adult education; reduce the impact of a criminal record on employment opportunities; and increase wages for workers at the lower end of the economic spectrum. Below are updates on a few of the bills that we supported:

• HB 1264: Child Support Enforcement – Child Support Incentive Program

This bill would forgive arrears (debt) owed to the state for non-custodial parents who pay their full support to their children. After one year of consecutive child support payments, the state will forgive 50% of the owed arrearages. After two years of consecutive payments, the state will entirely forgive the owed arrearages.

STATUS: Bill failed - Passed the House unanimously but received an unfavorable report from the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee.

 

• HB 1130: Education – Funding Formula for Adult Education and Literacy Grants

This bill proposes a funding formula that would ensure Maryland’s future investment in adult education. Amendments passed by the House Ways and Means committee eliminate the funding formula and offer a $1.5 million increase to the Governor’s budget in FY08.

STATUS: Bill passed the House and Senate with amendments that removed the funding formula and added $1.5 million to the Governor's budget in '08.

 

• SB 193: Pilot Program for the Long-Term Employment of Qualified Ex-Offenders

This bill establishes a pilot program that would consist of federal fidelity bonds and a state tax credit that would benefit employers willing to hire from the ex-offender population.

STATUS: Bill passed the Senate and House with amendements.

 

• Budget: Project RESTART

Project RESTART provides education and drug treatment to nonviolent offenders so that they do not become repeat offenders. The legislature approved an additional $500,000 that the Governor put in his 2007 budget to expand Project RESTART services to the pre-release centers. The funds, however, can only be used for inmates who received RESTART services in one of the current facilities (MCTC and MCIW) for at least a year.

Click here to read our 2006 advocacy agenda. Click here to view a list of all the bills that JOTF supported this session. If you would like to sign up for weekly public policy updates from JOTF, send an e-mail to melissa[at]jotf.org.

Back to Top

Research: "Working for Pennies: The Plight of Baltimore's Urban Poor" on the JOTF Website

This collection of stories, facts, and reflections seeks to shed light on the life of Baltimore's hidden workforce; that is, the working poor. In this piece, advocates and low-wage workers share their candid perspectives on the new type of poverty plaguing Baltimore.

Melissa Chalmers Broome, Senior Policy Advocate for the Job Opportunities Task Force, conducted the research after receiving a Kolvenbach Award from Loyola College in Maryland. To request a free, hard copy of the report, contact melissa[at]jotf.org.

Back to Top

Baltimore City Paper, "RESTART Me Up " (Letter to The Editor)

In a letter to the Baltimore City Paper, April 5, 2006, Jason Perkins-Cohen explains the importance of expanding RESTART to the State's pre-release facilities so that inmates have their best chance of success when re-entering our communitieis.

Read "RESTART Me Up".

Baltimore City Paper, "Legislative Failures " (Letter to The Editor)

In a letter to the Baltimore City Paper, April 19, 2006, Melissa Chalmers Broome addresses the impact of the failure of the expungement bills that were introduced during the 2006 legislative session.

Read "Legislative Failures ".

Back to Top

UPCOMING EVENTS

JOTF to Host "Building & Protecting Wealth for Baltimore's Vulnerable Families: Opportunities & Challenges (05/04/2006)

The Job Opportunities Task Force and the Baltimore Cash Campaign
Present a public forum: 

Building and Protecting Wealth for Baltimore’s Vulnerable Families: Opportunities and Challenges

Thursday, May 4, 2006
8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Thumel Business Center Auditorium
Merrick School of Business
University of Baltimore
Corner of Charles Street and Mount Royal Avenue
1420 North Charles Street

Baltimore, Maryland This forum brings together some of the area’s leading thinkers on asset protection and development including:

Back to Top

ABAG to Host "Understanding Corporate Giving Programs and Foundations (05/16/2006)

The Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers (ABAG) host "Understanding Corporate Giving Programs and Foundations" at 2 East Read Street, 2nd Floor, Baltimore on Tuesday, May 16, 2006 from 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Representatives from ABAG's corporate membership will share tips for successful corporate partnerships including leveraging volunteer opportunities, understanding corporate priorities and accessing  in-kind resources. This workshop is for nonprofit representatives.

Cost: $30 per participant, advance payment appreciated.

Register for this event

MSDE Correctional Education Program Co-Sponsor Inmate Career Fair at MCIW (05/17/2006)

Maryland State Department of Education Correctional Education Program, Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and the Governor's Advisory Council on Offender Employment Coordination host an Inmate Career Fair at the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women, Brockbridge Road, Jessup, MD on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 from 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

MCIW needs assistance with professionals to provide interviewing training and service providers to educate inmates on your activities after realeas.

For more information contact: Diana M. Bailey or telephone (410) 767-0531

Maryland Workforce Development Association Announces Dates for Raising The Bar 2006 (06/12-06/14/2006)

The Maryland Workforce Development Association (MWDA) is a coalition of the directors of the state's workforce development agencies. Together with Maryland's 12 Workforce Investment Boards, MWDA members oversee and direct services designed to meet the workforce needs of the state's jobseekers and employers. The directors manage the state's network of One-Stop Career Centers and serve as advisors on workforce issues to local heads of government. Workforce Investment Boards rely on the leadership and expertise of MWDA members to assist in policy development, program design and service delivery.

Raising the Bar 2006 is the Mid-Atlantic region's premier conference for workforce development professionals. It will run from 06/12 - 06/14/2006 at the Turf Valley Resort and Conference Center, Ellicott City, MD. For more information visit MWDA's Conference homepage.

Back to Top

Requirements :

• Strong knowledge of workforce issues, with emphasis on meeting the employment-related challenges of low-skill men and women, and on meeting the workforce needs of employers;
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
• Strong leadership skills;
• An understanding of policy-making processes in the legislative and executive branches of government;
• Ability to write and speak clearly and concisely on a variety of issues and topics and for various audiences;
• Good interpersonal skills – comfortable talking to high level decision makers and ability to relate effectively with diverse populations;
• Ability to analyze problems and grasp policy solutions;
• At least three years’ experience in workforce development, public policy, economic development, or related fields;
• Experience managing and implementing a workforce development initiative or related project preferred;
• B.A. degree.

Responsibilities :

• Meet with employers. Describe JOTF’s mission and market JOTF services;
• Engage employers in policy issues. Determine how JOTF can best meet their needs and develop policy solutions that meet employer needs that also align with JOTF’s mission;
• Develop new sector-based strategies that help low-skilled workers access jobs and/or training;
• Manage and implement JOTF program strategies;
• Communicate JOTF mission, strategy and achievements to the private sector;
• Contribute to the organization’s newsletter, marketing campaign, and media strategy as needed;
• Staff Board committees as needed; and
• Other duties as assigned.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties. Management reserves the right to change this description at any time.
  
Salary and benefits are competitive. Minorities are encouraged to apply. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.    

For background information about the Job Opportunities Task Force, our program, Board membership, etc., see our website at www.jotf.org

To apply send a cover letter and resume, with salary requirements and/or current salary to:

Jessica Traskey
Job Opportunities Task Force
207 E. Redwood Street, 10 th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21202

Or reply electronically to jessica@jotf.org

The closing date for acceptance of resumes is Monday, May 15, 2006.

Back to Top

The Open Society Institute–Baltimore, along with partnering foundations, individual donors and the United Way, is pleased to release this Request for Proposals (RFP) to fund programs to help improve school climate and to reduce the rate of suspension and expulsion in Baltimore City public schools. ( Download the RFP.) We are very pleased that the Baltimore City Public School System will also participate in the selection process.

As an operating foundation, OSI-Baltimore focuses on several of the most intransigent problems in Baltimore with the goal of funding programs that will make a lasting difference and create on-going opportunities for the most vulnerable families in our city. Over the last two years, OSI has convened educational forums and commissioned research to document the use of suspension and expulsion in local schools and understand its impact on student attendance and achievement, school drop-out rates and youth involvement in the juvenile justice system. We have found that school exclusion – suspension and expulsion – is generally a harmful and ineffective strategy to improve school climate or to motivate or realize academic achievement. School exclusion results in students being pushed out of school and, too often, being discouraged from returning.

In response to these findings, OSI became interested in helping Baltimore City school principals and teachers adopt preventative and alternative disciplinary practices that provide students with the behavioral support they need to stay in school and succeed academically. OSI reached out to other funders to join us. The enclosed RFP is designed to support programs that reduce school suspension and expulsion rates and facilitate speedy school reentry for suspended, expelled and juvenile justice-involved youth. The collaborating funders hope to demonstrate effective interventions that can be replicated or expanded in Baltimore and eventually funded through public means.

There will be an orientation session at OSI-Baltimore on Wednesday, May 3, at 10 a.m. at OSI 210 North Charles Street, Suite 1300.

Applications are due on May 22. The RFP can be found on our website, www.osi-baltimore.org.

If you have any questions, please call Justin Schaberg at (410) 234-1092 extension 213.

Belair-Edison Neighborhoods, Inc Seeks Community Organizer

Dynamic person needed for Healthy Neighborhoods initiative in Belair-Edison. Responsibilities include block organizing, leadership training, event planning, marketing, and partnership building. Must be highly organized, flexible team player with excellent writing and public speaking skills. Own transportation and some evening and weekend work required.

Competitive salary and benefits.

Send cover letter and resume to: Belair-Edison Neighborhoods, Inc., 3412 Belair Road, Baltimore, MD 21213.

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) conduct programs and services that offer support and hope to children, individuals, families, and communities throughout the National Capital area regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, age, or sexual orientation. They educate and advocate for social justice, individual self-sufficiency, and the inherent worth of every human being. LSS assist congregations in identifying and responding to local and regional needs.

The Employment Advocate will provide employment services to clients enrolled in the Way to Self-Sufficiency. The objective of the Employment Advocate is to secure full-time employment with benefits for those enrolled to the program.

Download Employment Advocate job descriptionin MS Word format.

Back to Top

Greater Homewood Community Corporation, Inc Announces the Position of Learner Advocate

The Greater Homewood Community Corporation, Inc. announces a vacancy in the Adult Literacy and ESOL Program for the position of Learner Advocate.

This 40-hour position takes the lead at the Program for outreach and supporting learners, including recruitment and community education, learner needs assessment, goal setting, professional referrals, and followup. Conducting part of the volunteer tutor training is also expected, as is participation at Program events.

Requirements for the position include:
• Bachelor’s degree required; education, psychology, or counseling preferred;
• Experience in and knowledge of adult education programs and related issues; teaching experience a plus;
• Experience and sensitivity in working collaboratively with diverse populations, including adult clients and volunteers;
• Excellent communication skills, written and oral; comfortable with public speaking and/or training;
• Computer literacy: knowledge of word processing, desktop publishing, and database software;
• Record keeping abilities;
• Must be able to work evenings and Saturdays.

Duties and responsibilities include:
• Providing educational advisement and support for adult learners, including needs assessment, goal setting, and professional referrals;
• Monitoring learner progress, including ongoing follow-up of learners’ changing needs, goal achievement, and evaluation of the Program;
• Taking the lead for outreach and recruitment of learners and volunteers, as well as helping build community awareness of adult education issues;
• Maintaining learner records, including proper documentation of communications and updates and maintaining confidentiality and integrity of participant information;
• Participating in training new volunteer tutors and in professional development workshops;
• Participating in team meetings for Program evaluation and improvement.

This position is grant-funded and reports to the Adult Literacy & ESOL Program Director.

Cover letters and resumes should be submitted:
via FAX to 410-261-3506, Attn: Todd Elliott, or via EMAIL to telliott@greaterhomewood.org

Please use “Learner Advocate” in the subject line. No phone calls.