JOTF Newsletter - July 2005

The Job Opportunities Task Force invites qualified candidates to apply for the position of Senior Policy Advocate. The Senior Policy Advocate has responsibility for advocating for JOTF policy priorities at the state and local level. The Senior Policy Advocate is directly responsible to the Executive Director.

Requirements:
·A demonstrated commitment to workforce issues, with emphasis on meeting the employment-related challenges of low-skill men and women, and on meeting the workforce needs of employers;
·A strong understanding of policy-making processes in the legislative and executive branches of government;
·Advocacy skills and demonstrated success;
·Leadership and collaboration skills;
·Excellent communication skills, including writing and public speaking;
·Good interpersonal skills, and ability to relate effectively with diverse populations;
·Ability to analyze problems and propose policy solutions;
·B.A. degree; master’s degree preferred;
·At least three years’ experience in workforce development, public policy, economic development, or related fields.

Responsibilities:
·Assist the Executive Director in developing short and long range policy proposals that will advance the JOTF mission;
·Actively advocate for the JOTF policy agenda at the state and local levels;
·Identify evolving and new policy needs;
·Develop and maintain alliances, coalitions and partnerships to further the mission;
·Represent JOTF in the community;
·Prepare policy memos and research as needed as well as contribute other written material as needed;
·Contribute to organization newsletters and other publications
·Staff Board committees as needed;
·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 and women are encouraged to apply. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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, 10th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21202
Or reply electronically to jessica@jotf.org

Print Newsletter Spotlights Financial Literacy,Tax Credits, and Sectoral Training

The Winter 2005-2006 issue of our print newsletter, JOTF Works, is now avalable! Articles discuss the importance of financial management resources for working families; the effectiveness of financial incentives designed to encourage employers to hire from underserved populations; JOTF's work in the construction and healthcare sectors; and other topics.

If you have not received a copy of JOTF Works and would like to be added to the JOTF mailing list, send an e-mail to jessica@jotf.org.

JOTF to Focus on Adult Ed, Child Support, and Offender Re-Entry in '06 Session

As the 2006 General Assembly session gets underway in Annapolis, JOTF prepares to focus on legislation and budget proposals that will improve economic opportunities for working families. Among the issues that JOTF will be working actively on this session are adult education, child support debt-leveraging, and ex-prisoner reintegration.

Adult education: JOTF supports a $26.5 million increase in state investment in basic literacy, GED, and ESOL services, as recommended by the Superintendent's Panel on Excellence in Adult Education.

Child Support Incentive Program: We will promote mainstream employment among low-income non-custodial parents who owe unpayable child support debt to the state. Legislation will call for the establishment ofa statewide debt-leveraging program for obligors who meet their current child support obligations to their children.

Offender Re-Entry: JOTF supports the expansion of rehabilitative services for inmates in Maryland's correctional facilities, and a proposed state construction training program for inmates. We will also support legislation that would permit Baltimore City residents to remove from their criminal history records arrests that never led to charges.

JOTF to Participate in Community Conversation on Ex-Offender Re-Entry (1/13/06)

Friday, January 13, 2005
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Registration/breakfast at 9:30 a.m.)
New Shiloh Baptist Church
2100 N. Monroe Street
Baltimore, MD 21216

Hear the stories of mothers, fathers, and families affected by incarceration, learn from experts on re-entry. Get involved -- Help craft the community’s response and sign an open letter to policymakers and stakeholders.

JOTF is a member of the planning committee for this event, and will be discussing current and upcoming ex-offender policy reform efforts.

Ex-Offender Advocacy Toolkits Available Online
The Legal Action Center has developed a series of online toolkits that organizations and individuals may use to advocate for effective prisoner re-entry policies. Toolkits currently available for download free of charge include: 'Prohibit Inquiries About Arrests That Never Led to Conviction;' 'Standards for Hiring People with Criminal Records;' 'Certificates of Rehabilitation;' and ' Sealing Arrests and Convictions.'

Check back over the next several weeks for 8 more toolkits on such topics as Housing, Opting Out of Federal Ban on Food Stamps and TANF, Drivers Licenses, and more.

Each advocacy kit contains
* Brief explanation of the roadblocks, why they need to be eliminated, and how to eliminate them;
* Model laws and policies;
* Action Alerts;
* Sample Letters
* Links to reports that provide additional information; and
* Sample op-ed pieces that can be used for media outreach. (Coming soon.)

Bank of America Job Fair (12/06/2005)
Learn about career opportunities at Bank of America! Come to the BOA Job Fair from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 19th, at 225 North Calvert Street.

BOA currently has immediate openings for Proof Operators and Cash Services Representatives.

Proof Operator Job Description:
· Operate a proof machine
· Encode, endorse, and deposit checks
· Perform a variety of clerical functions relating to check processing
· Prove packages of checks and deposits
· Additional functions required

Work Schedule:
· Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
· 6 p.m. until completion
· Two Saturdays a month (4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.)

Cash Services Representative Job Description:
· Performs a variety of duties in handling deposits which include ATM, merchant, and corporate accounts.
· Responsibilities include: receiving deposits from armored carriers or internal departments, opening bags, verifying/matching deposits, reviewing for fraud, preparing adjustments, crediting accounts, handling payments, sorting bills.

Cash Services Rep Work Schedule:
Monday (7:30pm-Completion) Tuesday-Friday (8pm- Completion).

Overall position Requirements:
· Typing assessments required for both positions
· General understanding of Debits & Credits
· Ability to function in fast-paced team environment
· Ability to apply continuous quality-improvement processes to daily tasks

Benefits/Performance-based Compensation:
· Competitive hourly salary plus shift differential
· In addition to a strong base compensation, bonuses and incentive programs are offered and will be based on speed and accuracy (the potential is there to make $10.00 to $12.00 per hour or higher within the proof operator positions)
· We offer a variety of medical, dental and vision plans to our associates and their families (including domestic partners). We pay a majority of the cost for associate medical overage.

If you are interested in learning more about these positions, please visit www.bankofamericacareers.com/hvs or fax your resume to Staffing @ 410-605-8499

Baltimore Sun Job Fair (12/16/2005)
The Baltimore Sun and the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation will hold a career fair from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 18, 2006, at the M&T Bank Stadium, Club Level

*FREE ADMISSION! *Easy $5 parking (Camden lots B&C) *On-site interviews may be conducted *Interactive Seminars *The Resume Doctors-Office hours 10am to 3pm. The Resume Doctors can write a prescription for a healthier more vital resume. Stop by for a three minute check up.

The Baltimore Sun's Career Fair is a place for top employers to come together to recruit, screen and hire qualified candidates. Job seekers can attend free ½ hour seminars on various topics to help prepare them for the work force or visit the Resume Doctors for a free 3-minute resume "check up."

If you are looking for a better job, re-entering the workforce or are just starting your career, don't miss the opportunity to meet with top-notch employers right here in Baltimore! We also provide a free on-line service where you can upload your resume and ensure distribution to all employers, whether you can attend or not.

To ensure resume distribution to all of the companies participating in the January 18th Career Fair make sure you down load your resume here for FREE! Whether you can attend the Career Fair or not, this is an easy way for all the companies to have access to your resume. All Attendees should dress for success and bring plenty of copies of your resume to hand out to the Companies you are interested in at the event.

The Baltimore County Department of Social Services has partnered with America Works of Maryland Inc., an innovative private for-profit employment agency, to operate a supported work preparation and placement service for welfare recipients in Baltimore.

Applications will be sought for the following positions: General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Case Management, Customer Service Training and Assessment. Individuals should have experience in a related field.

Education Requirements:
Applicants must have at least an undergraduate and preferably a graduate degree. Experience or knowledge of the Work Opportunities Management Information System (WOMIS) a plus.

Please submit your resumes to:
America Works, Inc.
228 East 45 Street
16th Floor
New York, NY 10017

Description:
· Develop job leads, networking, internships and/or volunteer contacts for clients
· Identify key contacts who make hiring decisions in companies and /or agencies through networking, cold call etc.
· Keep accurate records of all contacts identified with detailed contact information and result of contact
· Identify staffing patterns and job vacancies within companies.
· Notify appropriate staff and post position on bulletin board.
· Identify employer pre-requisites for hiring
· Maintain database system to include above information
· Participate in activities to establish relationships with business leaders/partners and market available tax credits
· Follows up post placement within 30 days with additional follow up after case closure
· Prepares monthly progress reports
· Participate in all staff activities including outreach, advocacy and fundraising as needed
· Other related duties as assigned

Skills Required:
· Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills
· Ability to effectively network with acquaintance and connection with local businesses
· Must have valid driver's license and own vehicle for attending off site appointments
· Extensive knowledge of Baltimore Area labor market
· Respect the dignity and maintain the confidentiality of clients and staff
· Communicate and support the mission, values and vision of the agency
· Understand, promote and support cultural competency in all interactions

Education Requirements:
College degree in related education or high school diploma with three or more years of experience in related field

Comments: Please email or fax your resume and cover letter to glee@mdnewdirections.org or 410-230-0275 attn: Grace Lee.

Goodwill Seeks Ex-Offender Re-Entry Program Manager
Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake is recruiting for this key position to provide direction for case management, employment coordination, and supportive services for our ex-offender re-entry program. Responsibilities include: providing supervision to case management staff, developing and implementing procedures and tools to assess participant employment readiness, and data base management for reporting and analysis.

This manager will also coordinate clients’ transition through the program using customized goal-oriented development plans and project management skills to manage the overall transition process. The ideal candidate will have a BS in human services or related field, minimum 5 years experience in human services, proven ability to implement a successful client-centered program that meets program deliverables and goals.

Send resume with cover letter to:
Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake at
222 E Redwood Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Attn: Human Resources

Plumbers and Steamfitters Union Apprenticeship Training Available
The Plumbers and Steamfitters Union, Local #486 is now accepting applications for apprenticeship training. Applications are accepted daily, Monday through Thursday, 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the Plumbers and Steamfitters Training School, 1201 66th Street, Baltimore, Maryland.

The deadline for applications for entrance into the Apprenticeship Program for school year 2006/07 is Friday, January 27, 2006. Applications accepted after January 27, 2006, will be held for the following school year 2007/08.

* Applicants must be at least 17 years of age at the time they are applying, but must be 18 years of age by the start of the school year in September 2006.
* All applicants will be required to provide a copy of their high school transcript, or GED Certificate, including test scores. Students who are assured of graduation in June 2006 are also eligible to apply.
* A sample math test and information packet will be sent to interested applicants by calling 410-866-5313.