Submitted by the team at Plumas Work Connection
July 1-September 30, 2008
Plumas Work Connection
1953 E. Main Street Quincy, CA 95971
(530) 283-1606
www.aworkforce.org
Plumas Work Connection strives to be the leader in providing business owners and job seekers with the workforce development services needed to be successful. During the past three months the Plumas team has provided a variety of services and participated in community partnerships to enhance economic vitality and the quality of life in Plumas County. Following is a highlight of recent One-Stop activities and client success stories.
Featured Businesses
American Valley Aviation
American Valley Aviation (AVA), one of Plumas County's premier
high technology companies contacted Alliance for Workforce Development
Inc, to request assistance with the recruitment of three new positions.
HR Consultants Cathryn Sorenson and Marilyn Brodie assisted them
with a customized recruitment including placing the newspaper
ad, posting the job announcements, collecting applications, pre-screening
applicants and checking references. The recruitment was successful
and resulting in three new hires. AFWD is currently in discussion
with AVA regarding an On the Job Training program. On-the-Job
Training (OJT) is used as an option when training is necessary
for individuals rather than groups. OJT provides individuals a
structured training opportunity at the employer’s work site
to gain the competencies and experience necessary to be proficient
in their occupation.
Country Villa
AFWD recently developed a working relationship with Country Villa Skilled Nursing Facility to assist
them with their Certified Nurses Assistant Program. Country Villa
has a successful CNA training program. Country Villa provides the
training and then sends the participants to Sacramento to take the
exam to become State certified as a CNA. The training consists of
16 weeks of class room training as well as clinical work. Country
Villa pays the participants through out the training. Upon completion
of the certification, the participant receives a pay increase.
AFWD is assisting Country Villa with the recruitment of qualified candidates for the CNA Program. In addition, AFWD will also assist students with economic needs in purchasing supplies required for the program.
"CNA's are in such demand in our area, we are pleased to assist Country Villa in meeting their CNA needs" stated Marilyn Brodie
AFWD Partners with Feather River
College
AFWD developed and finalized a contract with Feather River College for a Job Development/Work Study program. Students
who are currently receiving cash aid through Plumas County are
eligible for the Cal Works/Work Study program which offers them the
opportunity to work in the area of their study. The Work Study Program
satisfies the minimum activity requirement with the county and also
gives the students the experience needed to begin a career in their
field of choice. AFWD will be developing work sites both on and
off campus. Staff at AFWD will monitor those work sites to ensure
satisfaction both for the employers and the students. Cal Works
students who are referred from the college will also enroll in our
WIA program which allows them access to services such as One-on-One
Job Search Assistance, resume writing, job development etc. In addition,
supportive services will be provided for qualified applicants. Through
the Work Study Program AFWD looks forward to fostering a win win
situation for the college, students and local employers.
Plumas Transit Announces New Rates
In order to reflect the rising operational costs of the Plumas
County Transit System, Plumas County Transportation Commission and
Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc. announced effective September
1, 2008 an increase in ridership fees. "We kept the increase
as minimal as possible so as not to create a hardship for our customers"
commented Jimmy LaPlante Transit Manager. LaPlante further stated
"while the new increases are small, they will offset the rising
costs of running the bus system." For detailed information
on the new rates, please visit us on the web at www.plumastransit.com.
Plumas Work Connection Meets with
Community Partners
HR Consultants Marilyn Brodie and Cathryn Sorenson are scheduled to attend the monthly CARES (Cal Works Resource Sharing) meetings held at the Plumas Work Connection. The purpose of these meetings are to coordinate and update Cal Works client information regarding education, housing, employment and client participation. Agencies involved in the meetings are Plumas County Department of Social Services, AFWD, Feather River College, Plumas Rural Services, Plumas Housing Authority, Mental Health and Portola Resource Center. AFWD contributes its expertise in assisting people in their goal to be self sufficient through job search and placement services, including resume writing, interviewing, job referrals and other related services.
AFWD Facilitates Training to Plumas Bank Employees
On September 25th, AFWD’s
Business Manager Bobbi Moore and HR Consultant Cathryn Sorenson facilitated
a training for Plumas Bank employees www.plumasbank.com
on “Attitude and Motivation”. Delving into the very heart
of customer service, this training discussed important concepts that
will motivate staff to excel in their job! Attendees learned to take
accountability for their own attitude, discover how it affects those
around them, and discuss tips for maintaining a positive attitude
and dealing with negative people.
Staff learned to:
• “Take this
Job and LOVE it”
• Successfully deal with proactive and reactive people
• Stay positive
• Show concern and influence
• Deal with setbacks
• Enhance customer service and satisfaction
NoRTEC Visits Plumas Work Connection
On August 28th and 29th AFWD had the pleasure of receiving staff
training from NoRTEC's Director of Program Services, Betti Austin.
The training was provided onsite at the Plumas Work Connection. The
focus of the training was to review dislocated worker eligibility,
training services and client file review. The support and training
provided by NoRTEC throughout the year has been invaluable. AFWD has
been able to meet and exceed our client service goals via the training
provided. Our clients have benefited by receiving improved services
which has resulted in an increased number of individuals obtaining
and keeping jobs.
Again, Thank you NoRTEC and Betti Austin. For more information on
NoRTEC visit www.nortec.org
Plumas County Business Owner Competes in Venture Island!
Venture Island North State Candidates Selected
Who will win $25,000 in cash and prizes?
(Redding, Ca) Results of the screen test are in!
The response was so overwhelming it was difficult to make the final
cut. Twenty candidates were chosen to compete in Venture Island, held
at the Cascade Theatre starting in September. Venture Island is a
three month competition geared to identify and add value to the best
and most innovative companies in the region. Chester Business Owner
Lela Crandall was among those that made the cut and went on to compete
in the first competition as one of the top 20 candidates selected.
According to Lela, Aronious Farming is a sustainable venture to organically
grow and help reintroduce the Native American aronia berry back to
American soil. The aronia's powerful nutritional profile interfaces
perfectly with the 9.8 billion dollar functional beverage industry.
She will supply this industry with organically grown aronia berries.
Alliance for Workforce
Development, Inc. Welcomes 4 new Employees
Christopher Mowbray - Career Center Advisor
Merilu Dillard - Center Center Advisor
Tina Bayer - Receptionist
Amy Napoleon- Receptionist
Christopher Mowbray
My name is Chris Mowbray and I am a new Career Center Advisor in the
Quincy office of A.F.W.D.. I have been in the customer service field
in both retail and service industries for over 35 years, the majority
in a supervisory role. I also have over 15 years experience in interviewing
prospective employees, hiring, and training employees. I have always
been customer service driven, and do what ever it takes to get the
job done right.
I am excited about my new position at A.F.W.D, and look forward to
helping our clients.
I already feel very welcomed by all of the staff, and I am grateful
for the opportunity to learn, work and grow with AFWD.
Merilu Dillard
As a new member of the AFWD team, I am excited about the prospect
of matching job-seekers to business owners looking for employees.
I have worked many years in the legal field, The City of South Lake
Tahoe, Siskiyou County Superior Court and Shasta County Office of
Education. All of these positions required me to work extensively
with the public giving me a wealth of differing experiences and points
of view.
My husband and I have just recently built a house and moved to Quincy
from South Lake Tahoe and enjoy snowmobiling, ballroom dancing, backpacking
as well as my avocation of period costume design.
Tina Bayer
After years of hard work in customer service I was very honored to
be offered a position with AFWD.
I enjoy working with the public and as a team, so this position is
like a dream come true. I bring with
me years of customer service experience dealing with a diverse population.
As a new resident to
Plumas County my position here at AFWD has provided me the opportunity
to meet new people.
Already, I am feeling that I am part of the community.
Amy Napoleon
I, Amy Napoleon have gained employment twice when needed, thanks
to the Alliance for Work Development, Inc. (AFWD). When looking for
a change of pace and new career I came to the Alliance for Work Development.
The staff was extremely helpful and in no time I was placed with a
great new job. I was placed with a secretarial job at American Valley
Aviation. I was quite content at my new job at American Valley Aviation
until a layoff within the company cut my employment. Once again I
turned to the Plumas Work Connections to search for a local job. The
staff once more was more than helpful directing me in my search. I
believe that AFWD is such an essential part of the community. And,
was extremely pleased to be offered a job with AFWD as a part time
secretary. Thanks to AFWD I was able to find a job that I love and
enjoy.
Success Story
Louis Osofsky came into the Plumas Work Connection to request assistance
with job search. He was a dislocated worker with a variety of skills
and excellent references. Staff at AFWD were able to assist Louis
in obtaining a temporary position with American Valley Aviation. Louis’s
background in Marketing and Sales has allowed him to quickly become
a valued and productive member of American Valley Aviation sales department.
Louis is now a regular employee of AVA with definite potential for
promotion. Another Win Win situation for a Quincy business, job seeker
and AFWD.
AFWD Youth Services Leads to Client Success!
Jessica Chittenden, came into Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc’s (AFWD) office in Quincy, CA to take advantage of the youth program services offered by AFWD. She asked for assistance with enhancing her job skills and help with finding a new job, so she could gain independence and achieve job success. AFWD’s youth program is designed to provide youth client activities which include a variety of options for furthering their education and improving their job skills.
AFWD staff immediately assisted Jessica by providing her with Work Readiness and Job Search training. Within a short time, Jessica completed the training, her master employment application and resume, and was off and running with her job search.
Within two weeks, Jessica had a part time job with one of our local
employers Quincy Drug. Within five months, Jessica’s hours increased
to full time.
Jessica was able to get her own place, build her confidence, be independent,
and be proud of her accomplishments.
Congratulations to Jessica!
AFWD Staff Learn the Value of “Self Directed Search”
Used as an assessment tool for job seekers and youth, the Self Directed Search (SDS) is valuable in assisting individuals with their education and planning efforts. In order to understand the assessment tool, and when and how to use it, AFWD staff recently received training on administering the SDS. Athea M. Stephenson, AFWD Program Coordinator, facilitated the training, explaining that the SDS identifies an individual’s three letter work personality code from six work personality choices: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. Once an individual’s three letter code has been established, it can be matched with the two or three letter code of different occupations (for job search and career exploration) from the Dictionary of Holland Occupational Codes to enhance job satisfaction, thus job retention.
Athea presented all of the information in an interactive format that included staff completing their own SDS. She then showed everyone how to interpret the results and how to use the information to assist their clients.
“Thanks to Athea’s training, I will now be able to better
assist my clients in identifying careers that they may be most successful
in as well as enjoy,” stated Chris Mowbray, Career Center Advisor,
for AFWD. Thank you to Athea from all of the AFWD staff!
For further information on SDS please visit:
Rapid Response Team to the Rescue!
On September 10, 2008 the Rapid Response Team facilitated
a Rapid Response orientation for the employees of American Valley Aviation.
During the Rapid Response, the laid off workers
were in attendance to learn about the job employment services available
to them because of the closure.
Their last scheduled day of work was September 12th, 2008.
Wayne Bienkowski of the Employment Development Department presented
an overview of unemployment insurance and
benefits. He also explained the availability of California Training
Benefits (CTB) and answered employee’s questions
regarding UI and CTB and then met with individuals one-on-one to review
estimated benefits and to assist them with the
unemployment application process.
Chris Sullivan, Program Manager for the AFWD then gave an overview
of Workforce Investment Act (WIA) services provided by Alliance For
Workforce
Development, Inc. She explained that various WIA services are designed
for those employees that lose their jobs due to a
business closure. She discussed job search assistance, resume and interview
assistance, specific job skills upgrading,
and supportive services. The goal of AFWD’s services is to make
the transition between jobs as smooth and brief as possible.
At the conclusion of the orientation, the laid off employees and AVA
management thanked EDD and AFWD for their assistance in this difficult
time.
Additional Rapid Response services were provided to Plumas County and Sierra Pacific Industries. More detailed information will be available during the next quarterly report.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
October 9- Sexual Harassment Prevention Workshop