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March 2020
News & Opportunities
Workforce News - Recruitments - Job Fairs - Funding - Workshops - Community Events - And More!
Who We Are
The  Chenango-Delaware-Otsego Workforce is the agency to link employers with workers, and workers with the resources they need to develop their careers.

We offer a wealth of information & free services for both businesses and job seekers. Please visit our website for an overview of our services-- and contact us to find out how we can help! 


An American Job Center
There is never a charge for our services.
Free Workshops
CDO Workforce offers free workshops every month!

You can brush up on your computer skills; create or fine-tune your resume; learn about ADA & disclosure; get support from a Veteran Counselor; get interviewing practice and lots more.

CDO Workforce Business Survey
Businesses: Please Take Our Workforce Development Survey
Your feedback will not only help to inform us about your workforce needs, it will give us and our partners the information we need to create a working blueprint to address the business needs of Chenango, Delaware and Otsego counties as a whole, which is so crucial to improving service delivery.

We appreciate your help!

Program & Partner News
Pictured: (back row) Sarah Lopez, DOL Labor Services Rep., Jim Howard, DOL Labor Services Rep., Congressman Antonio Delgado, Chris White, DOL Associate Commissioner, Beth Kilts, Otsego Co. Employment & Training Counselor, Alan Sessions, CDO Disability Resource Coordinator, Mary Jane Kelley, DOL Workforce Programs Specialist, Cheri Hess, Supervising Labor Services Rep., Bhala Jones, CDO Front Desk Clerk, Cameron McMicken, Broome-Tioga DOL Business Services Rep.
(front row) Cheyanne Shelly, CDO Program Assistant , Penny Seeger, Otsego Co. Associate Employment and Training Coordinator, and Kathy DeAngelo, Otsego Co. Sr. Employment & Training Counselor
Congressman Antonio Delgado
Discusses Workforce Development at Oneonta Career Center
U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) recently visited the Chenango-Delaware-Otsego Workforce Oneonta Career Center, meeting with workforce center leadership and clients and discussing his efforts in Congress to support workforce development programs.

"Today, I toured CDO Workforce in Oneonta to see the work they do to prepare students for the modern workforce," Congressman Delgado said in a Facebook post. "I recently introduced the Gateway to Careers Act which will help ensure our young people are given every opportunity to succeed and develop a skill set that can lead to employment."

In a press release , Congressman Delgado said, “I’m thankful to the folks at CDO Workforce for the robust discussion and hands-on look at the critical work they do to connect their clients with jobs and the skills necessary for the modern economy—especially helping our veterans find employment when they return from service.  

“Workforce development programs are essential to growing the upstate economy, and I am deeply committed to enhancing career and technical education programs across our district to ensure young people are given every opportunity to succeed. This is why I introduced the Gateway to Careers Act, which would support organizations that help connect students enrolled in community college and career and technical education (CTE) programs, like CDO Workforce, with social services. By making sure that students have access to health care, childcare and transportation services, we can help ensure that they will be able to acquire the credentials needed for good paying jobs and fill critical gaps in our upstate workforce.”

The Gateway to Careers Act will create a career pathway grant program that would fund partnerships between community or technical colleges and workforce development partners such as state workforce development boards, industry associations, and community-based organizations. These programs would support efforts to offer wrap around services including child care, opioid addiction treatment, transportation, and other forms of assistance for community college and career and technical education (CTE) students.


Photo Courtesy Congressman Antonio Delgado
Photos from the Sidney Job Fair at the American Legion - February 20th
"The Sidney Job Fair was a great success, says Maggie Gilbert, Assistant Director-CDO Workforce-Delaware County. "We had over 130 job seekers, 14 businesses and 2 agencies. Every single business I spoke to said they were very pleased with the people who attended. We had excellent feedback from the job seekers and many interviews were scheduled as a result of the fair."

Photos Courtesy Maggie Gilbert

YOUR VOICE IS IMPORTANT
An Invitation to Share Your Thoughts About The
Integrated Resource Team Toolkit


Staff at CDO Workforce New York have been working with partners across New York State to empower young New Yorkers with disabilities to build Integrated Resource Teams that will help them transition into successful careers.
Can you help us make that project successful?  
 
A draft Integrated Resource Team Toolkit will be open for community review and comment very soon. Sign up now to be sent a link to the toolkit. Once it arrives, take a few minutes to look it over and tell us what you think; we'll even send you a list of questions you can use to guide your feedback. 
 
Are you ready to be among the first to look at the resources, success stories, suggestions, and tools we've collected?

Please sign up now to be emailed the toolkit link when it's ready for review. Just e-mail your contact information to cdoworkforce@gmail.com.

We are looking forward to your input and suggestions!
Pictured: Tylena Daniels, Jerry Kriener, Barb Hollings, Bill Haines, Josh Haines, Kathy Dicks, Teresa Palmer and Avis Buckley. (All staff contributed to the food drive but not everyone was available for the photo.)
CDO Workforce Participates in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Food Drive

CDO Workforce Norwich Office collected 135 lbs. of food this year for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Food Drive. They donated the food to the Catholic Charities of Chenango County Roots & Wings Program.

Photos Courtesy Cheri Hess
CDO Workforce Oneonta: Mini Job Fair Success!

On Tuesday, February 18th Oneonta CDO Workforce held a mini job fair at their offices on 12 Dietz Street.

Some 42 job seekers attended the job fair and six businesses participated: Mirabito, Price Chopper, Bassett Healthcare, Springbrook, Astrocom, and The Arc Otsego. Congressman Antonio Delgado was also on-hand to talk to local businesses and witness the great turnout for this "Mini Job Fair" event. 

Jobs available included part-time grocery work, Direct Support Professionals, CNA, Support Aides, Teaching Assistants, Production Assemblers, Lab Assistants, and Store Managers.

Businesses plan to make possibly up to nine job offers from the job fair!

Price Chopper has offered local youth the opportunity to tour their store and will provide job readiness presentations about dynamic interviewing skills and how to complete an awesome job interviews.

CDO Workforce staff are ready to assist all job seekers with on-line applications for these businesses and more!

Photos courtesy Penny Seeger
National Dislocated Worker Grant Success!


Katie and Erin are participants in the National Dislocated Worker Grant (NDWG) program. They started their journey to become Certified Recovery Peer Advocates (CRPAs) less than one year ago.

Both ladies successfully completed the Recovery Coach Academy 30-Hour training and the Ethics 16-Hour. They were then eligible to apply for the CRPA-P (Provisional).

Upon completion of 500 supervised hours, Erin was then able to take the CRPA exam. She successfully completed in December 2019 and continued to work part-time as Senior Peer Advocate. She holds her credential and has recently been offered a promotional opportunity at Center for Life and Recovery (CFLR) as Recovery Coordinator. Erin continues to seek out more training opportunities to help her advance in her career.

Katie currently has her CRPA-P and is working towards completing her required hours. She too is employed at CFLR. She has been working part-time as a Peer Advocate since August 2019. Katie was recently promoted to Senior Peer Advocate and offered full time employment at CFLR. Outside of work hours, she conducts weekly recovery group meetings at Our Savior Lutheran Church called “HOPE” (Healing Opportunities in Projects of Engagement). The classes address the 4 Pillars of Recovery. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA, these four pillars are health, home, purpose and community. It is quite impressive how many people attend her class weekly. 

"We are so proud of the accomplishments of these two remarkable ladies," says Program Director Veronica Miller. "They have the passion, commitment, and desire to assist others with their recovery goals and have definitely made an impact in our community. Thank you for everything you do each and every day."

Photo courtesy Katie Burns
Workforce Events & Opportunities
Job Fair at DCMO BOCES Chenango Campus


The DCMO BOCES Chenango campus invites organizations throughout New York State to recruit their talented students!

The 2020 Job Fair is scheduled for Thursday, March 26th, from 12:00-2:00 p.m. in the gymnasium.

Southside Mall Seasonal Mini Job Fair

When: Friday, March 20th
2:00pm - 4:00pm

Where: Southside Mall
5006 State Highway 23
Oneonta, NY 13820

Meet with Major Businesses from the local area!

Job openings in Retail, Manufacturing, Hospitality, Service, Trades and Government

Many Seasonal job opportunities.

Businesses are eager to hire!

No Appointment Necessary.
Dress for success.
Bring plenty of resumes.
Notary Public Workshop
at SUNY Delhi

SUNY Delhi will be offering a Notary Public Workshop on campus, March 10, 2020, from
9am to 1pm.

This workshop prepares individuals for the NYS Notary test, provides a comprehensive view of the Notary Public Office, and gives examples of situations that the Notary Publics are likely to encounter.

Participants must pre-register before March 4, 2020. No walk-ins will be allowed.

For more information contact The Office of Outreach & Workforce Development at 607-746-4545, visit delhi.edu or email outreach@delhi.edu.

Cost per person is $139.
Are you actively participating in any of these certificate or degree programs?
 
• High School Equivalency or National EDP 
 
• Advanced Manufacturing
 
• Healthcare
 
• The Trades
 
The Career Pathways III Program wants to help you!
 
Eligible participants can receive up to $1000 in supportive services after obtaining their program certificate.
 
(Note: 60 hours of classroom time is required for eligibility. Must meet residency, age & income requirements.)
 
Otsego County Chamber of Commerce Job Fair Expo in Oneonta

When: Tues., March 31st
1:00pm - 4:00pm

Where: Oneonta Quality Inn
5206 NY-23, Oneonta, NY 13820

This is for all Job Opportunities: part time, full time, special events, internships and volunteering opportunities as well.

Businesses/Organizations:
"This is a great way to reach out to the community and let potential employees know what you are looking for."

For questions and more information please contact Barbara Ann Heegan: baheegan@otsegocc.com

Learn More/Registration Form - Deadline for a business/organization to register is Friday, March 6th.
Stay in touch--
Get Notified When we Post New Events and Opportunities on our Website

Want to know about new job fairs, learning & training opportunities and other upcoming events throughout the month?

Hospital Jobs Event
Explore Hospital Jobs at "Hospital 101" at DCMO BOCES

The public is invited to attend “Hospital 101” on the evening of Thursday, MARCH 12, 2020, at the SUNY Morrisville Campus located at 20 Conkey Avenue, Norwich, NY.

This FREE event, including a buffet dinner, will help you explore local hospital jobs, and learn how to prepare for these opportunities.  

Reservations are required by FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Spotlight on Workers with Disabilities
Seeking Youth with Disabilities, ages 18 – 24
Virtual Job Shadow Pilot

We are looking for youth volunteers to help us learn more about how to use Virtual Job Shadow (VJS) - a new software program. 

What will you have to do?
• Participate in an orientation on how to use the Software program
• Participate in approximately four hours of on-line activities and one or more sessions completing the “Pilot

Lesson Plan that consists of seven activities using the software tools and including a pre and post survey to learn how much you learned about your career goals from using the software.

The software is designed to help:
1. Improve awareness of careers
2. Discover what jobs are available
3. Assessment of personal interests, skills and talents
4. How to apply for jobs that match your current skills; or how to gain the education and training necessary to match your interests

Accommodations are available. The pilot project is set up as a self-directed lesson that consists of seven activities so once you learn how to log into the software, you can continue at your own pace to complete the seven activities. You can also use the many software tools on your own as well.

Employment counselors will be available to answer questions, and offer guidance. The project runs to April 23, 2020. We encourage you to apply to be part of this project.
• Apply through your employment counselor.
• Time commitment: 4 hours virtual, two brief meetings to start and finish.

For more information, contact youth counselor in your area:
Josh Haines (Norwich) 607-334-2201 x 100
Jen Mitchell (Sidney-Delhi) 607-832-5784
Kathy DeAngelo (Oneonta) 607-432-4800 x 113
Alan Sessions (Oneonta) 607-432-4800, Ext. 109 
at 607-432-4800 x 109 or e-mail: cdoworkforce@gmail.com for more information.
Work Incentive Practitioner for Youth Services

Work Incentive Practitioners provide confidential services to people with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). They educate beneficiaries on how employment will affect their public benefits such as SSI, SSDI, Medicare, Medicaid, subsidized housing and food stamps.

To make an appointment please call the CDO Workforce Center in Oneonta at 607-432-4800.

Resources for
Job Seekers


_____

"It is our hope that the stories, advice, and resources shared here become a source of support for people engaged in the job and hiring process for individuals with autism."
______

ABLE Webinar Archives

Have you seen the ABLE webinar archives?

ADA & Disclosure Workshop

When: Tues., March 10th
10:00am - 11:00am

Where: Oneonta CDO Workforce
12 Dietz St., Oneonta, NY


Learn about your employment rights as protected under the Americans With Disabilities Act. Discussion will include your right to choose if you want to disclose your disability, when to disclose, how to disclose, and how to request an accommodation.

Have You Seen Our Library?

Along with more than a dozen helpful resources our website's Hiring Workers with Disabilities page, did you know we have a library of informative articles & news stories ?

Here's a sample of what you can read:

>How accommodating workers with autism benefits employers - and all of us

>Manufacturing Talent is Out There - You Just Need to Know Where to Look

>4 Ways to Improve Your Company's Disability-Inclusion Practices

>What companies gain by including persons with disabilities

>Why Hiring People With Disabilities Is Good for Business

>What It's Like to be a Blind Software Engineer at Amazon

Go HERE to view.

Check out our CDO Workforce Disability Employment Initiative FACEBOOK PAGE - for more disability-related articles, news & resources

...And please Like & Share to help us get the word out about this great resource...Thank you!
Workforce News - Job Seeker Tips - Resources
Expert: There are More Manufacturing Jobs, And They Pay Better

See the article on Page 2 of the Allotsego News special edition of: "The Jobs Scene." Featuring interviews with CDO Workforce Disability Resource Coordinator Alan Sessions and Otsego County Labor Market Analyst Christian Harris.


#ConsiderACareerInManufacturing

What's Happening After Your Interview?

____

7 Mistakes That Can Derail a Job Interview

5 Things Hiring Managers Wish You'd Do at an Interview

"So you polished your resume, crafted a standout cover letter, and landed an interview—great! Now’s your chance to shine..."


Explore Careers Outside a 4-Year Degree

NYATEP Comments
on the 2020-2023
WIOA State Plan

NYATEP submitted comments on the 2020-2023 WIOA State Plan.


Big Year Ahead for Cuomo's Child Care
Task Force


Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation Enacting Sweeping New Workplace Harassment Protections


  • Eliminates Restriction that Harassment be "Severe or Pervasive" in Order for it to Be Legally Actionable

  • Mandates That All Employment Contract NDAs Include Language Allowing Employees to File a Complaint of Harassment or Discrimination

  • Extends Statute of Limitations for Employment Sexual Harassment Claims Filed from One Year to Three Years

  • Key Component of the Governor's 2019 Women's Justice Agenda


Community Events & Opportunities
Free To All

Receive free goods at the Norwich YMCA
every third Thursday from 6:30-7:30 PM on :
March 19th, April 16th, May 16th, June 18th,
July 16th, August 20th, September 17th, October 15th, November 19th, December 17th.

Items may include but not limited to:
• Hygiene items (toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)
• Sandwiches
• Hot dishes (chili, crockpot meals, casseroles)
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Water bottles, coffee, tea, etc.
• Socks, hats, mittens (new or homemade)

Sponsored by Helping Hands
Cornell Cooperative Extension announces
4-H Summer Camp - Scholarship Applications due by March 31st


The Chenango County 4-H Leaders/Volunteers Association announces that the 2020 Scholarship Application for summer camp is now available.

This scholarship will help defray the cost for Chenango County 4-H members to attend a summer 4-H camp. 

Scholarship Applications are due to the Leaders/Volunteer Association by March 31. 
CDO Workforce Program & Incentive Highlights
On-The-Job Training
The CDO Workforce New York One-Stop System has On-the-Job Training (OJT) Funds available. 

The OJT funding provides companies with an incentive to hire and train individuals who lack the specific skills or experience for a job. 

OJT is appropriate for occupations where classroom training is not suitable and for which specific job skills can be learned by a worker while engaged in useful work. 

This program is for full-time (at least 32 hours per week) employment and cannot be used for seasonal, commission, or 1099 employment opportunities.
 
Business OJT users apply their own methods to teach workers the new skills necessary for successful employment within their company, while the trainee is performing productive tasks. 

OJT contracts can be written up to $2,000 per trainee depending on amount of training provided.
 
For more information regarding grants and other CDO Workforce Business Servicescontact:  Tylena Daniels at (607)-334-2201 X 128 /   Tylena.Daniels@labor.ny.gov  OR April Feyh at  (607)-832-5782 /   april.feyh@co.delaware.ny.us
New Hire Training and Existing Employee Training
New Hire Training (OJT): Intended to fund the on-the-job occupational skills training for newly hired workers in need of skill upgrade training for their job responsibilities immediately after hire.

Training that is provided under OJT is to participants who have been hired by the business. There should be a commitment by the business to retain the individual upon successful completion of the training.

Existing Employee Training (EET): Intended to provide occupational skills training to existing employees who are in low and middle-skills occupations, leading to job advancement and retention. 

If you are interested in learning more, please contact:
David Croston
Business Services Representative
New York State Department of Labor
(607) 778-3004 / david.croston@labor.ny.gov
New York Youth Jobs Program
The New York Youth Jobs Program encourages businesses to hire unemployed, disadvantaged youth, ages 16 to 24, who live in New York State. This program helps make it easier for youth to find a job and career training path. 

For program year 2020, businesses can earn tax credits of up to $7,500 for eligible youth starting work between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020.  
 
Businesses in Chenango, Delaware or Otsego County who would like to participate in this program must apply before November 30, 2020.

If you are interested in participating in this program, please contact:
David Croston, Business Services Representative
New York State Department of Labor
(607) 778-3004
Trailing Partner Initiative
Dear Regional Employer Partner,

Have you ever had the experience of having the perfect recruit apply for a position with your company only to have the prospective employee decide to reject your offer due to concerns about opportunities both personal and professional for their partner?

Let us help you negotiate that dilemma. 

With our extensive knowledge of local businesses, schools and non-profits we will often be able to suggest that place where a partner might find that “perfect fit” based on their skills, experiences and personal goals. We are in contact with regional employers every day and find that middle management and executive level jobs often go unadvertised locally due to the perception that there is no one to fill them. We also find that employers will create a job if presented with someone with a set of skills that can improve their business.

Together we can turn this problem into an opportunity!

For additional information please contact Maggie Gilbert, CDO Workforce at (607) 832-5781 or maggie.gilbert@co.delaware.ny.us 
CDO Workforce Disability Employment Resources
Programs & Learning
Bassett Healthcare







ACCES-VR assists individuals with disabilities to prepare for, achieve and maintain employment through training, education, rehabilitation, and career development
More Resources
Please visit out our website and Facebook Page for more...
Check out our website for more valuable resources and articles.

You can visit our website's blog (on our front page) throughout the month to see new events and opportunities.

We post them on our Facebook page too--along with the most recent local job openings and partner news. Please "Like" our page and share our posts.

Thank you!


Happy March!
Next Month's Issue:
Do you have something you'd like to share? Something for the calendar? An announcement, community news, program news, staff news, success story or personal achievement? Photos are always welcome! Please email  Jodi Delapaz, Communications Coordinator,
This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. This product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it.