Advancing workforce and economic development in Bucks County | April 2022 |
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A Message from Our Executive Director |
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There is no better time than National County Government Month in April to celebrate how essential local government functions touch the lives of Bucks County residents each day. Workforce and Economic Development (WED) is at the forefront of strengthening a strong local economy, connecting Bucks employers with a skilled workforce, and supporting small businesses. Our work aims to increase economic opportunities, prepare the county's workforce to gain the skills they need, and advance equitable conditions for all to compete in the 21st-century economy.
The County of Bucks, in collaboration with PA CareerLink ® Bucks County, will host its career fair on April 27 at the Administrative Building in Doylestown. Hiring managers from eight departments will be onsite to discuss open positions that help our residents and communities thrive. Career seekers are encouraged to bring extra resumes, dress for an interview, and ask questions.
The U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance and Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention are supporting Second Chance Month this month to help individuals, communities, and agencies across the country recognize the importance of reentry and their role in supporting safe and successful reentry—building second chances. At the local level, we support the Bucks County Reentry Coalition's mission to prepare returning citizens for employment and life after release by connecting them with services upon their release. With the success of the Behind the Walls initiative, additional employers are expected to participate in job recruitment events later this year.
Throughout the month and yearlong, WED is grateful for support from Bucks County and the innovative leaders who make significant investments in human services to help residents achieve their fullest potential and create pathways to economic opportunity and self-sufficiency.
Sincerely,
Billie F. Barnes
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Bucks County Career Fair: Find Opportunities in Local Government
Join us beginning at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, 2022, to learn more about career opportunities with the County of Bucks. Personnel from eight departments will be onsite at the Administration Building in Doylestown to discuss full-time, part-time, and seasonal positions.
Participating departments include Emergency Services, Parks and Recreation, Board of Elections, Information Technology, Children and Youth, Neshaminy Manor, Corrections, and General Services, all of which are looking to hire. A full list of open positions is available at buckscounty.gov.
The County of Bucks takes pride in being one of the largest employers in the region that offer great benefits and a competitive compensation package, including:
- Competitive salary
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage
- Generous annual leave and vacation
- Pension and retirement savings, vested after five years
- Basic Life & AD&D Insurance
- AFLAC Income Protection Plans
- Pet Insurance
- Bucks County Credit Union
- PA 529 Plan, College Savings Program
- Health and wellness support
Career seekers can enter to win one of five $25.00 AMEX gift Cards, and the first 100 to join us enjoy a complimentary dinner. All are encouraged to bring plenty of resumes, dress in interview-ready attire, and ask questions about positions of interest. Free event parking will be available in the Bucks County Parking Garage located between Doyle and Union streets.
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Workforce & Economic Development News |
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The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance, and Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention invite you to Second Chance Month live learning events throughout April. Offerings cover a range of topics essential to successful reentry, including reentry basics, education, employment, housing, behavioral health, youth and young adults, family engagement and community engagement, and evaluation and sustainability. Read more
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Bucks County’s Board of Commissioners awarded $4.8 million to small businesses in the county’s latest round of recovery grants. The commissioners approved the grants on March 2 during their regular public meeting. Spread over 785 business in 46 municipalities, the grants vary in size from $2,000 to $30,000, and are intended to help businesses cope with the negative economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. A full recipient list will be posted to the county’s COVID-19 Economic Resources Portal. Read more
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In Episode 4 of Bucks County Conversations, we chat with the department that handles everything from land development to household hazardous waste to rail trail connections, as well as interactive, informational maps on our website. The commission is currently planning for the future of the county with their Bucks2040 comprehensive plan. Later, we head out to West Rockhill Township, where their township buildings are powered by a small field of solar panels, a first in Pennsylvania. Read more
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This spring, the Bucks County Transportation Management Authority (TMA) is working with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation on a survey to gather information from Bucks County commuters who use Interstate-95. The survey is completely anonymous and will help TMA Bucks collect information on residents' commuting habits that will help PennDOT plan future construction and outreach related to I-95 reconstruction projects. Read more
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Meet Our Board Member: Dr. Benjamin E. Rusiloski
The Bucks County Workforce Development Board welcomes Dr. Benjamin E. Rusiloski as the newest member of its Board of Directors. Dr. Rusiloski is Delaware Valley University’s (DelVal) fourteenth president, having assumed the role in October of 2021, and has served DelVal for more than 27 years. He also led the launch of the university’s nationally-recognized experiential learning program, Experience360. The program, which has become a hallmark of a DelVal education, uses real-world experiences and employer feedback to prepare students for success as young professionals.
Dr. Rusiloski’s journey with higher education began at DelVal in 1994, when he joined the university as an assistant professor of chemistry. Since then, he has served as a professor, chaired two academic departments, served as dean of the School of Life and Physical Sciences, served as vice president for Academic Affairs and dean of Faculty, and served as interim president.
A longtime resident of Doylestown, Dr. Rusiloski continues to serve the community where he lives and works. He looks forward to positioning DelVal for a successful future.
Connect with DelVal on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube to learn about the university and on-campus community events, including A-Day on April 22-24, 2022. An agricultural showcase dating back to 1949, A-Day celebrates the hard work and dedication of DelVal students. Since 2004, A-Day has been part of the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs. Members of the university and local community are invited to enter their food items, artwork, or handicrafts for judging at the fair. |
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Career Seeker Success Story: Erica
While participating in the Employment, Advancement and Retention Network (EARN) program at PA CareerLink® Bucks County, Erica expressed interest in pursuing training options to enhance her employability. Having worked as a bartender for most of her career, Erica recognized the need to gain a marketable skill that would lead to employment in a growing industry. Within one week of referral to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program, she was enrolled.
Erica wanted to learn more about the medical industry and how to become a certified nursing assistant. WIOA staff then connected her with an On-the-Job Training (OJT) opportunity at Attleboro Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for a personal care assistant position that provided training to become a certified nursing assistant. Read more
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Local Business Spotlight: The Pineville Tavern
Since 1742, the Pineville Tavern has served the Greater Philadelphia area, making it one of the country’s oldest continuously operating taverns. The Abruzzese family purchased the Pineville Tavern in 1989 and have subsequently flourished the brand with strategic additions to the property, an elevated menu, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
As this landmark establishment prepares to celebrate its 280th birthday, it has just completed a new outdoor dining area enclosed in an expertly crafted greenhouse full of beautiful plants. At just under 2,000 square feet with seats for 80 guests, the Garden is equipped with advanced design technology to synchronize ventilation and climate control, making it a year-round outdoor dining destination. Read more
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Resources for Businesses & Career Seekers |
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