September 2020
News & Opportunities
Workforce News - Funding - Virtual Workshops and 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.
CDO Workforce Virtual Services and In-Person Services by Appointment
"We're Here For You."

Click the county that you reside in to learn more and request services:



Opioid/Dislocated Worker Grant
Opioid National Dislocated Worker Grant
Meet Project Director Veronica Miller

Veronica is responsible for implementing program services in in the Mohawk Valley. She works with individuals that have been affected by the Opioid epidemic to assist with training, employment, and support.

“This program is instrumental in our community, and allows eligible dislocated workers an opportunity to explore training programs and career pathways, as they move towards recovery and rebuild their lives,” Veronica says.

Our mission: Use innovative approaches to address the economic and workforce-related impacts of the opioid epidemic, and provide training and support activities to dislocated workers (including displaced homemakers), new entrants to the workforce, and incumbent workers, including individuals in these populations who are or who have been impacted by the opioid crisis.

Our Vision is to:
Counter the negative employment impacts of the opioid crisis and encourage training opportunities, including skilled professions that can address the underlying causes of the crisis.

Eligible Participants:
  • Must be a Dislocated Worker (DW)
  • Must be an Unemployed or significantly underemployed individual
  • Must reside in Herkimer county, Madison county, Oneida county or Otsego County
  • Must be interested in employment and training

Support Services and/or Training:
  • Certificate Training Programs (Employer recognized or Industry recognized credentials)
  • Help Getting Your High School Equivalency (formerly GED)
  • Pre-apprenticeships and Apprenticeships
  • On-The-Job Training Opportunities
  • Certified Peer Advocate Training (CRPA), Recovery Coach Training
  • Entry-level Health Care (PCA, HHA, CNA, Medical Assistant)
  • Career Counseling, Career Planning
  • Transportation (Bus passes)
  • And other free services,such as tests fees, training-related application fees, recertifications, and tools

Contact Veronica:

Phone: 315-798-5537

CDO Workforce & Partner News
Success! CDO Workforce Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) Conference

On August 13th, 2020, CDO Workforce DEI initiative hosted the virtual conference: Road Map to an Inclusive Workforce - Addressing Youth with Disabilities, Career Pathways, and Employment. More than 60 stakeholders participated in the live interactive event, with many more joining us on Facebook Live.

The conference was kicked off by welcoming remarks from Alan Gallagher, Supervisor, New York State Department of Labor, Pat Dowse, Independent Consultant, and Michael LaBonte, Disability Employment Initiative Round 8 Federal Project Officer, United States Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration.

Executive Director, Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region and Conference Facilitator Janine Kruiswijk followed with a Keynote presentation on Bridging the Gaps in Employment for Youth with Disabilities.

Next up Danielle DiMare of Change Impact presented YourDreamYourTeam.com, our comprehensive toolkit that helps job seekers with disabilities along their career path, as well as the families and organizations that support them.

A expert panel then discussed Sustaining Workforce Development for Youth with Disabilities. Panel members included:
  • Joshua Lupo (Owner, Employment Support Professionals, LLC )
  • Janine Kruiswijk (Executive Director, Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region)
  • Maureen O’Brien (New York State Industries for the Disabled Inc.)
  • Andy Sink (New York State Office of Mental Health)
  • Ellice Switzer (Cornell University)
  • A Youth Representative

Next up was Dane Jennings of Catapult Games, who presented Promising Practice – The Role of Virtual Reality in Employment Supports and Services. Followed by John Robinson, Chief Executive Officer, Our Ability Inc., who spoke in the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Workforce Development for People with Disabilities.

The conference concluded with thoughts, remarks and personal experiences from Disability Resource Coordinator Kathy DeAngelo and Alan Gallagher.

Conference participants praised the event, saying: "Very informative!" ; "Awesome!"; "Excellent!"

We invite you to watch the recorded conference and see the agenda HERE

And we also invite you to check out the helpful resources on YourDreamYourTeam.com
Otsego Chamber Holds Drive-Thru Job Fair

Otsego County Chamber of Commerce hosted their first ever Drive Thru Job Fair on Thursday, August 13th, at Oneonta Outlaws parking lot. The event featured 23 Employers, and 75 job seekers attended.

Chamber President/CEO Barbara Ann Heegan says employers raved about the event, saying this was the best Job Fair they have ever been to with the new concept as a DRIVE Thru. The employers were busy the entire time.


There are plans for another Job Fair! We will keep you posted.
Free Learning Opportunity
Free Online Skills Training
Set yourself up for success!

With more than 5,000 courses to choose from, you can:

  • Gain new skills
  • Keep current skills fresh
  • Help your resume stand out
  • Prepare for re-entry into a new job market

This online learning platform is available for free to all businesses and residents of Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Herkimer, Madison, and Oneida, NY, counties.

Take courses at your own pace and set yourself up for success!

Everything You Need to Vote
Register to vote. Check your registration status. Get your absentee ballot. Fast, free, easy, secure, nonpartisan. 
You can get all the information you need for voting in person, registering and getting an absentee ballot and more HERE
Unemployment Benefits
ICYMI from the New York State Department of Labor:

Use of a VPN or internet anonymizer service will cause problems with your ability to apply or certify for benefits. Before you apply online or submit your weekly certifications, turn off these services on your device.
Report Fraud

The DOL urges anyone who has received an official communication about unemployment benefits — like a monetary determination letter — but did not apply for unemployment benefits, to immediately report it to the DOL at on.ny.gov/uifraud.
Workforce Events & Opportunities
5 Hour Licensing in Virtual, Real-Time!

The 5 Hour Pre-License course is available in a virtual format, in real-time with a live instructor.
Complete the program from your own home or office space!

For Upcoming Fall Dates Registration & Information Contact:
Madison-Oneida BOCES Continuing Education
Call (315)361-5800
Job Fairs in September
Delaware County Chamber

"WE’RE HIRING" Job Fairs during the week of September 14th at the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce.

  • Monday, September 14th: Manufacturing and Industry
  • Tuesday, September 15th: Tourism and Hospitality
  • Wednesday, September 16th: Healthcare and Human Services
  • Thursday, September 17th: Retail, Agriculture, and Construction
  • Friday, September 18th: Professional Services


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.)
 
Raymond is Hiring!
Drive Thru Job Fair

Staffworks will be holding a Drive Thru Job Fair on Thursday, September 10th, 2pm-6pm at the Raymond Corporation parking lot in Greene.

CDO Workforce Mentoring Services

In collaboration with the Autism Society of the Greater Capital Region, CDO Workforce now provides mentoring services to eligible participants of the Out-Of-School Youth Program, as well as youth with a disability (ages 16 to 24).

CareerScope: Aptitude
and Interest Assessments

DYK that CDO offers aptitude and interest assessments for all job seekers, including youth with disabilities, veterans and other underserved populations?

Spotlight on Workers with Disabilities
This free, comprehensive toolkit helps job seekers with a disabilities along their career path, and the families and communities that support them.
Have you seen all the helpful worksheets that are available for job seekers on YourDreamYourTeam?

You can download them in Word or PDF.



“From Alan’s wonderful opening, to the walk through of the toolkit, to hearing the success stories and best practices from the DRCs in using the tool and IRT model, to the end of the presentation, which was no end but a continuation of this work to ensure access and a more inclusive workforce system...Your project has provided a road map and supports that will continue to reap fruit for people with disabilities for years to come”

-Laura Gleneck, Division Director for Employment, National Disability Institute (NDI)
CDO Workforce Seeks Adults, Youth and Youth with Disabilities
Who Want to Explore Careers

Use the Virtual Job Shadow Program in the comfort of your own home.

The software program is designed to help:

1. Improve awareness about careers

2. Assessment of personal interests, skills and talents

3. Discover what jobs match your interests and talents

4. Learn about those careers through watching videos

5. Discover the education and training necessary to enter these career fields

5. How to apply for jobs that match your interests and talents

For more information or to sign-up, please e-mail your contact information to: cdoworkforce@gmail.com
Building an Inclusive Workforce
A Four-Step Reference Guide to Recruiting, Hiring,
and Retaining Employees with Disabilities

"While research shows that people with disabilities make excellent employees, not all employers know how to effectively recruit, retain, and advance individuals with disabilities.

That’s where this booklet can help. It provides a quick outline of four simple steps to increasing workforce inclusion, complete with web links to resources available to help businesses benefit from the talents of qualified individuals with disabilities."

STEP 1 - Embrace Inclusive Strategies
STEP 2 - Create an Inclusive Culture
STEP 3 - Recruit and Hire
STEP 4 - Retain and Advance Employees

Visit https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/odep/pdf/odep_flipguide_2019_508.pdf for information on the 4 step process, along with resources and links for Federal Agencies.

This tool was developed by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). To learn more about DOL’s efforts to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities, visit ODEP’s website at dol.gov/odep






Have questions about ABLE Accounts?

ABLE accounts are a tax-advantaged savings account for individuals with disabilities.

Go here to see answers to Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.ablenrc.org/frequently-asked-questions/

To learn more, visit the ABLE National Resource Center: www.ablenrc.org or e-mail Disability Resource Coordinator (DRC) Alan Sessions at cdoworkforce@gmail.com or
DRC Kathy DeAngelo at deangelok@otsegocounty.com
New York ABLE Accounts
Free Webinar

September 15, 2020
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Financial Capability and Asset Building: Achievements, Challenges,
and Next Steps Virtual Event

The Center for Social Development at Washington University in St. Louis and the Financial Social Work Initiative at the University of Maryland School of Social Work are hosting the Financial Capability and Asset Building: Achievements, Challenges and Next Steps (2020–2025) convening.

This two-part virtual convening will bring together scholars and educators to examine contributions in research, education, and practice; discuss challenges, and map out an FCAB agenda for the next five years. It aims to advance FCAB in research, education, practice and strengthen networks among FCAB scholars, educators, professional associations, and funders.

Date: September 24, 2020 and February 25, 2021
Location: Virtual Conference

The National Disability Institute's Financial Resilience Center has posted helpful new COVID-19 resources and news updates.
Including: 

  • Need to Check the Status of Your Economic Impact Payment? 
  • How to Open a Bank Account Online.
  • How to Avoid Coronavirus Scams.
  • COVID-19 Disability Survey Results. 

JAN’s COVID-19 page has been updated to offer new information and resources on evolving disability employment-related issues.

Webinar: A Guide for Families to Understanding Supports & Services Administered by OPWDD

Date: Friday, September 18, 2020

Start Time: 12:00 PM | End Time: 1:15 PM

Contact: Tina Beauparlant Phone: 518-381-4350

Location: 
Webinar:

Event Cost: FREE

NYATEP Podcast: The Future Works - Episode 6 A Crisis Within A Crisis -
The Untapped Talent of
People with Disabilities

"This episode of The Future Works explores the unique challenges facing the community of providers supporting individuals with disabilities across New York and the uphill battle to get this untapped talent employed..."

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!
Tips & Resources for Job Seekers
Looking for a Job?
Use our Job Search Link located on our CDO Workforce website!

The Workforce Development Board (WDB) worked with Chmura/JobsEQ to create a target specific algorithm to display current job opportunities that are searchable by both county and job title.

This valuable resource allows you to input job titles and search available positions in real-time in six counties: Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Herkimer, Madison and Oneida. The resource also shows a running total of jobs currently available in each of these counties.  

How to use virtual career fairs
to find a job during the pandemic

Read the article at FastCompany --and get in touch with our career counselors at CDO Workforce, we're here to help!
New Career Cluster Videos

Exploring their career options?

CareerOneStop’s newly released career cluster / industry videos offer a fun and informative way to learn about major categories of work.

The first set of 16 videos highlights these popular career clusters:
  • Construction
  • Energy
  • Finance and Insurance
  • Health care
  • Hospitality and Tourism
  • Manufacturing
  • Telecommunications
  • Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics


More than 5,000 courses to choose from. You can start taking courses today...

Check out these Skill Tracks
that you can take for free on our

Skill tracks are designed to provide groupings of courses based on a particular topic. These course groupings will help you work on variety of basic and introductory skills:

  •  Basic Skills (28 courses)
  •  Business Skills (118 courses)
  •  Computer Skills (336 courses)
  •  Digital Literacy (15 courses)
  •  Healthcare (3 courses)
  •  Job Search/Career (9 courses)
  •  Manufacturing (24 courses)
  •  Retail/Service (9 courses)
  •  Spanish Tracks (8 courses)
Featured Job Opportunities
Morris Tent Rentals, Inc. - Laborer - Morris, NY
Job Description:
Morris Tent Rentals is in need of a laborer to help put up & take down tents for next 2 to 3 months. Business will train. Work is 9 months per year with winters off. Must be punctual, be able to do heavy lifting, and have a driver's license free of major violations such as DWI or DWAI. Work Days: Monday thru Friday (Full Time, Seasonal), Shift: First (Day).
To apply, call first 607-263-9916 and then apply in person at: 
Morris Tent Rentals 
26 Mill St. 
Morris NY 13808
 
The Otesaga Hotel - Line Cooks - Cooperstown, New York 
Job Description:  The Line Cook is responsible for the daily preparation of food items in the pantry, fry and/or stations or other areas of the kitchen. He/She prepares all items needed for service, from chopping vegetables to making sauces and butchering meat. At times, the Line Cook will be tasked to prepare items for another station or special event. In addition, the Line Cook cleans kitchen equipment, organizes produce delivery, trains new cooks and completes a nightly inventory. The ideal Line Cook candidate has a minimum of one year training and/or experience and is responsible to: Set up station according to restaurant guidelines Practice, monitor, and reinforce food safety procedures according to policy and health/sanitation regulations Follow recipes, portion controls, and presentation specifications as set by the restaurant Manage and maintain a safe working condition Restock all items as needed throughout shift. Duration: Full Time, Temporary until November with recall in April. Minimum Education Required: High School Diploma 
To apply, contact the employer by mail, by fax, or by email:
The Otesaga Hotel 
P.O. Box 311
60 Lake Street
Cooperstown, NY 13326 
Fax: Terri at (607) 544-2440 

Baillie Lumber - Lumber Stacker - Smyrna, New York
Job Description: Baillie Lumber located in Smyrna, N.Y., is seeking lumber stackers to work at their facility. This is an entry level position stacking lumber in a sawmill environment. This is a full-time position; first and second shift openings available. Minimum requirements: High school diploma or GED. Willing to accept a trainee. Must be able to work in a fast paced, physically demanding position. Must be able to work as part of a team with a focus on safety, efficiency and cooperation. Must have a strong work ethic and good attendance is required.Job Location:  6 Railroad Street, Smyrna, New York. Pay:  $12.25 - $14.00 Hourly. Full Time, Regular, Work Days:  Monday thru Friday 
Interested applicants should apply at https://baillie.workbrightats.com or email LLandahl@baillie.com Due to COVID restrictions, please do not apply in person. 
Business & Community Resources
Forward Together: Fueling New York's Economy Engine Virtual Fall Conference
An Interactive Virtual Event

"New York's economy has been reshaped, and the future ahead depends on our innovation. Join the New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals and NYS Economic Development Council for a virtual event, aimed at informing, inspiring and connecting you to national best practices, regional shifts and local collaborators."

Need Primary Healthcare but have Little or No Health Insurance?

The Oneonta Community Health Center (OCHC) provides free, compassionate primary health care to the uninsured and underinsured adults of Otsego and surrounding counties.

OCHC also helps eligible patients enroll in county, state or federal health insurance programs and obtain needed medications and advanced care.


For an appointment call: 607.433.0300
Transportation to Employment (TEP) Voucher Program


Getthere’s Transportation to Employment Program (TEP) provides short-term transportation assistance to individuals who are not able to afford the cost of transportation at the start of employment.

While individuals build their earnings to cover transportation costs, the TEP Coordinator works with each participant to identify and establish a long-term, sustainable plan to get to and from work.

TEP is a referral based program that works with employers, human service, and public workforce partners.

Helping restore hope to those suffering from domestic, sexual, or other violence in Chenango County.

Services provided:
  • Emergency Housing Assistance for Survivors
  • Crisis & Short Term Domestic Violence Survivor Counseling
  • Crisis & Short Term Assault Survivor Counseling
  • Information & Referrals
  • Advocacy with Legal Proceedings
  • Support Groups
  • Community Education & Training
  • NYS Crime Victims Assistance
  • Assistance with Family Court Petitions
  • Therapy Services
  • Sexual Assault Accompaniment

24/7 Toll Free Hotline:
1-855-966-9723

Sometimes, first aid isn't a bandage, or CPR, or the Heimlich, or calling 911.
Sometimes, first aid is YOU!


CDO Workforce Program & Incentive Highlights
**In-Person Workshops are suspended at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to serve job seekers and businesses by email, phone, and online.
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 September!
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,
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.