June 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.
Sidney & Delhi CDO Workforce Offices Open By Appointment
June 1st
"We are so excited to tell you that the CDO Workforce offices in Sidney and Delhi will be open to the public again starting June 1st by appointment only."

We can help you find your dream job. Maybe you need a resume or need to update your resume? Need help figuring what you want to do next? Start a new career or update our existing skills by taking free on-line courses.

Give us a call, WE can Help!!
Delhi: (607) 832-5777
Sidney: (607) 832-5776

**We hope to have similar news for our Oneonta and Norwich offices soon. We will continue to serve you virtually in these offices until then.
CDO Workforce Virtual Services
"We're Here For You."

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



Get a Leg Up with Our Free Online SkillUp® Metrix Learning!

For Job Seekers:

Metrix Learning® is available for free to all unemployed and underemployed residents of Chenango, Delaware, Herkimer, Madison,Oneida, and Otsego, NY, Counties.

This comprehensive learning platform offers more than 5,000 Soft Skills, Business, IT and other courses that can help set job seekers up for success. Job seekers can gain skills and keep current skills fresh, helping their resumes stand out and readying them for re-entry into a new job market.

Along with online skill training, the platform also offers career exploration tools, career pathways, job search tools, and assessments, giving job seekers a clear picture of where they are and what skills they need to gain to get them where they want to be.


For Businesses:

Having trouble finding qualified candidates? Looking to update your employees' skills?

CDO Workforce can help.

  • Workforce Survey: Share your recruitment and professional development challenges here.
  • Candidate Matching: Based on your desired skills, find candidates taking courses in our system.
  • In-Depth Consulting: Looking for help? We can meet with you to design hiring and training solutions.


CDO Workforce COVID-19 Resources
COVID-19 and Reopening Resources for Businesses and Job Seekers
We have added more COVID-19 Resources to our CDO Workforce website!

We add more resources frequently. You can subscribe to receive updates. Click the email icon at the top of the page, and type in your email address.

Success Story
National Dislocated Worker Grant (NDWG) Program Success Story
36 year old Brian “T.” was enrolled into the NDWG program in October 2019. He was referred by the drug and alcohol treatment agency Insight House. He was residing at the Parker House transitional living center, receiving public assistance, and on drug court, a specialized court docket program designed to put treatment and rehabilitation ahead of punishment.

Upon entering the NDWG program, Brian had already successfully completed the Weatherization Program offered by the Oneida County Employment and Training Department. Brian’s educational/vocational goal was to enter MVCC’s HVAC program in the Spring 2020 semester, with the understanding that it would take five semesters to complete. Brian hadn’t been in school for nearly 20 years.

Brian independently completed all the necessary paperwork to enroll in college, including the application and admission process, immunization records, FAFSA, and developing his schedule. The NDWG was able to provide tuition assistance and constant support throughout the semester. At the very beginning Brian told NDWG Project Director Veronica Miller, “I’m going really work hard and do whatever it takes to complete school and find a solid career.’

Throughout his first semester Brian worked closely with his MVCC completion coach, vocational advisor, financial aid advisor, college professors, and the Holistic Student Support Team of the New Directions Program. The New Directions Program was developed at MVCC to inspire returning citizens (formally incarcerated individuals) to reach their academic, career, and personal goals. They encourage students to rebuild their lives by offering hope and an opportunity to foster their imagination, passions, intellectual curiosity, and critical thinking.

Brian kept in contact with Veronica Miller throughout his entire first semester. He started classes on January, 22, 2020. He e-mailed her on March 4, 2020, stating that ‘he is halfway through the semester and had A’s in EVERY class!!!’ Then the COVID 19 pandemic hit the United States and the entire country shut down. Brian was then required to complete the semester with online classes. Luckily he was able to secure a laptop the week before and already had a wireless
printer.

Brian was on the rapid housing list for months while continuing to reside at the Parker House and attend college. By the end of March, he was offered an apartment and continues to live independently in his own apartment. This student is so conscientious about his college dreams that he has already worked closely with his college advisor to map out the next four semesters and has already obtained his Fall 2020 schedule of classes.

On May 15, 2020, Brian e-mailed Ms. Miller to report that he received his final report card and earned a PERFECT 4.0. “I reached my goal of a perfect 4.0,” he said. “The hard work definitely paid off, I’m really happy!!”

When Ms. Miller reached out to him to request his permission to highlight his success in our monthly newsletter, he responded, “You absolutely have my permission, with or without my name, whichever you prefer. I owe a major part of my success to you and your department for helping me every step of the way. Please thank everyone for me!!”

“It just goes to show that with hard work, determination, the assistance of various support programs, and a strong desire to succeed, you can be successful,” Ms. Miller says.

“Congratulations to you, Brian, and best wishes for next semester!”

Submitted by Project Director, Veronica Miller
Unemployment Benefits
QUESTION: Is “claiming weekly benefits” or “certifying for benefits” the same as “filing for benefits” or “filing a claim?”

ANSWER: No, these are different steps:

Step 1️⃣: File a claim ( https://unemployment.labor.ny.gov)
Step 2️⃣: Certify weekly ( labor.ny.gov/signin)

Learn more about filing vs. certifying: on.ny.gov/2yCJYXJ
The Department of Labor has proactively emailed hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers reminding them to submit certifications and rolled out a new, secure online system that allows New Yorkers to easily submit prior weeks' certifications that they had missed.

The Department of Labor has also launched a new system that proactively and directly communicates the status of an individual's unemployment insurance application via text and email.

Fraud Prevention

U.S Department of Labor offers fraud prevention resources to enhance the integrity of unemployment insurance programs.

NY.GOV ID Frequently Asked Questions

  • If you have created a NY.GOV account at another NYS agency, such as DMV, and you have no previous or current unemployment insurance claim, read these instructions: https://on.ny.gov/NotWithDOL1
  • If you have created a NY.GOV ID, but not with the Department of Labor, and you received a message telling you your e-mail address is already in use, please see these instructions: https://on.ny.gov/Email
  • If you have a previous or current unemployment insurance claim, and you already created a NY.GOV ID, but not with the Department of Labor, please see these instructions: https://on.ny.gov/NotWithDOL2
  • Using Docusign to obtain your backpay

Workforce Events & Opportunities
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.)
 
Summer Jobs for Youth

A summer job is the first, best tool to learn how to develop job and career skills.

CDO Workforce Career System can help you look for a summer job,

Now Accepting Applications for the Summer Youth Program
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?

CDO Workforce Job Search Link

Search job opportunities across six counties in real-time on our Job Search Link!

Go to our homepage and click " Search Local Job Opportunities" near the top of the page to get started-- or you can click here for the direct link: https://www.working-solutions.org/#jobsearch
Spotlight on Workers with Disabilities
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
Disability Resource Coordinators Alan Sessions and Kathy DeAngelo
Present to Achieving A Better Life Experience Act (ABLE) Network Partners

On May 29th, Disability Resource Coordinators Kathy DeAngelo and Alan Sessions presented; " Utilization of ABLE Accounts as Part of Workforce Development Activities" at the ABLE Network Supporters Bi-Monthly Call, sponsored by the  ABLE National Resource Center. Some 35 National Partners participated on the conference call. Kathy and Alan presented about their ABLE outreach efforts, along with stories about the impact of ABLE Accounts on individuals with disabilities.

“We asked Kathy and Alan to present to our national ABLE partners on their financial capability work and promotion of ABLE accounts at CDO Workforce and with local partners because of the innovative and comprehensive strategies they have developed and impressive outcomes they are experiencing in this area," said Miranda Kennedy, M.P.P. \\ Director of the ABLE National Resource Center.

"Kathy, Alan and leadership at CDO Workforce, along with their many valued partners, are providing essential support along with a path towards increased financial independence and security for the job seekers with disabilities and their families whom they are serving.

"We at the ABLE National Resource Center (ABLE NRC) recognize this exceptional work and will continue to showcase it, beyond this initial partner call, to serve as a guiding light for other service providers across the country.

"If we could clone Kathy and Alan, we absolutely would! You have a national treasure in these two. We recognize that none of us – not even Kathy and Alan - can do any of this alone though. We commend CDO Workforce and partners for your commitment to ABLE and helping individuals with disabilities to Achieve a Better Life Experience. The exciting outcomes being lived into by your ABLE account owners say it all. We look forward to seeing what you come up with next!”

Below is a synopsis of the topics presented:

ABLE - ACHIEVING A BETTER LIFE EXPERIENCE PRESENTATION OUTLINE
1. ABLE Social Media campaign:
Mike’s Story - Opening ABLE Account during the pandemic!
2. Promoting ABLE at Events—local Human Service Council meetings, Job Fairs, Community events
Joe’s Story - Outreach to Human Service Agency
3. Promoting ABLE at School Events—Cherry Valley High School, Laurens High School, and Oneonta High School.
Mary’s Story - Saving money makes dreams come true!
4. Promoting ABLE at Workforce Centers at workshops and specifically at ADA-Disclosure Workshop, Ticket-To-Work events, and Job Corps student visits.

ABLE Accounts

CDO Workforce is highlighting a way people with disabilities can invest in their future financial health by opening an ABLE account, a tax-advantaged savings account
for individuals with disabilities.

ABLE Accounts eligibility: individuals with significant disabilities with an age of onset of disability before turning 26 years of age. If you meet this age criteria and are also receiving benefits already under SSI and/or SSDI, you are automatically eligible to establish an ABLE account.

If you are not a recipient of SSI and/or SSDI, but still meet the age of onset disability requirement, you could still be eligible to open an ABLE account if you meet Social Security’s definition regarding significant functional limitations and receive a letter of certification from a licensed physician.

  • You must have an age of disability onset before your 26th birthday.

  • The beneficiary of the account is the account owner, and income earned by the account will not be taxed.

  • Contributions to the account can be made by any person (individual, family and friends).

  • Funds in ABLE Accounts are not counted as "Resources" for many federal programs.

We invite you to watch the video below about ABLE Accounts.

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.


COVID-19 and Social Insurance and Benefit Programs

Information Courtesy Cornell.edu: 

"As states begin to open, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact individuals with disabilities who regularly access a series of public benefits. It also raises a variety of questions about the impact of the various federal and state legislative and administrative actions on these benefits."

The ADA and COVID-19

The Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) presented a webinar on "The ADA at Work: Considerations for COVID-19," which is now available for viewing.

Representatives from EARN and the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center discussed how employers can balance guidance on COVID-19 containment from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Topics included the implications of the pandemic on disability-related inquiries, medical examinations, and requirements for reasonable accommodations for telework.

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 & Businesses
3 must-have traits for courageous leadership in a post-pandemic workplace

Class of 2020: Job Search
for College Seniors

Seniors, this is not the graduation you planned. Here are some recommendations to help you prepare.
5 New Soft Skills You Can Work on Right Now

There are things you can do right now to help advance your career when things get back to normal.

With all this extra time on your hands, why not work on developing new soft skills?

Start taking courses today!
Check out these Soft Skills Courses that you can take for free on our

>Uncovering and Utilizing Your Talents and Skills
>Establishing Self-confidence for Life
>Reaching Goals Using Perseverance and Resilience
>Becoming More Professional through Business Etiquette
>Becoming an Accountable Professional
>The Art and Science of Communication
>Trust Building through Effective Communication
>Developing Your Business Ethics
>The Art of Staying Focused
>Using Active Listening in Workplace Situations
>The Many Approaches to Facing Workplace Conflict
>Managing Pressure and Stress to Optimize Your Performance
>The Essentials for Anger Management
>Emotional Intelligence: Owning Your Emotions
>Writing Effective E-mails and Instant Messages
>Thinking Critically: Coming to Terms with Assumptions
>Being an Effective Team Member
>Getting the Details Right: Spelling Basics
>Troublesome Words and Phrases: Common Usage Mistakes in Writing
Featured Business
Founder and CEO of Chobani Hamdi Ulukaya
Announces 'Chobani Pantry'

"Right now our families, friends & neighbors are facing some of their most difficult days. but thanks to so many heroes — like our nurses & doctors, grocery store clerks, delivery people, plant workers & farmers — they don’t have to face this virus alone..."

Business & Community Resources
If you are looking for food pantries or other services in your area, 211 is a helpful resource:
U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) COVID-19 Related Guidance for
Construction Workers

New York Forward Business Reopening
Lookup Tool/Statewide Guidelines


New York Forward Loan Fund

From Empire State Development.gov: 
New York Forward Loan Fund (NYFLF) is a new economic recovery loan program aimed at supporting New York State small businesses, nonprofits and small landlords as they reopen after the COVID-19 outbreak and NYS on PAUSE.

Extension of SNAP or TA/MA/SNAP

SNAP/ TA and MA recertification periods are being extended due to Covid-19.

Catholic Charities Dispute
Resolution Center

Dispute resolution center Serving Chenango, Delaware, Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Otsego & Schoharie counties.

The Future Works - A Podcast for Workforce Leaders from NYATEP

New Database Created for People Interested in Working on Farms

The NY Farm Bureau created a new resource to help individuals self-identify as interested and willing to work on farms.

Farm Employee Training Resources and Standard Operating Procedures

Do You Have Questions About Health Insurance?

Call: Kelly Ames, Fidelis Care Community Relations Specialist
315-466-9567

Fidelis Care offers quality, affordable health insurance for qualifying children and adults of all ages through Qualified Health Plans and the New York State-sponsored Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, and Medicaid programs.
Free Cancer Screening Events

FREE Mammograms, Breast Exams, Pap Tests & Pelvic Exams To uninsured & underinsured women 40 or older, Insurance billed for those with insurance.

Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie, Oneida, Herkimer and Madison counties.

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!


Stay well!
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.