Shared Work Program Saves Thousands of Jobs

One year after Governor Paterson directed the Department of Labor to vigorously promote the Shared Work Program to businesses, department figures show the program saved 11,000 jobs in 2009. "What started out as a little-known program has now become a huge help to struggling businesses," said Governor David A. Paterson. "Approximately 2,300 companies are now taking part in the program. Shared Work is a proven program that helps businesses and employees stay afloat." Shared Work gives employers an alternative to layoffs. Rather than lay off a percentage of workers to cut costs, an employer can reduce the hours of all or a select group of employees. Those workers can use the program to collect partial UI benefits to make up for the lost wages. The Shared Work program allows them to keep their health insurance, retirement, vacation pay, and other fringe benefits. A company in the Shared Work Programs gets to keep the skilled and trained worker during lean times & when business picks up, the employer does not have to find new workers and train them. Companies can apply for the Shared Work Program at http://www.labor.ny.gov/ui/dande/sharedwork1.shtm. For more information or to apply for the Shared Work Program please call (518) 457-5807.

New Career Database: Career Cruising

Want to learn more about yourself and careers that suit your interests? Try our new career database "Career Cruising". Search for careers and find out what they are really like. Find out where to get the education you need to start your career. Career Cruising offers in-depth profiles of hundreds of different occupations and comprehensive post-secondary information. Each profile includes a job description, information on working conditions, earnings, education and training, a sample career path, links to related occupations, other resources, and multimedia interviews. For more information please call (631) 427-5165.

Career Quest Programs

Suffolk County Department of Labor's Career Quest will be presenting 2 programs at the Suffolk County One-Stop Employment Center in Hauppauge.

Starting Your Own Business
Wednesday, March 17, 2010 9:30AM
Why not explore your dream of owning a small business? A representative from the New York State Small Business Development Center will discuss how to start your own business and become a small business owner. Plan to arrive early. Space is Limited. Must be pre-registered. Late arrivals not permitted. See a One-Stop counselor, or phone(631) 853-6600 to reserve your spot!

On Site Recruitment: United States Census Bureau
Monday, March 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th 9-12PM
Friday, March 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th 9-12PM
Work up to 40 hours per week in a temporary, part-time job with the 2010 Census and enjoy good pay, flexible hours, mileage reimbursement, and the chance to serve your community. To complete the application process please bring: Social Security Card & NYS Driver’s License/NY State ID, or a valid US Passport. Veterans please bring copy of DD214. Call (631) 853-6600 today to reserve your spot! Plan to arrive early. Space is Limited. Must be pre-registered. Late arrivals not permitted.

Second Cup of Coffee Job Club

Are you unemployed & in need of help with your job search? If so, you are welcome to join twice monthly meetings to network, share information & get tips to improve your job search skills in a supportive environment at the Brentwood Public Library. Meetings are the 2nd & 4th Fridays of every month from 9:30-11:00 AM. Meetings will take place on March 12th & 19th & April 9th & 23rd. For more information please call (631) 273-7883.

100 Useful Social Sites for Every Kind of Job Seeker

AssociateDegree has put out a great article "100 Useful Social Sites for Every Kind of Job Seeker" to help you connect with employers, others in your field and potential clients to help get your job search off the ground and your career back on track. This list includes sites for college grads, networking, resume help & freelancing.

March Job Fairs

• The Suffolk County One-Stop Employment Center will be hosting a Job Fair on Friday, March 12th from 10-1PM at the Amityville Public Library. Bring your resume and dress for success! For more information call (631) 264-0567.

• The Long Island Career Fair will take place on Tuesday, March 16th from 11-2PM at the Melville Marriott-Long Island. Meet companies hiring in your home town. Bring plenty of resumes! Register now to have access to the FREE company list. Add your resume to the database & get in front of employers attending the event!

Census Jobs 2010

The U.S. Census Department is recruiting temporary, part-time census takers for the 2010 census, which will be conducted this spring. On March 9th & 16th a representative from the U.S Census Bureau will be discussing Census job opportunities at the Mastic Moriches-Shirley Community Library. These sessions will run from 5:30-8:30PM. For more information please call (631) 399-1511 ext. 240 or visit http://www.2010censusjobs.gov/. The South Huntington Public Library is a Census testing location. Testing sessions will be held on Wednesdays, March 3-24th from 11-5PM & Saturdays March 6th & 20th from 11-3PM. To make an appointment to schedule a test please call (631) 615-3020.

Work Incentive Seminar

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is hosting a series of free community events around the country for beneficiaries with disabilities and their families. These Work Incentive Seminar Events (WISE) are held by local organizations and can help people receiving Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) learn more about the Ticket to Work Program, connect with local training and employment resources, and explore opportunities to increase income. Click here to find a Work Incentive Seminar near you. For more resources in your state go to Disability.gov's homepage .

REINVENT YOURSELF FOR TODAY’S JOB MARKET

The job market has changed over the past year, and in order to succeed, you must know what
those changes are and adapt. Paula Klee Parish, author and career coach, will be running a program called "Reinvent Yourself For Today's Job Market" at the South Huntington Public Library. The program will take place on Wednesday, March 10th @ 6:30PM. She will show you how to position yourself to compete in today’s tough job market. She will teach you how to assess your marketable skills and interests and show you how to apply your knowledge and experience to fields that are hiring. Paula will also discuss resources for training and/or certification in growth industries, networking, and preparing and positioning for interviews and follow-ups. There will be time afterwards to ask questions. This program is Free & open to all. For more information please call (631) 549-4411.