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Employment Services Everyone is invited to visit the resource rooms in our Service Centers and use the self-help materials located there. Labor market information and career information are available. Computers allow easy access to electronic job matching sites like the Michigan Talent Bank, plus programs to write resumes and cover letters. Job postings are handy, as well as information on community resources like child care and transportation. You can get great tips on interviewing and keeping your new job. Educational resources are also available. Need a typing test, or information on applying for a civil service job? Just ask the friendly staff to help you. Employers can use the centers for interviewing job candidates, learning about how to accommodate individuals with disabilities, and investigating tax credits that accompany the hiring of targeted populations. Career Preparation The Career Preparation System is designed to give students an opportunity to explore a variety of occupational areas and make informed choices about their futures. Area schools have incorporated career awareness activities with the regular curriculum in the elementary grades, leading to exploratory opportunities in the middle school and high school levels. The purpose is to help students and parents prepare for life after high school, and avoid closing any doors on their future plans. The Career Preparation System offers schools innovative techniques like Career Pathways, which gives students a tangible reason for being in school - improving attendance, academic performance and attitude. Workforce Investment Act The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) uses a tiered approach to assist adults and dislocated workers with job search activities. First, the job seeker is invited to use core services, or self-help materials, to find suitable employment. If more assistance is necessary, a counselor will provide intensive services, or more personal, one-on-one assistance to the job seeker. If intensive services do not produce the desired results, training services will be investigated. The adult or dislocated worker may undergo further assessment to determine whether classroom training or on-the-job training is likely to provide the occupational skills needed to secure employment which leads to self-sufficiency. Performance measurements include job placement and retention, increased earnings and attainment of credentials. Youth programs funded through WIA are designed to take a comprehensive approach to addressing barriers faced by economically disadvantaged youth. A percentage of the funds are specifically targeted to out-of-school youth. Program activities may include work experience, classroom training, on-the-job training, mentoring activities, and employability skills training. Performance measurements include attainment of credentials, entry into employment or post-secondary education, and retention. Welfare Reform JET is the primary program designed to help welfare recipients make the transition to employment. Mandatory referrals are made by the Department of Human Services, and participants must meet minimum participation requirements as part of the Family Independence Program agreement. Appropriate work-related activities include employment or educational components, or a combination of both. A variety of supportive services may be authorized in order to address barriers to employment. The goal for each participant is to eventually earn enough income to reach self-sufficiency and consequential case closure. Referrals may also be made by Friend of the Court offices for non-custodial parents who are in arrears, or in danger of becoming in arrears, on the payment of their court-ordered child support payments. These unemployed or underemployed individuals may access all of the JET components if they require such assistance to earn the income they need to make their payments. Non-cash recipients of food stamps, day care or medicaid may voluntarily participate in JET if they are willing to improve their financial situation through increased employment or training opportunities. By planning and budgeting to reach self-sufficiency, these individuals can also move toward case closure. Veterans Employment Services Veterans and disabled veterans are eligible to receive additional services when they pursue employment. They have been given priority on applying for newly-posted job openings, and their Talent Bank resumes are honorably "flagged" so employers can easily recognize their status. Employers can also apply for tax credits for hiring a qualified veteran. A veterans employment specialist can explain all of the services available, so be sure to ask when you visit a Michigan Works! Service Center. Michigan Rehabilitation Services Individuals with disabilities will find a knowledgeable advocate when they ask to see a Michigan Rehabilitation Service counselor. Employment assessments, training assistance, workplace accommodations, adaptive equipment and other resources are all things you will want to discuss with the MRS counselor when you are attempting to enter or re-enter the workforce. Employers, too, can obtain information of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other helpful resources
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