JFCS Job Seeker Assistance Program helps people compete in today’s tough economy

By Janet Flam

As employment concerns continue challenging people from all walks of life during this severe economic downturn, the Job Seeker Assistance Program (JSAP) at Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis (JFCS) can assist individuals with all aspects of securing sustainable employment.

Many people looking for employment need a targeted, in-depth assessment of their current situation.  In response to these ever-increasing needs over the last 18 months, JFCS has increased the services we provide.

Through our varied, comprehensive programs, job-seekers are able to find the career counseling and job placement services they need. This includes realistic goal setting and employment plan development along with job search and job placement assistance via individual counseling and small group programs.

Many job-seekers attend Employment Readiness Training classes. This six-part class helps people succeed in their job search through small-size classes that cover a variety of topics including resume writing, interviewing and networking.

The CAFÉ (Career Access For Everyone) is an informal, drop-in opportunity that provides individual career assistance consultations with JFCS staff.

Many job seekers have also posted their resumes at no cost on the JFCS employment website, ParnossahWorks™Minnesota. Additionally, JFCS staff members personally assist job seekers with cover letters and preparing resumes to target specific jobs.

The development and growth of ParnossahWorks™Minnesota has skyrocketed in the past two years as local employers have found the free website an effective way to advertise open positions. The success rate has been impressive! In the past seven months nearly 1000 open positions were posted on the site and 34% of  people who posted their resumés found employment.

Other JFCS programs target more specific needs such as the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) which gives low-income seniors the chance to learn valuable job skills and earn wages while working at local nonprofit agencies.

Job-seekers may be referred to other programs through JFCS such as the Minnesota Family Investment Program which works with low-income families transitioning to economic stability and the BSF Child Care Assistance program which provides financial assistance for quality child care programs giving parents the opportunity to achieve self-sufficiency through employment and/or education.

The huge influx of current job-seekers has included more individuals from the Jewish community, who are also struggling  with the current spike in unemployment.

It’s easy to learn more about all the employment programs that  JFCS offers. You can visit the JFCS website at www.jfcsmpls.org where you can access www.ParnossahWorksMinnesota.org.

You can also join the JFCS Career Services Linkedin group at http://www.jfcsmpls.org/injobs or visit the Facebook page at   http://bit.ly/JFCScareer.

JSAP is a part of JFCS’ holistic response to today’s needs. Many of the people who come to JFCS seeking help with employment also take advantage of other JFCS services including mental health programs.

JFCS has a long history of assisting people struggling to find work.  As today’s job hunters work to reposition themselves for the current marketplace, the employment team offers the staff, tools, and experience to help job-seekers realize positive life changes through employment.

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Janet Flam is the Job Seeker Assistance Program Manager.