November 2019
News & Opportunities
Workforce News - Recruitments - Job Fairs - Funding - Workshops - Community 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.
Free Workshops
CDO Workforce offers free workshops every month!

You can brush up on your computer skills; create or fine-tune your resume; learn about ADA & disclosure; get support from a Veteran Counselor; get interviewing practice and lots more.

Happy Veterans Day!
All CDO Workforce offices will be closed on Monday, November 11th in observance of Veterans' Day.
Happy Thanksgiving!
All CDO Workforce offices will be closed on Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 28th.

Please Note:
Norwich and Oneonta CDO Workforce offices are open the day after Thanksgiving. Sidney and Delhi CDO Workforce offices are closed the day after Thanksgiving.
State of the Workforce Brief
"The State of the Workforce Brief is an annual snapshot, of publicly available data, to inform communities about the dynamics of their regional economy and the workforce impact. For the third year, the New York Association of Training & Employment Professionals used readily available data to understand who is working and who isn’t, what sectors and occupations are growing across the State, and the number of potential workers produced by New York’s education and training systems."

--State of the Workforce 2019 Executive Summary
State of the Workforce 2019
The New York Association of Training & Employment professionals (NYATEP) has released the State of the Workforce 2019 Labor Market Snapshot of New York brief. 

The brief addresses:

  • How can the City and State proactively connect their economic development priorities and investments to train the right workforce for good paying jobs?

  • What evidence-based practices should be scaled to increase the ability of skilled workers, primarily from non-traditional educational pathways or underutilized labor pools, to meet the growing employer demand?

  • What City and State policies can be enacted to expand and align quality job training opportunities for New Yorkers?

  • How can the City and State proactively align economic and workforce agendas to recruit good jobs for New Yorkers?

  • How is the City and State tracking and measuring resources and programs related to workforce development to understand what is working and where to make improvements?

NYATEP is a 501(c)(3) membership organization serving the workforce development community throughout New York State. They provide leadership, vision, and advocacy for a thriving workforce in New York State. They work to ensure that every worker and employer in New York has access to the skills they need to work in and support a robust statewide economy.
 
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Program & Partner News
Otsego CDO Workforce Shares A Success Story

Matthew, an 18-year old Otsego County resident with a developmental disability, had been seeking work unsuccessfully since he graduated high school in June 2018. 

Matthew had remained in contact with his high school coach after graduating, and had expressed his desire to find work. The Coach went back to his employer, a manufacturing company, and spoke to the owner about Matthew. 

The owner supported the idea of giving Matthew a chance, and met with him to discuss a job, but was not sure what accommodations Matthew would need on the job for his disability. The owner had worked with CDO Workforce a couple years prior and used the On-the-Job Training program for a new hire. The owner contacted CDO Workforce about accommodations for a worker with a disability. He was referred to Alan Sessions, a Disability Resource Coordinator, who discussed how to determine accommodations needed and provided ADA and Job Accommodations Network resources. 

Alan suggested the Work Experience program as a way to start Matthew on the job and provide him with support for his transition to the work environment. The Work Experience program employs the individual on the Workforce payroll and assigns them to work for the sponsoring business. This provides a real work experience for the individual, a try-out period for the business, and professional support from Workforce for the individual’s transition to employment. 

The owner agreed to a possible work experience and the individual was asked to meet with Workforce staff. An Integrated Resource Team meeting was scheduled with Matthew. The Youth met with Alan Sessions & Kathy DeAngelo, Disability Resource Coordinators, Penny Seeger, Youth Coordinator and the youth’s mother. The Team discussed the possibility of a new job and explored career pathways in the manufacturing field.

Kathy assisted Matthew in developing job readiness and soft skills as he struggled with his communication skills and interactions with people he did not know. Alan helped him explore career pathways for manufacturing and other fields. Matthew was co-enrolled in the DEI Round 8 by Alan and Out-of-School Youth by Penny. 

Matthew’s Job Zone assessment indicated a strong aptitude for manufacturing work. He enjoyed repetitive tasks and working with machines, both manufacturing activities at the company. He was also very interested in CDL Truck Driving. However, since he had only been a licensed driver for a few months, Matthew decided to focus on the manufacturing work and consider the driving job in the future when he had more driving experience. 

Kathy referred Matthew to “My Free Taxes” for free tax return preparation as his first job will have tax implications. Alan continued to assist him with improving his job readiness skills and communication abilities.

Alan met with Matthew and the owner to go over work tasks and sign the work contract. The owner assigned Matthew’s Coach from high school as his supervisor, so Matthew had a familiar face to help him on the job and with his communication with co-workers. 

Matthew quickly learned the machine operation tasks and was working without direct supervision within two hours. Matthew became more at ease the longer he worked and had great attendance and work ethic. His communication skills improved and he was able to carry on conversations with co-workers. Evaluations were outstanding and he showed real initiative by independently completing his OSHA 10 On-Line training. He completed his Work Experience program and went on the company’s payroll. 

The only accommodations that Matthew needed was to work part-time and be provided with adequate time to learn new tasks during cross-training. Both accommodations fit the employer’s production schedule and were never an issue. 

His ability to communicate improved during the 200 hour Work Experience program and by the time he was on the company’s payroll he was communicating comfortably with co-workers. 

DRCs continue to follow up and as of July Matthew continues to work part-time, saving money for a car, and driving his Mom’s car as much as possible, dreaming (with the help of Workforce) to obtain his CDL sometime in the future.

CONGRATULATIONS, MATTHEW!!
John Robert Gilmore, Out-of-School Youth Program Participant
Out-Of-School Youth Program
SUCCESS!

John Robert Gilmore of Sidney enrolled in the Out-of-School Youth Program in September 2018, when he was 19. He was a High School Graduate and had also completed the Security and Law Enforcement certification at DCMO BOCES. His employment goal was to start a career as a security guard. 

We had a rough go at first due to some barriers including John not having a driver’s license and some hesitancy of a commute outside of the Sidney area. However, he did apply to all the local Security Service Companies in the area.

John completed a Work Experience (March to May 2019) at Price Chopper where he was able to work on soft skills and social interaction. He also began practicing driving. 

John was becoming discouraged that he wasn’t getting call backs on any of his applications. But we kept job searching and applying.

In July of this year, John finally received the phone call that he’s been waiting for- a call from Securitas in Johnson City. He was ultimately hired as a security officer at Amphenol Aerospace.

He received his security guard license in August. He works the 3rd shift and states that he really enjoys the position and takes his job very seriously. John says, "Thank you, Jennifer [Jennifer Mitchell, CDO Workforce Youth Counselor] and CDO Workforce in working with me to find a job."

Congratulations, John!!

Photo courtesy John Robert Gilmore
Workforce Events & Opportunities

Job Fair Tips Workshop
Be prepared to attend the Community Job Fair on November 13th at SUNY Morrisville, Norwich Campus! 

Find out how to make a good impression at a Job Fair. Be prepared to meet employers and ask the questions that will get you noticed. Find out what to expect at a Job Fair. Learn how to prepare for a successful visit to a Job Fair. 

When: Nov. 6th, 10:00am - 11:30am 

Where: Norwich CDO Workforce, 1 O'Hara Drive, Norwich, NY

To register call 607-334-2201, ext. 127

Businesses: Register for the Soldier for Life
Transition Assistance
Career Fair at Fort Drum

Online Registration Form must be submitted by Nov. 2nd

Career Fair will be held Nov. 7th.

Community Job Fair

This one-day event will bring high school students and job seekers from the community together to explore career opportunities in and around Chenango County. Attendees will be able to talk one-on-one with representatives of corporate, small business, government, and non-profit organizations.

Where: SUNY Morrisville - Norwich Campus
20 Conkey Ave, Norwich, NY

When: November 13th
11:00am - 6:00pm


SmartGrid Training at Oneonta Job Corps

APPLY NOW!

Applications are due Friday, November 15th for Overhead Line, Underground Residential Distribution, and Smart Meter & Instrumentation Advanced Training Winter Cohort 2020. 

Mental Health
First Aid Courses

Adult Mental Health First Aid Classes - SUNY Morrisville, Norwich Campus

Youth Mental Health First Aid Classes - SUNY Morrisville, Norwich Campus

Youth Mental Health First Aid Classes - Sidney Central School, SIdney, NY

Pre-Licensing Courses at SUNY Delhi

Learn rules of the road and safe driving principles during the 5-hour pre-licensing course.

Most new drivers need this class to schedule a driving test.

You must have your permit prior to participating in the 5-hour course.


Resume Writing Workshop

When: Nov. 7th
2:00pm - 4:00pm

Where: Norwich CDO Workforce
1 O'Hara Drive, Norwich, NY

Learn what employers look for in a resume. This workshop will give you the tools to fine-tune your current resume. Please bring your current resume to the workshop.


Career Pathways III

Are you actively participating in a High School Equivalency or National EDP program?

Do you have an interest working in Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare or working in a Trade?
 
The CAREER PATHWAYS III program wants to help YOU!

(Must meet residency, age & income requirements.)

Chase Memorial Nursing Home & Rehab CNA Classes

Make Carpentry Your Career Information Sessions in Binghamton and Utica
Hiring Our Heroes
Veterans Business Resource Fair

Are you a veteran looking for a job or to start a business? Are you a business looking for employees? 

Don't miss the 'Hiring Our Heroes' Job and Resource Fair on Thursday, November 14th, from 1:00pm to 3:30pm, at Sidney American Legion at 22 Union Street in Sidney.

Free. Table/Chairs provided.

Security Officer Recruitment

Securitas is currently seeking professional candidates for Security Officer openings in the Norwich and Sidney areas. 

Full time and Part time positions available. 

When: Tues., Nov. 5th, 2019, Noon - 3:00pm

Where: Norwich CDO Workforce, 1 O'Hara Drive, Norwich, NY 

Featured Business
The Arc Otsego Team Members

Photo Courtesy Danielle Rowe
The Arc Otsego

The Arc Otsego provides support to assist people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities to fulfill their personal dreams and ambitions.

Their vision is that all people with disabilities will be afforded the same rights and opportunities as all citizens and will be accepted by and enjoy participation in the full spectrum of community life.

"We affirm the rights and dignity of all people and believe that each individual, through his or her unique abilities, makes a valuable contribution to the community in which he or she lives," says The Arc Otsego  

"The Arc Otsego has a mission to enrich the lives of not only the people we support, but of our employees. We strive to be the employer of choice by offering more than a competitive wage; superior benefit packages and the chance to develop a career are part of what makes our Team unique."

The Arc Otsego is hiring!



Spotlight on Workers with Disabilities
Work Incentive Practitioner for Youth Services

Work Incentive Practitioners provide confidential services to people with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). They educate beneficiaries on how employment will affect their public benefits such as SSI, SSDI, Medicare, Medicaid, subsidized housing and food stamps.

To make an appointment please call the CDO Workforce Center in Oneonta at 607-432-4800.

These pioneers are championing inclusion in the workplace

ADA & Disclosure Workshop

When: Tues., Nov. 19th
2:00pm to 3:00pm

Where: Norwich CDO Workforce
1 O'Hara Drive, Norwich, NY

Learn about your employment rights as protected under the Americans With Disabilities Act. Discussion will include your right to choose if you want to disclose your disability, when to disclose, how to disclose, and how to request an accommodation.

Ticket to Work
Success Story

Janet, a Ticket Holder, sought workforce assistance from Disability Resource Coordinator Kathy DeAngelo following six and a half years on SSDI and losing child support payments.

The strategic approach identified her dream and long-term goal of owning a photography business.

To meet more immediate
employment goals, Janet was provided with job search assistance, help with resume writing, and upgraded computer skills training.

Janet achieved employment as an evening hospital transporter with a continued long-term goal for a home photography studio.

Her budgeting process included savings and set-aside of funds for her photography business and pay-down of bills.

In the first year Janet purchased
a car. More recently, Janet has purchased a home, does professional photography, and has authored a children’s book called “Feathers” with her own photos that will be published soon.

Congratulations, Janet!

For more information about Ticket to Work contact Kathy DeAngelo 607-432-4800 x 113 / deangelok@otsegocounty.com
ADA Audio Conference Series

The Great Lakes ADA Center's ADA Audio Conference Series provides in-depth information on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

This program is designed to enhance an individual's existing knowledge base or facilitate continued learning regarding regulations and trends under the ADA.

CDO Workforce Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month

In October, CDO Workforce joined organizations and businesses across the U.S. to help celebrate this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month's (NDEAM) campaign: "The Right Talent, Right Now."

"Workplaces welcoming of the talents of all people, including people with disabilities, are a critical part of our efforts to build an inclusive community and strong economy. In this spirit, CDO Workforce is recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October to raise awareness about disability employment issues and celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities."

Check out our CDO Workforce Disability Employment Initiative FACEBOOK PAGE - for more great disability-related articles, news & resources

...And please Like & Share to help us get the word out about this great new resource...Thank you!
Workforce News - Job Seeker Tips - Resources
Adapting to Change Critical for Future Workforce

"Upskilling the region’s workforce must remain a top priority and requires a multi-pronged approach. Rethinking traditional approaches to workforce development is a good place to start."

By Workforce Development Board Executive Director (HMO/CDO) Alice Savino and Associate Vice President of Workforce Development/Dean of MVCC Rome Campus Franca Armstrong.


Good jobs for New Yorkers are available--
if we invest in skills


Why longer responses to "So, tell me about yourself" are better

_____

Executive asks a go-to interview question about failure at work - how to answer it

_____

10 Questions to Ask in a Job Interview to Really Stand Out

Career Assessments

Career assessment is a way to learn more about how well a variety of careers might suit you. Each assessment focuses on a specific area, such as skills, interests, or values. Typically, an assessment asks you to answer questions about what you like, don't like, what’s important to you, and what your strengths are.


My Skills - My Future

Do you want to put your skills to work in a different job? Explore new career options and expand your job search.

Otsego County - The Jobs Scene

Check out our CDO Workforce ad, along with local workforce news and opportunities in the October 8th edition of The Jobs Scene at allotsego.com
From the 2nd Annual Workforce Summit: Otsego Has Jobs; No One To Do Them

Benefits.gov Releases Improved
Benefit Finder Tool

Benefits.gov is an online resource to help you find federal benefits you may be eligible for in the United States.

The recently improved Benefit Finder tool is an online questionnaire that recommends benefits participants may be eligible to receive based on their answers to a series of questions. 

Community Events & Opportunities
Conference on Food & Farming - Opportunities in Agriculture

Free Event

When: Nov. 2nd
9:00am - 2:30pm

Where: The Farmers' Museum
5775 State Hwy 80
Cooperstown, NY

Help support Youth Programs at The Place

The Place in Norwich is asking the community to help support their youth programs by purchasing a Fraser Fir Wreath. Orders should be placed by November 8 and pick-up is November 15. 

To order your wreath or for more information call 336-9696 or click here.


CDO Workforce Program & Incentive Highlights
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 2019,  businesses can earn tax credits of up to $7,500  for eligible youth starting work between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019. 
 
Businesses in Chenango, Delaware or Otsego County who would like to participate in this program must apply before November 30, 2019.

If you are interested in participating in this program, please contact:
Debbie Bender, Business Services Representative
New York State Department of Labor, Div. of Employment and Workforce Solutions
CDO Workforce Oneonta
12 Dietz St., Oneonta, NY
607-432-4800 Ext. 101
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 and/or would like assistance to apply, please contact:
Debbie Bender
Business Services Representative
New York State Department of Labor | Division of Employment and Workforce Solutions
(607) 432-4800 Ext 101 / Debra.Bender@labor.ny.gov
CDO Workforce Trailing Partner Initiative
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 November!
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, Communications Coordinator,
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.