This chat has now ended. Thanks to all who participated! Please take note of the upcoming chats above.


11:00:52 AM [Marci Cook,GCBHS] Is there a program at the Community Action Agency to assit with traing for Ex-offenders?
11:02:03 AM [Kevin Holt] Yes. Super Jobs works in collaboration with CAA. CAA's ex-offender program is among the best in this community.

10:57:59 AM [Marci Cook,GCBHS] Where can we find an updated list of "Challenge Friendly" companies to assist our client in there job search? Is there one?
11:00:43 AM [Kevin Holt] There isn't a list. We'd suggest that you go through Super Jobs.

10:55:41 AM [Visitor] Which Monday and do I need to dress up business + bring resumes?
10:58:44 AM [Kevin Holt] Any Monday. And I would come prepared to present yourself as you would for a job interviewed. You won't be interviewed. However, this help the career coach do a complete and accurate assessment.

10:54:05 AM [Visitor] What sort of jobs and companies does your agency usually help people get?
Kevin Holt: We worked with 1,100 employers in 2007. Examples include Frisch's, Children's Hospital, General Electric, Kroger... The average wage for job placements in 2007 was about $10.50 per hour.

10:53:29 AM [Visitor] I don't know what I am doing wrong. I have a BSc degree in Business Management from NKU and some basic experience. The jobs I have held are pretty short term. The longest being 2 years. Family commitment keeps me from going further but I think I am ready since my oldest child is 4yrs old. I want to get an office job and in a good company who has growth potential. I like to travel so if I can get one that has about 10-15%travel, it'll be good. Even govt jobs are fine too.
10:55:05 AM [Kevin Holt] Attend an orientation at Super Jobs at 9 a.m any Monday. That will get you started. They are located at 1916 Central Parkway.

10:50:47 AM [Visitor] I wanted to know if your agency can help me see what is wrong with my job search. I have tried over a year to apply for jobs at various companies in Cincinnati but no interviews.
10:52:26 AM [Kevin Holt] Yes. A career coach could offer one-on-one career counseling, go over your resume, and help you prepare for interviews. The coach would also help you conduct a thorough job search.

Question: Let's say I need a degree to become a nurse. Can you help me?
Answer: We will support training for nursing. We don't pay all, but we can assist with up to $5,000 for training at approved schools in fields that meet local priorities.

Question: That's a good question about people with past criminal records. What kind of jobs can they get?
Answer: It depends on the offense, how long ago it was, they type of job being sought, and your skill set. You're probably not going to get a job in banking if you have a conviction related to fraud, for example.

10:42:02 AM [Visitor] My friend had a felony 8 years ago and he's having a hard time finding companies that will hire felons. Can you help?
10:43:39 AM [Kevin Holt] Yes. We have staff in partnerships at Super Jobs devoted specifically to serving ex-offenders and to working with employers who hire them. Also, we have contracts with organizations that serve youth who have a history of criminal offenses. Please contact Robert Harper at Super Jobs. 731-9800

Question: What about help with my resume?
Answer: We workshops, one-on-one career counseling, access to computers, fax machines, copiers, e-mail... An example of a workshop offered is Tuesday, Oct. 7, 9-10:15 a.m., at Super Jobs is the workshop named Resume 101.

Question: Do you do unemployment?
Answer: No. We work in collaboration with State of Ohio staff who manage unemployment compensation. However, our work is not shared and does not overlap, except in as much as we are often serving the same customer. To apply for unemployment, people need to call the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services.

Question: How much do your services cost?
Answer: The cost of all services delivered locally is $7 million a year. These are dollars paid by taxpayers. As a result, all services we deliver to job seekers and employers are without additional costs. You have already paid for it!

Question: What about somebody that wants to change careers? What can you do for them?
Answer: We can help them identify fields that are growing, wages typical of a variety of employment fields, current and anticipated job openings, and those skills they will need to enter and be successful in their field of choice.

Question: What do you do for teenagers?
Answer: We serve those ages 14-21 through four community-based contracts. Services are focused primarily on dropout prevention, dropout recovery, getting GED's and diplomas and employment connection and retention as well as connection to post-secondary education. We serve youth who have one or multiple barriers to success such as pregnant parenting, ex-offenders, homeless, low-income, and basic skills deficient.

Question: How well has Seek Work worked?
Answer: 615 child support clients scheduled at Super Jobs in Seek Work program, March-August. 63 wage withholdings in place. $23,000 collected

10:17:50 AM [Visitor] Have you thought about "forcing" parents who are not paying child support because they can't find a job to enroll with your services?
10:18:50 AM [Kevin Holt] Yes. We have a Seek Work program where in some cases non-custodial parents may be ordered by the courts to participate in regular ongoing job-seeking activities available through Super Jobs. Here's an article about Seek Work that was in our newsletter: http://www.hcjfs.hamilton-co.org/Update_Newsletter/2008html/July/UpdateArticle1_0807.htm

Question: Is there a place where people can sign up to get job leads?
Answer: You can sign up at https//scoti.ohio.gov/scoti_lexs/

Question: Do you help people find professional jobs?
Answer: Yes. We work with very large corporate entities to act as their screening mechanism for job applicants of all levels. Examples are Children's Hospital and General Electric.

Question: What jobs are most in demand?
Answer: Medical, construction, retail, customer service. The state provides labor information that shows trends in hiring. We use this market data to direct training funds to those fields most likely to result in employment. You can find this information at www.jfs.ohio.gov.

Question: As an employer, how can  you help me?
Answer: We can connect job-seeking youth or adults who have the skill sets you tell us you are looking for. We can provide your business with funding for training current employees to upgrade their skills to help avoid a layoff. We provide job postings, hiring events, skills assessments, recruitment services, layoff aversion and outplacement assistance.

Question: If I'm laid off, how can you help me?
Kevin Holt: As a laid-off worker, you will receive priority service at the Super Jobs Center with designated funding for training, job connection, and supportive services such as transportation, uniforms, etc.

Question: With the economic situation, are you seeing more job-seekers? What impact have you noticed?
Kevin Holt: We haven't seen data to suggest growth in job seekers yet. However, in 2007, we did serve 25,761 job-seekers, so there may be a lag in data to reflect any growth in demand.

Question: What is the one thing -- if you had only one thing -- that you would like to tell the community about Workforce Development?
Kevin Holt: Super Jobs, at 1916 Central Parkway, connected more job seekers to employment than any other employment one-stop in the state in 2007. The federal government invests $7 million in local workforce development initiatives, serving youth, adults, laid-off employees and employers.

* Our first chat about child abuse and neglect takes place next Wednesday (Oct. 15). Mark your calendar!