Job Training and Placement - Career Resource Center

Step #1: Intake Assessment/Career Coaching and Counseling: Each client coming into the Career Resource Center is provided counseling and support from intake to employment. A NEW Jobseeker's workshop and orientation is taught weekly. The workshop provides the trainees an introduction to the CDC of Tampa, as well as discussions of work ethics, and the steps needed to build the foundation for success. The workshop is required attendance for new jobseekers. This explains workplace expectations about dress, absences, lateness, dealing with supervisors, managing childcare issues and even some financial expectations. Developing the motivation to become a successful individual is the key topic in the orientation sessions. This is done with videos, personal interaction, handouts, and various employment related material.

Step #2: Resume Building and Computer Literacy: After the NEW Jobseeker’s workshop, clients gain computer literacy training on how to conduct job searches via the internet, establish a e-mail address, and build a resume. It is important for clients to understand that many employers only accept applications via the internet. The Career Resource Center creates a community environment that is non-intimidating and relaxed so even those with the greatest barriers become receptive to learning to use technology in their job search.

Step #3: Job Referrals and Placement: Once trained, the job counselor works with the client until he or she finds employment including resume preparation. Participants are referred to businesses via direct employer partner relationships developed by Job Counselors on staff at CDC of Tampa, Inc. If a client receives 4 job referrals without receiving an offer of employment, the client is encouraged to repeat the employability skills training or a mini job readiness training endeavors. The Career Resource Center partners with 300+ private businesses called "Employer Partners" and numerous other agencies to meet the needs of economically disadvantaged individuals and eliminate their barriers to success.

Step #4: Customer Follow-Up: When a company employs the client, our job counselor follows their progress for a 3-month period, depending upon the needs of the client. The counselor also speaks with the employer to learn ways to support and encourage the client’s success. Clients’ files are updated and processed electronically throughout their affiliation with the center.

Steppin' Stones/Job Readiness Skills Training: The job-readiness training component is exciting. There are many phases to the training component. It is designed based on the needs of our customer. A specially designed curriculum, Steppin' Stones is the foundation for all of our training endeavors. We recognize that job training can be a lifelong process for individuals who have limited or no work experience. It offers a beginning point for the customer (potential employee) to move toward a career.

The 30 hour Comprehensive Course offers hands on training, along with the individual assessment of skills, and proficiencies of each participant. The curriculum consists of: Employability Skills, Resume Writing, Dressing for Success, and Interviewing Skills. Our course participants must complete classroom assignments, homework assignments as well as participate in class discussions and role play. Guest speakers provide seminars on preparation and empowerment. Participants are given a mock interview, in which they are required to dress as if it were the real thing.

On-going Career Counseling: For clients to become successful it is important that all needs and barriers are met. It currently takes an average of 4 – 5 visits before the individual is placed on a job. Career counseling for the large majority of our clients involves a lot of handholding and encouragement. It is based on our wide network of community partners that we can address these issues. Although there are several other vendors who provide employment and soft skills training to the welfare to work (TANF) population, we tend to be the "most used" vendor among the hardest to employ for clients choosing training and employment assistance.