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T T h h e e W W o o r r k k f f o o r r c c e e D D e e v v e e l l o o p p m m e e n n t t B B o o a a r r d d I I n n c c . . o o f f O O s s w w e e g g o o C C o o u u n n t t y y July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013 Annual Report The mission of the Workforce Development Board of Oswego County is to attract, develop and maintain a qualified workforce for the Oswego County community, to assist in economic development by convening community leaders to engage in strategic planning and facilitating dialogue to educate and train the workforce needed by today’s and tomorrow’s businesses.

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Page 1: TThhee WWoorrkkffoorrccee DDeevveellooppmmeenntt ... · TThhee WWoorrkkffoorrccee DDeevveellooppmmeenntt BBooaarrdd IInncc.. ooff OOsswweeggoo CCoouunnttyy July 1, 2012 – June 30,

TThhee WWoorrkkffoorrccee DDeevveellooppmmeenntt

BBooaarrdd IInncc.. ooff OOsswweeggoo CCoouunnttyy

July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013 Annual Report

The mission of the Workforce Development

Board of Oswego County is to attract, develop

and maintain a qualified workforce for the

Oswego County community, to assist in

economic development by convening community

leaders to engage in strategic planning and

facilitating dialogue to educate and train the

workforce needed by today’s and tomorrow’s

businesses.

Page 2: TThhee WWoorrkkffoorrccee DDeevveellooppmmeenntt ... · TThhee WWoorrkkffoorrccee DDeevveellooppmmeenntt BBooaarrdd IInncc.. ooff OOsswweeggoo CCoouunnttyy July 1, 2012 – June 30,

1 The Workforce Development Board Inc. of Oswego County Annual Report 2012-2013

AA MMeessssaaggee ffrroomm oouurr CChhaaii rr –– CCoonnnniiee SSmmiitthh

As the incoming Chair of the Workforce Development Board of Oswego County

(WDB), I was somewhat apprehensive about our local area’s ability to continue to

serve our customers, due to the struggling economy and our limited financial

resources. As you will discover in this report, those fears were unfounded. Through

the efforts of the fine staff of Oswego County, Division of Employment and Training

(DET), as well as the partner agencies; New York State Department of Labor

(NYSDOL), Oswego County Department of Social Services (DSS), Cayuga

Community College, Oswego Industries, Oswego County BOCES, Oswego County

Opportunities and Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational

Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR), we were able to meet or exceed all of our local performance measures. Job

seekers continued to find employment within our county, and county businesses continue to be supplied

with a qualified workforce.

This report will highlight some of the more noteworthy accomplishments from the past year. I am sure

that after reading it, you will share my admiration and respect for the hard working people who make the

workforce system work in Oswego County.

TThhee CChhaall lleennggeess AAhheeaadd –– JJeeff ff rreeyy GGrriimmsshhaaww,, EExxeeccuuttiivvee DDiirreeccttoorr

As we finished this year, the business of the Workforce Development Board

became more important and more challenged as ever. We are faced with a

paradox, as we continue to see high numbers of job seekers; we are working

with over 40 local businesses to fill their labor needs. The actual numbers of

people being placed are strong, and we are exceeding goals placed on us by the

Federal and State Departments of Labor. The story is not all about how many

are employed, but at what level? We see a portion of these jobs just above

minimum wage, which does not adequately allow those employees to prosper.

At this same time the debate goes on in Congress about whether we are

effective and how much our funding should be cut, either from appropriations or the continuing

sequestration.

In the coming year we will be faced with an even greater challenge locally, as the Federal support

diminishes, and the State marginalizes the Workforce Development System, in favor of the Regional

Economic Development Councils, we are challenged with the need to recognize the value locally, of the

extraordinary work that is done by the Board, its partners and the staff at the One-Stop Center. We are

facing the perfect storm of our existence, and will need every Board member’s support in making it clear

to funding entities, that the Workforce Development Board is a valuable part of the solution to

employment problems in Oswego County. We will also need every Board member to engage to develop

creative ways to fulfill our mission.

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2 The Workforce Development Board Inc. of Oswego County Annual Report 2012-2013

Program Year 2012 Budget

July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013

Federal and state dollars totaled $2,215,918 in PY ’12

Administration $ 108,220 4.9%

Adult $ 345,474 15.6%

Youth $ 418,494 18.9%

Dislocated Worker (DW) $ 342,151 15.4%

Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) $ 58,285 2.6%

Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Act $ 484,115 21.8%

Wage Subsidy Program (WSP) $ 130,400 5.9%

Disconnected Youth (DY) $ 84,853 3.8%

Transitional Jobs 2 (TJ2) $ 10,377 0.5%

TANF Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) $ 233,549 10.5%

5%

16%

18%

15%3%

21%

6%

4%1%

11%

Admin

Adult

Youth

DW

DEI

TAA

WSP

DY

TJ2

SYEP

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3 The Workforce Development Board Inc. of Oswego County Annual Report 2012-2013

OOsswweeggoo CCoouunnttyy WWoorrkkffoorrccee NNeeww YYoorrkk

Established under the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA),

the Oswego County Workforce New York One-Stop Center

provides a comprehensive range of employment and training

services to meet the workforce needs of job seekers and

businesses in Oswego County. The One-Stop Center provides a

positive environment where job seekers can upgrade skills and

receive help finding suitable employment, while employers can

receive assistance with recruitment, hiring and training needs.

The One-Stop Center has staff from several agencies on site. Most

services to job seeker and employer customers are provided by

staff from Oswego County Employment and Training and the NYS

Department of Labor. Specialized services are provided by Adult

Career and Continuing Education Services –Vocational

Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) and Oswego Industries Career

Employment Services (CES).

Services to Jobseekers: Services to Businesses:

One-Stop Center which offers: o Access to NY Job Bank/Job Listings o Job Referral o Access to Computers/Printers, Internet

and Fax/Copier/Phones o Labor Market Information o Resume/Cover Letter Assistance

Career Assessment, Career Exploration, and Career Planning Services

Employment Plan Development and Employment Counseling

HSE/Basic Skills tutorials/referral to programs

Workshops to sharpen job seeking and job keeping skills; classes on using technology in the job search

Resume, cover letter and interviewing skills assistance

Computer classes in Word, Access, Excel, Quickbooks and PowerPoint

Skill upgrading opportunities to obtain occupational skill certificates, upgrade basic (math/reading) skills, or prepare for licensing exams

Tuition assistance (up to $4,000) in the form of Individual Training Accounts (ITA’s) for vocational training opportunities in demand occupations

On-the-Job Training (OJT) opportunities to learn job skills while earning a paycheck.

Specialized services for individuals with disabilities, veterans and youth

Assistance finding qualified workers

Job Posting/Job Referral Services

Job Fairs

Recruitment, Pre-screening and Interviewing assistance

Assistance with HR procedures

Use of career center for recruitment purposes

Customized Training to upgrade the skills of incumbent workers

On-the-Job Training (OJT) subsidies to offset the cost of training new workers

Tax Credit and Labor Market Information

Testing site for the following certifications: Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS); Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3); Adobe certified Associate (ACA); Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA); CompTIA Strata; QuickBooks Certified User; Autodesks

Rapid Response Services

TABE testing has been occurring on an

almost weekly basis since April 2012 at the

One-Stop Center to support Novelis’

expansion and hiring needs. The TABE is a

standardized reading and math test and is

used as part of the Novelis application

process.

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4 The Workforce Development Board Inc. of Oswego County Annual Report 2012-2013

Chad Bechtel, an employee at

King’s Rubbish Removal, was hired

as a part-time collector. Through

the Transitional Jobs 2 Program,

he was able to get trained as a

CDL-B driver. After earning his

license in May 2013, Chad was

given full-time hours and a salary

increase. He has become an

“integral part of their team.”

~Photo by Jeanne King

PPrrooggrraamm YYeeaarr 22001122 HHiigghhll iigghhttss

In partnership with Cayuga Community College, the One-Stop hosted an Employer Forum on May

7, 2013. The forum provided an opportunity for job seekers to learn about current job

opportunities and the qualities employers look for in potential applicants. Representatives from

Huhtamaki, Novelis, Healthway Home Products, Oswego Health, Constellation Energy, Little

Lukes/Rehab Resources, Paperworks, and Ron Terra State Farm Insurance were on hand to present

information to job seekers.

Despite the high unemployment rate, the One-Stop saw a surge in business activity:

o Novelis announced plans for expansion and utilized the One-Stop for assistance with job

posting, recruitment, screening, testing and interviewing.

o Huhtamaki expanded operations and utilized the One-Stop for job posting, recruitment,

testing and training.

o K&N Foods USA purchased the former Birdseye facility and utilized the One-Stop for job

posting, recruitment and training.

o Healthway Home Products utilized the One-Stop for job posting, recruitment and training

of new hires. In addition, Healthway purchased Metrix on-line training licenses for

employee development.

o Pathfinder Bank used One-Stop services for training new employees and upgrading the skills

of existing employees.

o Home Aides of Central New York used the Career Centers in Fulton and Mexico to post

job openings and recruit new employees.

o Matrix used the Career Center for job posting and recruitment.

o Design Concepts and Enterprises, a new business in Central Square, used the One-Stop to

consult on HR procedures and for assistance creating and posting job openings.

o All Metro Health Care used the One-Stop to hold recruitments to attract new applicants.

o Champlain Valley Specialty of NY, Inc used the One-Stop for assistance creating and posting

job openings and recruiting applicants.

o Ron Terra State Farm Insurance used the One-Stop for recruitment and employee training.

o Little Luke’s used the One-Stop to post job openings.

The One-Stop met/exceeded all Federal and State performance goals. Adult and Dislocated

Workers standards measure entry to employment and

employment retention rates, average earnings, and services

provided. Youth standards measure placement in

employment and education, attainment of degrees or

certificates and literacy and numeracy gains.

The One-Stop worked with employees laid off from 8 local

companies who were eligible for Trade Act services. 51

individuals attended Trade Act overviews at the One-Stop in

Program Year 2012. The One-Stop accessed $484,115 in

Trade Act training funds on behalf of Oswego County

residents.

The One-Stop coordinated with the Oswego County

Probation Department to implement a Parents-to-Work

(PTW) project. The PTW project assists non-custodial

parents on probation for non-payment of child support to

find work to meet their child support obligations.

The One-Stop was awarded a grant to provide low-income

individuals with assistance with transportation expenses to

enable individuals to obtain or retain employment.

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5 The Workforce Development Board Inc. of Oswego County Annual Report 2012-2013

The One-Stop continued to operate the Wage Subsidy Program. Through June 2013, 99 individuals

obtained employment with 40 different employers; $224,359 in subsidies was committed to local

employers.

The One-Stop continued to see increases in employers recruiting at the One-Stop. 92 on site

recruitments were held in program year 2012 compared to 66 in program year 2011.

One-Stop staff continued involvement in community activities to expand and promote services

available through the system:

o Staff assisted Senator Patty Ritchie’s Office to organize two Job Fairs held at the Fulton War

Memorial; the first on September 26, 2012 and a second on June 6, 2013.

o Staff worked with the Literacy Coalition to organize the Dream Big – READ Event held at

Fairgrieve Elementary in Fulton on September 22,

2012. More than 300 people attended.

o Staff worked with the Job Placement Network to

organize the 6th Annual Disability Mentoring Day on

October 25, 2012. The event was held at the

American Foundry in Oswego. The One-Stop also

served as a host worksite to provide a mentoring

experience.

o Staff helped organize the Youth Program Forum held

at the SUNY Oswego Extension Site in Phoenix on

November 5, 2012. The event provided information

on services available to youth in Oswego County.

o Staff helped organize the Youth Summit held at

SUNY Oswego on November 7, 2012.

o Staff worked with the Job Placement Network to

organize a Tools-of-the-Trade Event held on June

14, 2012. The event provided information on “best practices” for agencies who serve

individuals with disabilities. 80 people participated.

PPrrooggrraamm YYeeaarr 22001122 bbyy tthhee nnuummbbeerrss

5,800 Job Seekers utilized the One-Stop Center.

2,328 Individuals entered employment.

4,432 Informational/Self-Services (use of resource room, labor market information) were provided to

jobseekers.

10,601 Staff Assisted Services (workshop activities, assistance with resumes and job search) were provided to

jobseekers.

7,707 Intensive Services (development of an employment plan, employment counseling, case management)

were provided to jobseekers.

532 Training Services (on-the-job training, customized and incumbent worker training, vocational training

and skill development training) were provided to jobseekers.

395 Customer satisfaction surveys were returned by jobseekers. 319 out of 322 responses (99%) were

returned with the jobseekers expressing satisfaction with the services they received.

Stacy Lesinski, an Employment Specialist for

Workforce New York, captivates audience

members as she reads The Kissing Hand by

Audrey Penn at the Dream Big: READ event.

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6 The Workforce Development Board Inc. of Oswego County Annual Report 2012-2013

TTrraaddee AAcctt aanndd RRaappiidd RReessppoonnssee

Trade Act

The Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Act is a federally funded program that assists US workers who

have lost their jobs as a result of the free trade agreements. TAA seeks to provide trade-affected workers

with opportunities to obtain the skills, resources and support they need to become reemployed. TAA

offers a variety of benefits and services to support workers seeking reemployment: job training, income

support, job search and relocation allowance, and assistance with healthcare premium costs.

Trade Act in Oswego County

During program year 2012, eight companies were Trade Act certified and had employees who resided in

Oswego County: Axa Equitable Life, the Basileus Company, Birds Eye Foods, Daimler Buses, New Process

Gear, Oberdorfer, Seaboard Atlantic, and the Ultralife Corporation. A total of 51 new people were

provided with Trade Act information or attended an orientation. Many of these people used the One-Stop

to access services, including resume assistance, job search, computer classes, skill upgrading and vocational

training, ATAA/RTAA (wage subsidy for those over the age of 50) and the Health Coverage Tax Credit.

In program year 2012, Oswego County paid $484,115 in Trade Act funding for TAA customers to attend

training. Short term training programs included: Heavy Equipment Repair and Operation, CDL A and B,

Auto Tech, Electrical Maintenance Technician, LPN, Medical Assistant, and HVAC. Degree programs

approved included Business Administration, Accounting, Computer Information Systems, Registered Nurse,

and Networking. Training providers included local BOCES, proprietary schools and community colleges.

Rapid Response

Oswego County is part of the NYS Department of Labor’s Central NY Regional Rapid Response Team.

The team meets with employers who are anticipating either closure or major layoffs to set up services for

impacted employees. There were a total of 11 rapid response sessions held in the region impacting 55

Oswego County residents. Employers included ABM Janitorial, Alliance Bank, Hostess/International Brands,

Lockheed Martin, Nationwide Insurance, NYS Thruway Authority, Oberdorfer, the Post Standard, Time

Warner Cable and the Youth Advocate Program.

BBuuss iinneessss SSeerrvviicceess

Program Year 2012 statistics:

164 Businesses were served.

47 New businesses registered with the One-Stop.

92 Onsite recruitments were held at the One-Stop Center.

1 Business participated in the customized and incumbent worker training program.

19 Businesses participated in the on-the-job training/wage subsidy programs.

119 Customer satisfaction surveys were issued to businesses. 38 responses (32%) were

received with 97% of the businesses expressing satisfaction with the service(s) they

received.

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7 The Workforce Development Board Inc. of Oswego County Annual Report 2012-2013

After working at Magna Powertrain for over

twelve years, John Cannata was displaced when

the company closed in 2012. Through On-the-

Job Training (OJT), John participated in a short-

term training program at Huhtamaki as a Cover

Machine Operator where he continues to be

employed.

OOnn--tthhee-- JJoobb TTrraaiinniinngg ((OOJJTT)) aanndd IInnccuummbbeenntt WWoorrkkeerrss

44 people were active in OJT, Wage Subsidy or Incumbent Worker training during program year 2012.

Several new and renewing employers took advantage of the programs, such as Anoplate, Enders Racing,

Huhtamaki, King’s Rubbish Removal, Mr. Rooter, RB Woodcraft and Spear USA. Training occurred at the

employers’ workplaces where the employees learned occupational skills in a new field or upgraded their

skills in their current fields.

On-the-Job Training (OJT)

Active during PY’12

36 Trainees

Currently Active

3 Trainees

Training Fields

Manufacturing – 16

Services – 7

Insurance – 1

Other – 12

Outcomes

82% (27/33) satisfactorily completed

training and entered unsubsidized

employment

18% (6/33) quit or were terminated

Incumbent/Customized Worker Training

Active during PY’12

8 Trainees

Training Fields

Services (Banking) – 8

Outcomes

100% (8/8) satisfactorily completed training and

retained employment

37%

34%

2%

27%Manufacturing

Services

Insurance

Other

"The Fulton One-Stop has proven to be a valuable resource for

Novelis. The staff members are always willing to provide assistance.

Fulton One-Stop has helped make it possible for Novelis to

efficiently screen and interview hundreds of applicants for our entry

level job openings. This assistance has been crucial in achieving our

ambitious hiring goals in order to adequately staff our plant as a

result of our expansion. The Fulton One-Stop is not only a great

benefit to employers, but also to job seekers throughout Oswego

County."

~ Andrew Quinn, Human Resources Leader, Novelis

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8 The Workforce Development Board Inc. of Oswego County Annual Report 2012-2013

After several years working in the customer service

field, Kelly Trejo found herself out of work. She

decided to further her education at OCM BOCES in

the Pharmacy Technician Program and completed

classroom training in August 2013. Due to her hard

work, perseverance and funding assistance through a

WIA scholarship, Kelly is not only a successful graduate

but is currently employed full-time at Wayne Drug

Store in Oswego. She was hired by Wayne’s while

completing her internship.

VVooccaatt iioonnaall TTrraaiinniinngg

467 vocational training services and/or computer classes were provided to 369 job seekers during the

program year 2012 timeframe. Participants were enrolled in certificate and degree-bearing training in

community and four-year colleges, BOCES, and proprietary schools. Participants also took part in on-site,

contracted computer classes such as QuickBooks, Microsoft Word, Access and Excel.

Fields of Training

Active during Program Year 2012

4%

41%

1%13%3%

3%

5%

6%

7%

17% Business

Computer Classes

Education

Healthcare

Information Technology

Medical Office

Protective Services

Construction

Transportation

Misc

19 Business

192 Contracted Computer

Classes

6 Education

61 Healthcare Fields

13 Information Technology

13 Medical Office

23 Protective Services

28 Construction

32 Transportation

80 Miscellaneous

271 Trainees in Vocational Programs

106 Individuals in Computer Classes

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9 The Workforce Development Board Inc. of Oswego County Annual Report 2012-2013

Youth Works participants (from left) Kassandra Parkhurst,

Sierra Steel and Racheal Richardson show off their spaghetti

tower at one of the many youth workshops held during the

year. In this team-building exercise, teams get a pound of

uncooked pasta and a bag of marshmallows. Each team then has

15 minutes to construct the tallest free-standing structure using

only marshmallows and spaghetti. The exercise, which has been

deemed “The Marshmallow Challenge”, has been widely used

by organizations to encourage effective teamwork.

YYoouutthh SSeerrvviicceess

Oswego County youth participated in programs operated with Workforce Investment Act (WIA),

Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and Disconnected Youth funds. Youth programs are

designed to provide information to youth on the array of services available through the One-Stop Center

and the local community, to provide appropriate referrals and services to meet their needs, and to enable

them to achieve academic and employment success.

Oswego County continued to build partnerships within the community through contracts with various local

community-based organizations to provide the required program services for WIA youth. Through

association with organizations like Oswego County Opportunities (OCO), Branch’s Driving School, Metrix

Learning, Oswego Industries’ Career Employment Services, and Oswego County BOCES, youth have

accessed enhanced services that include tutoring, life skills instruction, job coaching, credentialed workforce

training, driver’s education, occupational skills training, the National Work Readiness Credential (NWRC)

and leadership skills development. In addition, Oswego County contracts with local employers to provide

youth participants with short-term wage subsidized employment, allowing them to gain valuable work

experience and job readiness skills to become better equipped to enter the workforce.

Along with individual youth services, Oswego County

continued to provide a variety of workshops to youth

including training opportunities on subjects such as on-

line job search, Microsoft Word, work readiness,

interviewing, personal finance, resume development,

SMART 2010, Metrix Learning, healthy relationships,

and personality and careers. Guest speakers were

utilized to enhance the learning experience, including

representatives from Pathfinder Bank, Cayuga

Community College, Oswego County Opportunities,

Oswego Library, Bryant and Stratton, Branch’s Driving

School, and Oswego County BOCES. In addition,

various local employers lent their expertise to job

seeking youth in a workshop setting.

In an effort to increase our reach in the modern

workforce, we have continued to expand our presence

in social networking. Each of our staff members have

created LinkedIn accounts and program youth are

encouraged to set up their own accounts for improved

professional exposure to employers. We have also

continued to utilize Facebook with posts on upcoming

workshops, job openings, job fairs and recruitments. We have also started posting relevant community

events, such as food pantry distributions and Youth Bureau program updates. Youth have continued to

express satisfaction with these social networking communications. Our Facebook statistics have also

continued to grow, as our following has increased from 111 last year to 168 this year with a total reach of

4,524 (total number of views by Facebook users to our posts). Given Facebook’s established success, we

will continue to further utilize this free and effective resource in our Youth Works tool box.

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10 The Workforce Development Board Inc. of Oswego County Annual Report 2012-2013

This Conservation Crew worked hard to

restore the nature trail at Independence

Park. With 2012 marking the return of our

OC3 program, Conservation Crews were

distributed throughout Oswego County to

help restore and beautify local nature

trails. The crew pictured above spent their

summer restoring the trails at Camp Hollis

and Independence Park in Oswego.

The 2012 Summer Youth Works Program continued to be one of the

most popular youth services offered. In total, 183 local youth were

employed throughout the county, 19 of which were cash assistance

recipients. Youth participants were placed at many different worksites

throughout the county in various job positions, such as daycare aides,

custodial assistants, clerical helpers, day camp counselors, and park

aides. The summer of 2012 also marked the return of the Oswego

County Conservation Corps (OC3). Conservation Crews

maintained nature trails at Camp Hollis, Camp Zerbe, Independence

Trail and Hannibal Woodsy Walk. Youth worked over 23,000 hours

and earned wages of $169,095, money that is funneled back into the

local economy. Youth also participated in work readiness sessions

covering topics like social and professional networking, phone

etiquette, job readiness, personal finance and customer service.

The 8th annual Youth Summit for Oswego County high school

juniors and seniors was held November 7, 2012 in Sheldon Hall at

SUNY Oswego. One hundred twenty local high school students attended

this year’s event along with their teachers and counselors.

Sponsored by the Workforce Development Board of Oswego County, the Summit highlighted the

importance of responsible social interaction with peers and teachers in order to help young people to

acquire critically important interpersonal skills needed for success in college, vocational training and the

labor market. Practical techniques to encourage positive habits of mind and proven behavioral methods for

deflecting negative social influences were keynotes of the event.

The guest speaker was Brooks Gibbs. Mr. Gibbs is a youth crisis counselor and bullying expert. With

more than a decade of experience working with youth, Brooks Gibbs has earned a reputation as a leading

authority on youth issues surrounding bullying. His talk gave practical advice to youth for coping with and

overcoming difficult social situations and negative behavioral influences in school and at work. He shared

insights gained from his adolescent experiences as well as from his successful radio talk show career.

Youth participants also learned about future employment and educational opportunities locally, regionally

and worldwide. The Summit provided access to workshops presented by local working professionals.

These presentations were intended to help young people to focus on their personal, educational and career

goals. Workshop topics included college life, criminal justice, forensics, health, sustainable energy, and

technology. In addition, a segment entitled “So You Want To Be An Adult” explored how to avoid the

perils and embrace the promise of making a smooth transition from high school to college and/or career.

The youth team also participated in the Oswego County Youth Services Forum held on November 5, 2012

at the SUNY Oswego Extension Site in Phoenix. This event allowed youth service providers to share

information on the many human service programs that are available to the youth of Oswego County.

Agency representatives gained a wealth of knowledge about the resources that exist for youth in the

community and how to access them. Presentations covered services such as jobs and training, runaway,

shelter and homeless services, juvenile justice services, youth development, health and mental health and

recreation programs.

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11 The Workforce Development Board Inc. of Oswego County Annual Report 2012-2013

DMD Mentee Sarah Powell

discovers the value of work and

gains experience sorting an order at

Uniforms Etc. in Fulton, NY.

SSeerrvviicceess ffoorr IInnddiivv iidduuaallss wwii tthh DDiissaabbii ll ii tt iieess

The Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) is a collaborative effort between the United States Department

of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (DOLETA), the Office of Disability Employment Policy

(ODEP) and the One-Stop Center. The DEI grant funds a Disability Resource Coordinator (DRC) who

works together with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to assist Social Security beneficiaries to

return to work.

The main focus of the DRC is the Ticket to Work program. This program offers opportunities and choices

for Social Security disability beneficiaries to obtain vocational rehabilitation, employment and other support

services from approved providers. Outreach is available to the nearly 7,500 Oswego County residents

who are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients to

make them aware of incentives that support work efforts. This program is designed to help beneficiaries of

SSDI or SSI who are ready to return to work or to increase their work activity.

The following are areas the DRC focuses on according to the specific Service Delivery Components of the

DEI Project:

Ticket to Work — The One-Stop has resources to better serve customers who receive SSDI or

SSI benefits through SSA’s Ticket to Work program. The DRC advises customers how work will

affect SSDI or SSI benefits and informs beneficiaries of allowable SSA Work Incentive Programs that

encourage to work without the fear of losing benefits. Ten tickets have been assigned to date and

several are being assessed.

Integrated Resource Team — One-Stop staff, along with other community partners, collaborate to

assist customers who could benefit from the resources of multiple agencies. Oswego County has

implemented an Integrated Resource Team (IRT), focusing on the needs of individual job seekers

utilizing the experience, skills, and resources of this collaborative approach.

Tools of the Trade - The DRC coordinated the 5th annual Tools of the Trade event in conjunction

with the Oswego County Placement Network. The event was successfully attended by over 75 job

placement professionals and those who work with individuals with disabilities. The event offered

useful information and five different training sessions regarding the current and ongoing challenges

found in achieving viable job placements for a diverse population.

Disability Mentoring Day - The DRC coordinated the 6th annual

Disability Mentoring Day in Oswego County. The event was

attended by a total of approximately 50 people including staff from

several Oswego County agencies who work with individuals with

disabilities. Also attending were fifteen mentees who were

mentored by ten Oswego County businesses. The ceremony

included a guest speaker and presentation of certificates to the

mentees/mentors prior to the job shadowing.

Partnerships and Collaboration — Leveraging opportunities for

individuals with disabilities to participate in education, training and

employment opportunities is also a focus of the DEI project.

Partnership Plus was developed with the DRC and ACCES-VR, to

collaborate with Ticket to Work participants and those whose cases are successfully closed with

ACCES-VR. The participant would assign their Ticket to the One-Stop and receive continued long

term support through the DRC.

Asset Development Strategies — Individuals who receive various types of public benefits, including

SSI and Medicaid are faced with resource limits in order to maintain eligibility. Asset Development

Strategies address this issue and help individuals with disabilities improve their economic standing.

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12 The Workforce Development Board Inc. of Oswego County Annual Report 2012-2013

OOsswweeggoo CCoouunnttyy WWoorrkkffoorrccee NNeeww YYoorrkk PPaarrttnneerrss

Oswego County Employment and Training

New York State Department of Labor

Oswego County Department of Social Services

Cayuga Community College

Career Employment Services (CES) of Oswego Industries

Oswego County BOCES

Oswego County Opportunities

Adult Career and Continuing Education Services – Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR)

The Partner Agencies continued to work toward the goals and objectives established for the

system around:

System Building

Partnering/Collaboration

Marketing/Promotions

Technology

Customer Service

Training

Communications

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13 The Workforce Development Board Inc. of Oswego County Annual Report 2012-2013

WWoorrkkffoorrccee DDeevveellooppmmeenntt BBooaarrdd MMeemmbbeerrss

Eric Behling

Behling's Orchards

Evelyn LiVoti

By Detail

Patrick Carroll

UA Plumbers and Steamfitters

David Lloyd

Novelis

Phil Church

Oswego County

James Marco

Oswego Health

Diane Cooper-Currier

Oswego County Opportunities Inc.

Edward Mervine

Pathfinder Bank

Wagner Dotto

Oswego County Business Magazine

Donald Morgan

Local 43 IBEW

Kathleen Fenlon

Oswego City-County Youth Bureau

Christopher Nelson

State Farm Insurance

Joseph Fiumara

City of Fulton Community Development Agency

Juanita Perez Williams

New York State Department of Labor

Leah Haggerty

Century 21 Leah’s Signature

Bruce Phelps

Fulton Tool Company, Inc.

Gregg Heffner

Oswego County Dept. of Social Services

Connie Smith

Springbrook Management

Greg Hilton

Huhtamaki Packaging

Mike Szpak

Oswego Industries, Inc.

Mark Hilton

The Fulton Companies

Christopher Todd

Oswego County BOCES

Nancy Holden

Nine Mile Point Nuclear, Constellation Energy

L. Michael Treadwell

Operation Oswego County, Inc.

Daniel Johnson

Entergy Nuclear Northeast

Donald Unger

Adecco Employment Services

Dr. Daniel Larson

Cayuga Community College

David Vickery

Vickery Insurance

Edwin Lighthall

Jellystone Park

Donald Watson

ACCES-VR