JFCS creates free programs to support job searchers

By JEWISH REVIEW

article created on: 2009-04-01T00:00:00

In response to ever-growing community demand for job search support, Jewish Family and Child Service has created two new free programs—one for all ages and one for young adults—to assist individuals who are unemployed or under-employed and looking for work.

The free Job Search Support Group is open to unemployed individuals of all ages. The program begins Thursday, April 23, at 2 p.m. and meets for seven Thursdays.

Topics to be covered in the job search support group include: regaining your emotional balance and getting mentally prepared to start your job search; dealing with expectations, frustration and anxiety; managing change and transition; getting organized and setting goals; following through, keeping up the search and your spirits; identifying your skills and attributes; and learning how to talk about yourself. Group members will also receive help with writing their resumes and cover letters, exploring the world of networking, and preparing for interviews through working one-on-one with the JFCS Mensches in the Trenches volunteers, many of whom are experts in the career/job search field.

The JFCS Job Search Support Group will meet from 2-4 p.m. for seven Thursdays from April 23- June 4 at 1130 SW Morrison, Suite 316. There is no charge to participate, but space is limited. To reserve a place or learn more about the group, call Meghan at 503-226-7079 ext. 152 or Robby at 503-226-7079 ext. 131.

Building Careers Collectively, a job support network for those 22-35, is the second program.

With unemployment at a 26-year high, many older workers are deferring retirement or accepting lower level jobs that previously would have gone to individuals in their 20s and 30s. This has made it especially difficult for millions of young workers to climb onto the first rung or two of the career ladder, especially since many employers favor hiring applicants with a track record.

The particular challenges of being an out-of-work young adult has led to the creation of the other new JFCS job search support program, BCC: Building Careers Collectively, a job support network for individuals age 22-35 who are unemployed, under-employed or unhappily employed.

BCC is a free program co-sponsored by Machar and Urban Jews PDX. BCC’s purpose is to assist young adults to develop new marketable skills, enhance the skills they already have, make strategic contacts, build relationships, and put themselves in the right place to find work that’s interesting, satisfying and aligned with their hopes and dreams.

The perspective of BCC: Building Careers Collectively is two-fold: (1) In crisis there is also opportunity and (2) We will accomplish more through networking than we can working alone.

In addition to responding to needs proposed by group members, BCC meetings and online discussions will help participants:

• Understand how the job market has changed and what it’s really going to take to find work
• Use the recession as a springboard to learn what you really want to do
• Capitalize on your current skills and develop new ones
• Use internships and targeted volunteering to build skills and contacts
• Learn new trends in resumes, cover letters and job search strategies
• Explore what networking really is and how to do it
• Make the transition from “just a job” to “career and meaningful work”
• Find ways to earn income while looking for work
• Share resources, leads, contacts, support; and
• Help each other succeed

In addition to the resources and support JFCS offers, BCC also has access to advice and coaching from job search professionals like Susan Goldstein and Barbara Barde, who will be helping group coordinator Brian Vasbinder find the resources to address the group’s needs.

There is no charge to be part of the BCC network.

Participants can attend either of two introductory meetings—Monday, April 6, or Tuesday, April 14, both at 7 p.m. They will be held at the Oregon Jewish Museum, 310 NW Davis St., Portland, who have donated the use of their space.

To join the group or for more information, contact Vasbinder at 510-846-6487 or bccnetwork@jfcs-portland.org. Information about BCC can also be found on the JFCS Web site (www.jfcs-portland.org) or on the BCC: Building Careers Collectively Facebook page.