Workforce Development Center

For more than 15 years the Workforce Development Center has successfully linked businesses to the public workforce system. The Dutchess County Workforce Development staff works to increase business access to qualified workers, and ensure that income eligible residents are prepared for the workplace environment, its responsibilities and retention. This program is in cooperation with the Dutchess County Department of Community & Family Services.

Work Now Employment and Retention Program

The Work Now Employment and Retention Program places an emphasis on developing pre-employment skills and improving employee success in the workplace. Made possible by a partnership with the Dutchess County Department of Social Services, this initiative allows for a team of qualified mentors to assist those transitioning into the labor force with guidance and supervision. This provides the highest level of opportunity for success for both the employer and employee.

Primary Services:

Professional support and guidance to the employee regarding workplace issues.
Focus on development of critical skills.
Assistance in developing communication and management skills.
How to handle work-related stress, deadlines and co-worker issues.
Provides businesses with a resource for employee relation issues.
Enhances the performance, motivation and attitude of the employee.
Advance Empowerment Opportunities
Budget development and credit management.
Referral source for other support service agencies and programs.
Exploring educational and training opportunities to improve technical skills needed to gain promotions.
Build self-confidence and inter-dependent supports.

Responsible Parent Initiative

The Responsible Parent Initiative has been part of the Chamber’s mentoring program since 2002, and works with families to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency and employment. It is a specialized program offered to individuals on Temporary Assistance (TANF) facing either sanction or nearing the five-year TANF time limits. The goal of the RPI Program is to help the entire family—parents and children—to end their sanction or threat of sanction through one-on-one intensive case management.

The program offers assistance with advocacy, counseling, career and educational development, and job search and resume building opportunities. Another priority is to identify reliable caregivers for under-school age children. Through identification of the right services and programs, as well as the provision of appropriate support systems, the RPI program assists program participants with implementing a successful plan to end dependence on social services.

Youth Employment Services Program

The Youth Employment Services Program (YES) was started in 2006 to assist older youth receiving temporary assistance (TANF) with academic and employment support opportunities and other supportive services. The goal of the YES Program is to provide eligible youth with the tools, skills, and confidence necessary to succeed personally and professionally in the community.

The program utilizes local businesses for internships and employment, supportive services for intensive case management, and the community to help older youth complete high school/earn their GED and find full-time employment, and younger youth aged 14-16 stay in school, placement in appropriate internship and part-time employment.

Goals of the program:

Ensure current TANF high school students advance in grade level each year.
Provide GED classes and testing opportunities for TANF out-of-high school students to help them obtain their GED diplomas within eight months.
Provide work opportunities, job skill development and employment workshops to all participants.
Completion of resume, job search, and internship with local business or community-based organization.
Securing full- or part-time appropriate employment with benefits by the end of 12 months in the program.

*The programs provided by the Workforce Development Center are partially funded from the County of Dutchess.

The Step-Up Program

The Step-Up Program provides local employers with the opportunity to hire trained individuals and to receive a wage subsidy for a period of time. The wage subsidy agreement is based on the technical aspects of the job, skills required and various other factors. This innovative program helps eligible community members become self sufficient and provides employers with trained and work-ready employees.

10 Benefits of Participating in the Step-Up Program:

1. Access to a pool of qualified candidates at no cost!
2. The Program pre-screens applicants for skill levels, aptitudes and abilities to meet specific employer’s needs.
3. Potential employees receive soft skills training and mentoring prior to employment.
4. Qualified employers receive a wage subsidy for a period of time.
5. Experienced and business-oriented staff to help with any questions or issues.
6. Post-employment support for both employer and employee.
7. Eases employer’s costs of training and minimizes search for new employees.
8. Access to training funds.
9. Greatly benefits small business without an HR department.
10. Minimal paperwork - wage subsidy is quick and easy to receive!

Did you know?

• Any local business is welcome to participate.
• Prospective employees receive specialized training, including but not limited to, EKG, PCT and CNA training.
For more information, call (845) 454-1700 ext. 1024 or (845) 454-1700 ext. 1001