Located in the city of Escondido
Any Interfaith client is able to utilize the computer lab for purposes of self-initiated job search, employment research, and vocationally related activities. General direction and assistance is available from volunteers on a limited basis. Hours of operation vary and are posted weekly in the lobby at Interfaith headquarters. |
Located in the city of Escondido
The goal of this program is to assist clients in their pursuit of self sufficiency leading to the ability to secure and retain stable employment. Many of the clients seeking employment assistance at Interfaith find that they need to address multiple barriers, ones that seem impossible to overcome.
After assessing a client’s needs, volunteer vocational planners and employment services staff work with clients one-on-one to set employment goals and objectives through an individual employment plan. Clients meet regularly to work through each step of their plan, receiving the direction and encouragement they need to succeed.
To support clients in their pursuit of stable employment, staff and volunteers will assist clients in following areas:
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Career assessments and employability tests
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Resume preparation / online application preparation
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Interview preparation & self-esteem mentorship
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Job search / employment research
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Research and advocacy to resolve legal issues affecting employment opportunities
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Creating an email account, learning to use it safely and productively
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Filing for unemployment / CalJOBS
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Applying for and/or researching school and training opportunities, financial aid, scholarships and grants
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Learning or improving typing/keyboard and computer skills
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Monthly workshops
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Sally came to Interfaith with multiple barriers preventing her from getting and keeping a job that could support her family. She dreamed of a career as a medical assistant, but had no idea of how to achieve that dream. With a history of substance abuse, a criminal record, no vocational education, and little work experience she saw no alternatives and had taken a low paying job doing telemarketing. She had been working for 2 months when Revenue and Recovery had started garnishing her wages for unpaid legal fees. She was now taking home less that $4.00 an hour and was struggling to get by. A misdemeanor drug charge kept her from receiving financial assistance, and other petty charges lead to her license being suspended and more fees and fines that she was unable to pay. Issues arising from the stress of her situation eventually cost her job and she came to employment services looking for help.
With guidance from staff, Sally set some goals and got to work achieving her dream… She got set up with unemployment insurance and was able to get into a short-term vocational program to become a Certified Medical Assistant. She worked in the computer lab to study and to overcome her fears of computers; a skill she knew would be needed in the work world. She attended a series of workshops and worked one-on-one with staff and volunteers to build a resume, learn interviewing strategies, and prepare herself for job search and her new career.
The last obstacle she needed to face was clearing up her legal issues; without that, she could not be state certified as a medical assistant. As an employment services client, Sally was signed up to attend the North County Homeless Court Program. Armed with advocacy letters, certificates, and proof of the accomplishments she had achieved while in our program, she faced the judge and was able to leave the court with a clear criminal record. Fees and fines were deemed satisfied, and charges dismissed based on the time she had spent in activities she had accomplished while working towards her goals.
Sally’s self esteem was soaring, and one week into her externship was offered a job. She passed her certification test, and is now gainfully employed as a Certified Medical Assistant. With the threat of garnishments gone, and the self-assurance built by hard work and persistence, Sally is confident that things will only get better. |
