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Applied in 2004

LIFE&WORK

The Jobs Partnership of Florida, Inc.

Program Facts

  • Paid (FTE) Staff Working: 3
  • Program Participants Last Year: 84
  • Meets about 810 time(s) with each participant per month
  • Participants remain in the program for 6 months

Volunteers

Volunteers per month: 25

Volunteers are trained:

Volunteer Training
AlwaysRarely

Volunteers are actively recruited:

Volunteer Recruiting
AlwaysRarely

Board Activities

  • Formally reviews the performance of the chief executive officer at least once every two years.
  • Formally approves the budget.
  • Has formally approved a conflict of interest policy and regularly monitors it to ensure adherence.
  • Receives, at least quarterly, the organization's financial statement.
  • Receives, at least annually, an auditor's management letter and report.

Outcomes & Measures: (self-reported)

Outcome 1
Class Completion

Measure
Attendance log, Completed Individual Employment Plan, Resume

Outcome 2
Removal of Employment Barriers

Measure
Referrals to service providers

Outcome 3
Career Path Opportunity

Measure
Job placement, salary increase, promotion

Outcome 4
Vocational Training

Measure
Enrollment w/training provider, graduation/completion

Change Process: (self-reported)

Through its network of partner churches, The Jobs Partnership of Florida offers a 12-week, faith-based, soft skills (KEYS), and employability skills (STEPS) training called LIFE & WORK. The classes are designed to build self-esteem while equipping each candidate with practical ways to find and keep a meaningful job opportunity. The classes meet two times a week for a total of 48 classroom hours over the 12-week period.

The KEYS classes inspire the participants to develop a sense of personal responsibility that encompasses self-discipline and self-confidence. The course topics can be summarized by the following:

  • Effective communication skills and courtesy in dealing with supervisors, co-workers and customers.
  • Work ethics such as showing up to work everyday, on time, and being committed to the concept of work.
  • Positive work habits such as completing assigned tasks and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
The KEYS curriculum includes homework assignments, instruction by trained volunteers and small group discussion. The small group discussion is facilitated by volunteer mentors recruited from local churches. The mentors agree to care for the same small group for the entire 12-week process, providing positive role models, and no-nonsense accountability. Patterns of destructive behavior that might be indulged elsewhere tend to be challenged in a firm but loving manner, removing the barriers to meaningful employment.

The STEPS classes are designed to equip the participants with an understanding of their skills and abilities and how to effectively market themselves as they pursue a career path opportunity. The curriculum includes:
  • CareerDirect Assessment
  • Customized Individual Employment Plan
  • Professional resume preparation
  • Effective interviewing techniques
  • How to conduct an effective job search
The STEPS course also provides ongoing opportunities to improve skills and eliminate employment barriers through a network of partner service providers. In addition, experienced Human Resource professionals recruited from the local churches serve as Job Counselors to the same small group of participants throughout the 12-week course, coaching them in the completion of the employment tools and preparing them for success in their job search and ultimately, the workplace.

The 12-week course concludes with a graduation ceremony, celebrating the participants’ completion of the intensive training and showcasing their accomplishments with invited business and community partners, along with family and friends.

Successful graduates of these courses are invited to utilize the job placement services of the Jobs Partnership of Florida. This service includes identifying, screening, and referring individuals who are good matches to business partners that have posted their open job listings, giving the graduates access to key decision makers within the company. There is no guarantee of a job offer, only an opportunity to interview, with the hiring decision at the sole discretion of the employer.

Throughout the 12-week process and beyond, the Jobs Partnership of Florida offers motivation and encouragement for success on the job. Job placements with business partners are monitored and followed up to ensure both employers and employees are satisfied with the working relationship. Referrals to community resources are made available to all program participants to help with life and family issues that might interfere with their workplace success, such as childcare and transportation, in an effort to increase job retention.