This week I had to train two new veteran representatives, on the basics of the computer program that we use at Employment Security Department or ESD. I sat with them went through each form, showed them how the log in and out of the system, they shadowed me as I did job matching with veterans, and helped walkins with resume or community resources, and explained different programs, how they work and who qualifies for the program. I also showed them around the office and introduced them to everyone.
This week I was also allowed to lead the Veteran Job-Club this week on 2/17/2011 and the Veterans Administration building in Lakewood. This was very exciting and nerve reckoning because I was suppose to meet the person who originally leads the club and she was going to help me get started and be there if I needed help or anything. Unfortunately she was sick this morning and I arrived there they did not know who I was, and they did not know that this person was sick. So finally after about 20 minutes we got everything figured out and another Veteran Representitive was sent to help me. I got the meeting starting by asking eveyone to introduce themselves, with there names and something about there employment experience to break the ice. By the way this was a meeting set up with about 12 to 20 long term unemployed veterans, for networking, and best practices reasons. We got the meeting going, was able to get and give great labor market information, and found issue that age discrimination was a common feeling amoung these veterans because besides mybe two all were in there 50's and 60,s. Overall great week got to were jeans today because as of last week Adminstrator said yes to jeans on fridays.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Week of 2/7/2011 thru 2/11/2011
This was an interesting week this week we did the usual. We helped different veterans with job searches, resumes, and gave local community resources. In one case I had a veteran who came in and was interesed in one of our programs called the Trucking Program. This is where we send qualified veterans down to Salt Lake City, Utah for CDL driving training. We have to go through an extensive package with each person to make sure that they meet the qualifications. If was a bit fustrarating in the begining because we had to make the copy of the ID or Drivers license in a special size and it took me a while before I got it right. The veteran was patient with me though and that was great.
There was also another change to the office we where moved again but it was to a bigger space. This week I also learned something fun that is done at the end of everyday before they leave work. I stayed late on Monday 2/7/2011 and they do a soul train line dance to different music to wind down before the drive home. I thought that was great and everyone join in. That was about it for this week because I have been sick most of the week.
There was also another change to the office we where moved again but it was to a bigger space. This week I also learned something fun that is done at the end of everyday before they leave work. I stayed late on Monday 2/7/2011 and they do a soul train line dance to different music to wind down before the drive home. I thought that was great and everyone join in. That was about it for this week because I have been sick most of the week.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Week of 1/31/2011 to 2/4/2011
Well this week we started a new process in what we do as Interns here. We are tasked to contact long term unemployed veterans. We have to verify there military status, and dates. We offer resume and cover letter classes, as well other employment services for veterans. We have to contact the veteran via telephone, email or regular mail. We focus on getting older veterans the computer skills needed to have a fighting chance in this technilogical era.
This week we will also be expanding other services for veterans, before we could only request a copy of a veterans discharges papers for them now we also have the ability to request medical records as well. Our business cards where ordered, and I was added to the list of Veteran Representative for our office and connected with other representatives in other counties such as Mason and Thurston.
Finally this week I was out for two days due to hospitalization, but better now and was welcomed with cards, and flowers. I was also given my own list of veterans to contact and work with in providing services for employment, and training.
This week we will also be expanding other services for veterans, before we could only request a copy of a veterans discharges papers for them now we also have the ability to request medical records as well. Our business cards where ordered, and I was added to the list of Veteran Representative for our office and connected with other representatives in other counties such as Mason and Thurston.
Finally this week I was out for two days due to hospitalization, but better now and was welcomed with cards, and flowers. I was also given my own list of veterans to contact and work with in providing services for employment, and training.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Week of 1/24/2011 to 1/28/2011
Well this is week three and things are finally starting to get familiar. On 1/25/2011 we had a meeting with all of the DVOP counselors, and the Business Service Manager for the Tacoma area, as well as aother interns to talk about the changes in structure of the leadership team. In this meeting I got to meet all the leadership who work and develop programs for veterans and find out what other interns do at other offices. I found that each intern had a different job because at each location the veteran needs are different. They also asked for input from us interns on how to make our job flow easier, and we discussed issues that each location has and offered solutions, and better practices. They also changed the name of our positions to Local Veteran Representative.
There are also two other Local Veterans interns who joined the team this week , which I think is awesome because of the amount of veterans that I deal with. The only bad thing about the deal is I have to share my desk which is not large enough for two people but we will work it out. This week I also sat thru one of the Unemployment Benefits oreintation, and will attend another next week so that I will be able to give the oreintation before my intern is over.
The people here are great they are having a spring potluck in the next few weeks, and I have been asked to train the new interns on the basics of what we do here. WorkSource has a JobClub just for veterans every third Thursday of the month and I am training today on how to give this 1hour class about networking, best practices when applying for jobs, and interviewing tips. Very busy never a dull moment will have pics next week to post.
There are also two other Local Veterans interns who joined the team this week , which I think is awesome because of the amount of veterans that I deal with. The only bad thing about the deal is I have to share my desk which is not large enough for two people but we will work it out. This week I also sat thru one of the Unemployment Benefits oreintation, and will attend another next week so that I will be able to give the oreintation before my intern is over.
The people here are great they are having a spring potluck in the next few weeks, and I have been asked to train the new interns on the basics of what we do here. WorkSource has a JobClub just for veterans every third Thursday of the month and I am training today on how to give this 1hour class about networking, best practices when applying for jobs, and interviewing tips. Very busy never a dull moment will have pics next week to post.
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