Variety of agencies 'mesh' at JobLink to offer wide-scale employment services

By Rose Hooper

JobLink, located on Ridgeway Street above the old Jackson County Courthouse, can help you search for a job. Maintaining personal contact with local employers, job coaches know what's available in the area. With their extensive computer base, they also have a handle on what's available world wide.

But they can do much more than help you find a job.

If you need training, JobLink can provide it. If you are a displaced textile worker needing re-training for a new position, your training costs - including tuition, books, school fees, required tools and uniforms - could be covered through JobLink partners.

Need assistance preparing an effective, professional-looking resume? You'll find it at the Career Resource Center there.

Perhaps you are a little nervous about an initial interview. Job coaches will help you with interview skills and tell you how to dress for the occasion.

Suppose your car breaks down and needs some repairs so you can make the interview. Supportive services through JobLink can help with those repairs.

"We cover anything a person needs to support employment," said Ann Howell, JobLink coordinator.

To help determine individual needs, a customer can fill out a questionnaire when they first visit the office.

"We offer employment and training in a customer-focused, rather than agency-focused, manner," said Howell, who serves as the liaison between employers and qualified workers.

Part of Howell's job is establishing good working relationships with local employers, giving her first-hand knowledge of what positions are available. Howell also serves as a "match-maker" of sorts between employees and employers.

"Many folks have the old idea that we are just an Employment Security Commission," said Sheryl Williamson, Work First social worker, "but we have greatly expanded that concept."

Now at the one-stop shop, partnering with ESC you can receive services from Jackson County Department of Social Services, Mountain Projects, Vocational Rehabilitation, Southwestern Community College, Southwestern Commission, Job Corps and Services for the Blind.

"What we have here is a whole team effort. Our full service greatly enhances a person's employability," said Linda Gregory, unit manager with Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

"With so many partners at one location, we can bring everybody to the table at once. A person doesn't have to meet Monday with one agency, then on Tuesday travel to a different location to meet with someone else. We've got it all right here," said Williamson.

"It's a good supportive bunch. We're pretty meshed together," said Jennifer Abshire, social work supervisor with the Department of Social Services. "And we cross train. So in case one team member is out, another can fill in."

Not all JobLink Career Centers are housed at Employment Security offices, but those seven in the Western North Carolina area, including Jackson County, are.

As well as supporting those seeking employment, JobLink offers labor market information to area agencies such as the Economic Development Commission and the Chamber of Commerce.

The office is open from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and can be reached at 586-4063.

Back to Archive: 06/20/02.