LAKE COUNTY — Lake County Department of Social Services (DSS) is currently engaged in a subsidized employment program benefiting employers and employees of the area. The DSS is providing employers with referrals of qualified workers and reimbursing them 100 percent of the wage cost for any job seeker employed through the program.
“We”re real excited about this program and the most important part right now is getting the word out so employees and employers know that this money is here to help our community,” Janice Hubbell, program spokesperson said. “This will help Lake County families by placing them in jobs as well as keeping jobs for employers who are facing lay-offs. It is definitely benefiting our local economy. With the current placements we have, it”s generating approximately $113,000 a month in salaries throughout the county.”
Two presentations about the Subsidized Employment Program are scheduled next week. The presentations will provide a full description of the program, its benefits and its accessibility.
“These presentations will explain the program in full detail and will answer any questions that employees or employers may have,” Hubbell said. “This is a perfect opportunity to become familiar with the program and learn about all it has to offer.”
Employees as well as employers are encouraged to attend the first program presentation, 5 p.m. May 18 at Edgewater Resort, 6420 Soda Bay Road in Kelseyville.
Hubbell said that employers can benefit through this program by accessing the Lay-off Aversion Program. The program will pay salary costs of the employee while the employer is to provide supervision and training.
Hubbell said that to-date 47 job placements have been made with 27 county employers participating. “”Private, non-profit and some government agencies can access this program,” she said. “Some of the positions that we”ve placed were for lay-off avoidance. So, any business that is suffering because of the economy and is looking at laying-off their employees can benefit by accessing this program.”
Hubbell said that employees must meet eligibility requirements. “They must have children younger than 18 years and their income must be below the 200 percent Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For example, the income level for a household size of three is $3,052,” she said.
The second presentation, scheduled for 11 a.m. May 27 at The Job Zone, 9055 Highway 53 in Lower Lake, will be focused toward employees only. “Participants are enthusiastic about being placed in positions that allow them to have full time jobs and provide for their families,” Hubbell said.
According to Hubbell, this is a statewide program that is tailored to specific county needs. “The program is running through Sept. 30 but we are anticipating it being extended for another year,” she said.
Reservations are requested for each presentation. To reserve a space at the May 18 presentation in the Kelseyville area, contact Janice Hubbell at 995-4243. To RSVP for the May 27 presentation in Lower Lake, contact Jeremiah French at 995-9015.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
