Get That Job! » government

Lots of government job openings coming

Daniel Johnson, Jr. — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 18:58:00 +0000

Clark Howard reports that a huge wave of people will be retiring from government jobs soon. Check out usajobs.gov for more information.

Ohio SCOTI System and Indeed Salary Search

Daniel Johnson, Jr. — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 23:39:00 +0000

Update: Clarifying expecations.

One of the requirements when you file an unemployment claim in Ohio is that you sign up for their Sharing Career Opportunities & Training Information (SCOTI) system (UPDATE: The website now directs to no longer directs anywhere. Check out Ohio Means Jobs). Essentially, you get put into the system with your basic background, and, as participating companies search for individuals, you get contacted by SCOTI to call in to see if there is a suitable match. Receiving unemployment benefits is contingent upon your participation; i.e., if you don’t call, you may not get your unemployment compensation.

I recevied a letter over the weekend from the SCOTI system, and I just finished talking with the representative. The company is looking for an Application Developer with 3-5 years of experience with COBOL, CICS, JCL, and SQL. I don’t have that specific type of experience, and so it was determined that I’m not a suitable match.

One thing that does bother me about that position is the annual salary that the job was offering: $18,335. That sounded really low, and I mentioned that during the phone conversation, but the rep said that’s what it was.

After I hung up, I used the Indeed Salary Search to check whether I was right, and here are the results:

application developer COBOL CICS JCL SQL in Cincinnati, OH $79,000

View Larger Salary Graph

If the rate was really an hourly rate of $18.335/hour ($38,136/year), it would be a lot more reasonable, but still less than the average.

Hopefully the next opportunity will be a more suitable match. What are your thoughts?

P.S. Let me remind you that you can use this handy domain name to get here: http://getthatjobonline.com

Database of Qualified College Students and Graduates Seeking Summer and Full-time Jobs

Daniel Johnson, Jr. — Wed, 23 Mar 2005 14:29:00 +0000

U.S. Newswire : Releases : Labor Department Offers Employers Database of Qualified College Students and Graduates Seeking Summer and Full-time Jobs

A free database that identifies 1,913 qualified college students and recent graduates with disabilities who seek summer and fulltime employment is available for the tenth year to public and private sector employers to help them meet their staffing needs:

“The Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) offers employers a larger pool of skilled job candidates to choose from while offering students and graduates with disabilities more opportunity to explore or begin careers,” said Roy Grizzard, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy. “The program also fulfills President Bush’s New Freedom Initiative pledge to promote employment opportunities for people with disabilities throughout the nation.”

The department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is offering the WRP database of job seekers with disabilities in cooperation with the Department of Defense. Through ODEP’s complimentary CD-ROM database, employers can search from a pool of pre-screened applicants who have skills in disciplines ranging from computer sciences and business to communications, engineering, office administration and more. Searches generate candidate profiles, academic and demographic data, and contact information for students from more than 200 colleges and universities in over 45 states and territories. To request a copy of the CD-ROM, send your name, company name, address and phone number to wrp@dol.gov or call ODEP at (202) 693-7880.

ODEP’s portfolio of assets for employers also includes the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) and the Employer Assistance & Recruiting Network (EARN). JAN is a toll-free information and referral service on job accommodations, self-employment and small business opportunities for people with disabilities and can be reached at 1-800-526-7234 or at http://www.jan.wvu.edu. EARN, a national toll-free telephone and electronic information referral service, helps employers who have job vacancies to find and recruit qualified workers with disabilities in their localities. EARN can be reached at 1-866-Earn Now (1-866-327-6669) or via its website (http://www.earnworks.com). ODEP’s website is available to employers and employees at http://www.dol.gov/odep as is http://www.DisabilityInfo.Gov — a cross-government portal on disability-related information.

Best Workplaces for Commuters

Daniel Johnson, Jr. — Thu, 06 Jan 2005 18:51:00 +0000

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) compiled a list of the Top 20 Best Workplaces for Commuters(sm) (BWC). According to the report:

How the Top 20 are ranked

The Top 20 employers on the list of Best Workplaces for Commuters from the FORTUNE 500 Companies are ranked by the percentage of their total U.S. workforce eligible for outstanding commuter benefits that meet EPA’s National Standard of Excellence. The percentage was calculated by dividing the number of employees working at Best Workplaces for Commuters qualified work sites by the company’s total U.S. employment.

Census Bureau Ranks Areas with Longest Average Commute Times

Labor Exchange Self-Service System

Daniel Johnson, Jr. — Mon, 22 Nov 2004 16:37:00 +0000

I saw this link at the Dayton Job Center. Don’t know much else about it yet.

Jobs, Other Assistance Available for Workers Dislocated by Florida Storms

Daniel Johnson, Jr. — Wed, 25 Aug 2004 03:47:00 +0000

8/24/2004 12:07:00 PM

—–

To: National Desk

Contact: Lorette Post of the U.S. Department of Labor, 202-693-3984

WASHINGTON, Aug. 24 /U.S. Newswire/ — U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao has announced a National Emergency Grant of up to $50 million, with an initial release of $16.5 million, to assist workers in Florida affected by Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane Charley.

“President Bush and I want workers affected by this disaster to know that help is available now,” said Secretary of Labor Chao. “Federal and state agencies are working around the clock to make sure that dislocated workers have access to temporary jobs, supportive services such as transportation and child care expenses and disaster unemployment insurance as quickly and easily as possible.”

The National Emergency Grant will provide temporary employment as well as supportive services to eligible workers. Information on employment assistance is available by calling toll free 1-800- 342-3450.

In addition to assistance provided through this grant, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has made $2 million available immediately to eligible dislocated workers through the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program, administered by the Department of Labor.

The major objective of DUA is to provide assistance to individuals whose employment or self-employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster and who are not eligible for regular state unemployment compensation. Individuals who meet these criteria can file claims online at http://www.floridajobs.org or by phone at 1-800-204-2418. Operating One-Stop Career Centers and mobile One-Stop units are also accepting claims applications.

——

U.S. Labor Department (DOL) releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov . The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call 202-693-7765 or TTY 202-693-7755. DOL is committed to providing America’s employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit http://www.dol.gov/compliance.

——

A document outlining questions and answers about DUA for the State of Florida is below.

What is Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)?

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) provides assistance to individuals whose employment or self-employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster and who are NOT eligible for regular state unemployment insurance. The U.S. Department of Labor oversees DUA and coordinates with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which provides the funds for payment of DUA and state administration (see note 1). DUA is administered by the state agency responsible for providing state unemployment insurance. In Florida, that is the Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation headquartered in Tallahassee.

What triggers the availability of DUA?

Based upon the request of the Governor, the President may declare that a major disaster exists and define the areas in the state that are eligible for financial assistance. President Bush declared a major disaster in certain parts of the state of Florida on Aug. 13.

Who is eligible for DUA?

Payment will be made to an unemployed worker who as a direct result of a major disaster:

No longer has a job;
Is unable to reach their place of work;
Was to commence work and does not have a job or is unable to reach the job;
Has become the breadwinner for the household because the head of household died (see note 2); or
Cannot work because of a disaster-incurred injury.

Payment will be made to an unemployed self-employed individual who as a direct result of a major disaster:

No longer can perform regular services in self-employment;
Is unable to reach the place where self-employment services are performed;
Was to commence regular service in self-employment and does not have a place or is unable to reach the place where services were to be performed; or
Cannot perform services because of a disaster-incurred injury.

NOTE: An individual who becomes a breadwinner due to the death of a self-employed individual is considered an unemployed worker for DUA purposes.

For each week of unemployment, an individual must meet the “able to work” requirement and the “available for work” requirement of the state unemployment insurance program.

How much DUA can someone receive and for how long?

The maximum weekly benefit amount in the state of Florida is $275. The disaster assistance period commences the week of Aug. 16, 2004 and ends on Feb. 12. An individual can receive up to 26 weeks of DUA benefits as long as the individual’s unemployment or self-employment was caused by the major disaster and continues as a result of the disaster. Applications for DUA must be made within 30 days of Aug. 16, 2004. DUA claims are being taken by Internet, telephone and mail. While some of the One-Stop Centers in the interior of the state are closed due to damage, the Florida agency is using a mobile One-Stop stationed in Charlotte County to take UI and DUA claims. The first check should arrive approximately three weeks after the initial claim is made. To file a DUA claim in Florida or for questions call 1-800-204-2418.

NOTES:

DUA is considered an entitlement benefit subject to meeting the eligibility requirements detailed below.
The individual becoming the breadwinner does not need to have wage credits and could be eligible for DUA even if the deceased individual would have had regular unemployment insurance eligibility. The breadwinner is entitled to the higher of the DUA amount based on either the deceased head of household’s wages or their own DUA amount calculated under the provisions of the DUA regulations.

http://www.usnewswire.com/

-0-

/© 2004 U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/

AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50 Honorees for 2004

New Overtime Rules Simplify Regulations for Small Businesses, Says SBA

Daniel Johnson, Jr. — Mon, 23 Aug 2004 21:42:00 +0000

8/23/2004 4:24:00 PM

——

To: National Desk, Labor Reporter

Contact: Raul E. Cisneros of U.S. Small Business Administration, 202-205-7654

WASHINGTON, Aug. 23 /U.S. Newswire/ — New overtime rules issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, going into effect today simplify regulations for small businesses.

“One of the pillars of President Bush’s small business agenda is to reduce regulatory barriers for small businesses,” said SBA Administrator Hector V. Barreto. “Previous rules had not been updated in decades, causing confusion and litigation for these entrepreneurs. These new rules will make it easier for small businesses to comply with overtime regulation.”

The new rules guarantee overtime protections to 6.7 million workers earning $23,660 per year or less. About 1.3 million salaried white collar workers will gain up to $375 million in additional earnings per year. Another 5.4 million salaried workers will get a guarantee of overtime rights.

“With these new rules, small business employers will have more clarity should they decide to hire more employees without the fear of additional litigation,” added Barreto. “Now, both employees and employers will have ironclad protections. This is very positive for small businesses in the long term.”

For additional details on the new overtime rules, visit: http://www.dol.gov.

http://www.usnewswire.com/

-0-

/© 2004 U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/

via U.S. Newswire

Restoring Overtime Security for Millions of Working Americans

Daniel Johnson, Jr. — Mon, 23 Aug 2004 21:21:00 +0000

8/23/2004 12:08:00 PM

——

To: National Desk and Labor Reporter

Contact: Lisa Kruska of the U.S. Department of Labor, 202-693-4676

WASHINGTON, Aug. 23 /U.S. Newswire/ — U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced today that the final rules governing overtime eligibility for white-collar workers under the Fair Labor Standards Act are now in effect. The newly updated Overtime Security Rule strengthens and protects overtime pay for 6.7 million American workers. The new rules clarify and update ambiguous and confusing overtime regulations that were first created in 1939 and have not been substantially updated since 1949.

“6.7 million workers will see their overtime protections strengthened under the new Overtime Security Rule,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “Under the new rules, workers will know their overtime rights, employers will know their responsibilities and the department can more vigorously enforce these protections. In addition, the department has undertaken the most extensive compliance outreach on any regulation in its history to help employers comply with the new rules,” added Chao.

The new rule expands the number of workers eligible for overtime by nearly tripling the salary threshold. Under the previous 50-year-old regulations, only workers earning less than $8,060 annually or $155 per week were guaranteed overtime. Under the new rule, workers paid less than $23,660 or $455 per week are now automatically guaranteed overtime regardless of their titles or duties. A number of salaried workers earning above this threshold will also gain the right to overtime under the new, stronger rules. This strengthens overtime protections for 6.7 million low-wage salaried workers, including 1.3 million salaried white collar workers who were not entitled to overtime pay under the previous regulations. Businesses will have to pay an additional $375 million and workers will gain that amount in additional earnings every year.

Hourly workers are guaranteed overtime regardless of how much they are paid. Blue collar and manual laborers and workers, such as construction workers, operating engineers, carpenters, and longshoremen are also guaranteed overtime under these newly effective rules. Police, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, licensed practical nurses and other first responders now have strengthened overtime protections. Union workers under collective bargaining agreements are not impacted.

With the new Overtime Security Rule, the U.S. Department of Labor, which has set new records for aggressive Wage and Hour enforcement, now has a strong new standard in place to better protect workers’ pay.

To learn more about the new overtime security rules go to http://www.dol.gov/fairpay. This website includes fact sheets, video instruction and is searchable. It also tells workers how to file a complaint with the Department of Labor if they believe they are improperly being denied overtime.

——

U.S. Labor Department news releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov. The information in this release will be made available in alternative format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call 202- 693-7773 or TTY 202-693-7755.

http://www.usnewswire.com/

/© 2004 U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/

via U.S. Newswire: Releases: Restoring Overtime Security for Millions of Working Americans; The Department of Labor’s New Overtime Security Rules In Effect Today

Daniel Johnson, Jr. — Wed, 28 Jan 2004 05:50:00 +0000

CareerVoyages.gov

Start exploring career options – whether you are in high school, have graduated, have a vocational certificate, have a 2-year or 4-year college degree, or have knowledge and skills acquired through training centers, on-the-job training, or work experience. Be in demand by knowing about high growth jobs with better wages and a brighter future.

Daniel Johnson, Jr. — Thu, 02 Oct 2003 08:58:00 +0000

U.S. Labor Department Announces Grants to Promote Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 /U.S. Newswire/ — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced $1 million in grants to benefit women entering nontraditional occupations. The grants will go to 10 community-based organizations, which will help employers and labor unions recruit, train, hire and retain women in apprenticeship and nontraditional jobs.

“This Administration is committed to helping women learn about the opportunities available and the fields of work, where long-term careers can be realized,” said Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao. “From carpentry to masonry, more and more women are putting in long hours of training or retraining, and taking pride in the fact that their work is helping to make America greater.”

The Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations grantees are: Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc., Portland, Oregon; Tradeswomen, Inc., Oakland, California; Women in Non-Traditional Employment Roles, Long Beach, California; Nontraditional Employment for Women, New York, New York; Women’s Resource Center, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Montana Job Training Partnership, Helena, Montana; HRC, Inc., Wasilla, Alaska; Northern New England Tradeswomen, Inc., Essex Junction, Vermont; Chicago Women in Trades, Chicago, Illinois; and Area Resources for Community and Human Services, St. Louis, Missouri.

The Women’s Bureau administers the grants with the Labor Department’s Office of Apprenticeship Training, Employer and Labor Services. Additional information regarding nontraditional occupations for women can be found on the Women’s Bureau website at: http://www.dol.gov/wb.

Source: U.S. Newswire

Training Info in Ohio

Daniel Johnson, Jr. — Thu, 07 Nov 2002 20:14:00 +0000

Occupational Outlook Handbook

Have you checked this out? This site is developed and maintained by the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. A virtual clearinghouse of all types of occupations, you can search for any occupation and find out the following types of information:

Significant Points
Nature of the Work
Working Conditions
Employment statistics
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
Job Outlook
Earnings
Related Occupations
Sources of Additional Information, and
O*NET Codes

Varied Work Background

Daniel Johnson, Jr. — Tue, 20 Aug 2002 17:58:00 +0000

Government Jobs

“Welcome . . . to govtjobs.com the nation’s leading web site devoted to helping individuals find the jobs they are seeking in the public sector. govtjobs.com is designed to make your job search efficient. There is no fee to search this web site.” [italics added]