Instructions: Create an original post and describe the major groups of people with whom you work and the backgrounds from which they originate. Identify the key resources that you use with this group. Then respond to one classmate’s post. You will make a total of two posts.
Remember that our learning group works in a full-value environment: We treat our colleagues with respect and professionalism. Our comments should reflect this culture.
Ashley R
10/15/22
As a Job Seeker Consultant working in New Haven Ct the population I work with is very diverse in culture and socioeconomic status. I serve people that are in need of opportunity and local resources. It can be difficult to identify the specific regions my clients originate from but just for this assignment, I would say that it is an even split between Hispanic, African American, Caucasian, and others. People from different walks of life come into the American Job Center looking for a career and governmental assistance. What I believe is a key resource I use when serving my clients is a good understanding of Metacognition. I am very self-aware and as a female who is a part of the Latinx cultural group I have multicultural humility which allows me to build better connections with my clients.
I agree it can be difficult to identify the specific regions of origin of clients. Ultimately treating people as individuals and working to meet them where they are is the key to success. Being self-aware is a big part of being able to provide service to all people
I work with a diverse group of individuals from all racial backgrounds. A majority of the clients I deal with were at some point homeless and living in a shelter. Some of the clients are life long New Haven County residence and others have migrated from other states to NHC. For the clients I use Care4Kids, The goal of the Care 4 Kids program is to make child care affordable for low to moderate income families in Connecticut. The program is a partnership between the State of Connecticut, the families in the program and the providers who take care of the children. 211 is another resource that I use. 2-1-1 is a free, confidential information and referral service that connects people to essential health and human services 24 hours a day, seven days a week online and over the phone. Both of these resources have served as a great value to my participants.
Working with diverse populations and offering them social services based on their economic status requires us to be the middleman between the client and the governmental agency. Iv learned throughout my career each city offers an array of free resources that a lot of the public is unaware of.
We can use 211 info line and their website to create an updated list for resources that we can provide to our clients. I have a binder in the office that we can start from and add to, and I’ll provide a copy to you. That way we will reources on hand to provide to the clients from housing agencies, soup kitchens, emergency sheltors, energy assistance, food and clothing drives, and diaper banks.
Joanne,
I agree, having resources on hand, helps the client, especially when they meet or speak on the phone, with an urgency or emergency. They can literally walk away, feeling better than when they first explained their situation. We can also give them the tools, to manage and assist their families themselves, at any point of a need. We now can empower them to take control of their situation and be on their way to address their barriers and become self-sufficient.
Care 4 Kids and 211 Infoline are both great resources many clients can take advantage of.
It is very helpful for any family or person who needs it.
What do you do when a customer informed you that 211 hasn’t called them back like they stated in the recording? How often does a customer state that Care4kids has denied them, then what is the next step? I am only asking to see if there are back up agencies that can help assist some of these families.
Those are great questions Monique. I don’t have an answer about 211, I would only suggest that they call them again. If care4kids denies a family, I would suggest united way or early head start.
There are many diverse populations entering the AJC and the WIOA program looking for services. In the Adult and Dislocated Worker programs, we see people from diverse backgrounds of races and ethnicities. For example, some of the people enrolling in the program immigrated from foreign countries, such as Afghanistan. Some of the people from Afghanistan are also refugees in the United States and are also utilizing the services of a resettlement agency for assistance. Locally in the New Haven area, IRIS is the agency providing these services. Additionally, the WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker program serves people in all age groups from 18 to 80 years old. The age range varies from people just entering the workforce to those seeking to supplement retirement income with employment. The barriers and resources people need may vary. The one resource everyone can use is the 211 Infoline. This allows people to call and access information about social service programs that can help them with their needs. The service is also available online and their website also has a screening tool to allow people to determine if they may be eligible for different social assistance programs based on their answers.
As a Job Seeker Consultant, I have been working with the WIOA program for several years. I have worked in two different regions and towns with the Adult and Dislocated Worker programs. I work with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds who come to the center seeking services for example: employment, training, etc., Individuals who lost their jobs and looking for better opportunities and enhance their skills, gain skills, or a career change. I also have work with customers from other countries like Morocco, Jamaica, Hispanic, etc. I also work with customers with disabilities and partners agencies.
Hi Ms. Lopez,
I have to say, I am still trying to figure out the dislocated worker status. I commend you on the work you do. Wow, working with individuals from countries like Morocco, that had to be so different. I would love to one day here about your experience.
As a job seeker consultant, I work with both the WIOA and JFES Populations. I currently work with an age group from 18 – 72 and also with many diverse backgrounds. Many customers coming in are currently facing different circumstances such as severe low income, homelessness, mental and physical health concerns, disabilities, criminal background, lack of education, and all with different cultural backgrounds. I also work with many clients that are from different countries, such as Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, and Pakistan. Most clients from this population are refugees, working with IRIS in New Haven which helps connect them with Housing, American Job Center Services. and ESL Education. With this population there are many non-English speaking clients, and every client has different cultural values. We also have many resources to help our clients such as the Adult Education System, Higher Education, 211 Info Line, Barrier Intervention Services. Care4kids, along with Housing and energy Assistance.
I am glad the American Job Centers connect with other agencies to offer clients services such as education, childcare and housing. I think you bring up an important point regarding different cultural values. Understanding this will help clients feel welcomed and understood. It’s also important to take note of changes to the population/demographics so that we can cater services, such as the surge of Puerto Ricans who came in after Hurricane Maria or the influx of refugees from other countries during times of conflict or uncertainty.
Joanne, it is true that we see all walks of life coming into the AJC. I am glad to know that a seasoned staff like you, knows about resources to offer these individuals. It is good to know that what we can’t offer, other agencies in town are there to offer support.
As a job seeker consultant, I work with a diverse set of jobseekers. Having worked with both WIOA and JFES participants, I’ve dealt with a range of circumstances. I’ve worked with a range of generations. Some clients fall within the boomer generation; many of whom are deciding to pursue employment or even career changes at an age that was traditionally reserved for retirement. I’ve also worked with generation Xers and millennials. I would say this is the bulk of my caseload/experience. Recently I’ve begun working with the younger generation, Gen Z, as the older Gen Zer’s are entering their 20s. I’ve worked with clients who have had different socio-economic backgrounds and education levels. Through the Ticket to Work and JFES programs, I’ve had the experience of working with individuals with disabilities, including those who identify with physical disabilities or mental/behavioral health issues. I’ve had jobseekers who have backgrounds and are justice involved as well as English Language Learners. It used to be primarily Spanish speakers, but this has recently changed to other languages.
Resources I utilize depend on the person that I am working with. It may be that I use technology to assist a jobseeker who cannot physically get to the office due to a disability. I had a jobseeker who needed to be in the office as they were hard of hearing and Zoom was difficult for them. I may choose to utilize text with a younger client as they respond better/faster to this whereas a boomer would prefer I call or face to face contact. It’s important to properly assess each individual and get to know them. Although it is beneficial to have an idea or generalization as to how a certain person may act because of age or background, there are those who “defy” the norm. You may get a Gen Zer who hates texting, or a boomer who is tech savvy and prefers emails.
I am glad the American Job Centers connect with other agencies to offer clients services such as education, childcare and housing. I think you bring up an important point regarding different cultural values. Understanding this will help clients feel welcomed and understood. It’s also important to take note of changes to the population/demographics so that we can cater services, such as the surge of Puerto Ricans who came in after Hurricane Maria or the influx of refugees from other countries during times of conflict or uncertainty.
I like and agree with knowing other agencies services in regards to best serving our clients. Also knowing what is going on in the region is also imperative – such as the surge of Puerto Ricans after Maria, and the recent surge of Afghan refugees after US left the country. Making clients feel welcome and knowing we are the place to meet and coordinate their needs is my goal.
I have worked with offenders and ex-offenders, as well as individuals who may suffer with mental health illnesses, domestic violence, addictions, hopelessness, homelessness, etc. I can relate to a lot of these situations as well. I will talk about the offender and ex offender population, who are not serviced, in many counts, as others, in some cases. It takes a great deal of empathy and understanding to be able to service these individuals. To help an offender and/or an ex-offender takes a great deal of wanting to service them, not judging them and helping to keep them motivated as well. Alot of these individuals come from broken homes, were not given a chance in life, were cut short, have seen violence happen in their home, were raised in the streets, saw their parent or parents on drugs, literally lived a “hard knock life.” It gives me great pleasure to be able to sit down and get to know these individuals, listen to what they have been through, help them figure out exactly what it is they want to do, knock down barriers, what they need, earning their trust is a big thing. Having and keeping an open mind, comes easily for me. A lot of offenders and ex-offenders have served prison time. No one can tell these individuals that they understand what they have been through unless they were in prison before. There has to be sincerity, because these individuals do not trust people and will feel you are against them, unless they can sense honesty, integrity and realness coming from you, no programmed words. A lot of programs that are designed by the government do not help these individuals. Society does not believe in second chances, too much and when it comes to these individuals, they are sometimes embarrassed to go to an interview because they feel they will not be hired, due to them just basically stating, “yes, I have a criminal background.” Nine times out of ten, they are correct. Teaching these individuals to have self-confidence, self-esteem, to be hopeful and understand that everyone makes mistakes, and they are as equal to the next person as anyone else and that they are going to be alright, is very challenging. Don’t get me wrong, there are some offenders and/or ex-offenders that just feel the world owes them something and do not want to try and get it right and think that everything is supposed to be given to them, I still never give up on those individuals, they come around after a while and if they don’t it is their choice, though sad, you cannot make anyone change, they have to want to. There are not enough programs out here in CT that truly help offenders and ex-offenders get on the right track. There are not enough people in high places that feel the need to help offenders and or ex-offenders, unless they have a last name that is none and then their criminal background is ignored and they are elected Mayor. Alot of society thinks that prison is the answer for every crime committed and that prison rehabilitates individuals. I am here to let you know that prison either scares the heck out of some, kills some, teaches some more worse things than what they learned on the street and changes others’ lives forever, where they have been traumatized due to what they saw and/or what they went through in prison. Prison is not the answer. Prison is just like being in the real world except there is a fence around the compound. Drugs, sex, murder, lies and deceit are in the prisons, there is no escaping. I do my best to help assist all the individuals that come to me, even the offenders and/or ex-offenders. It takes a person that can truly understand what they have been through to help them. It is up to the individual to want the help and do what he or she has to do to maintain his or her life in a positive way and make it better. I always tell my customers, we are a team, they like this. I do my best to keep them motivated and listen to them, no matter what their background is. I do not overstep my boundaries, always keeping confidentiality. If they become angry and curse me out, I just let them, I do not become disrespectful back, because we never know what someone may be going through. So why get angry and become irate back? That makes no sense and will not solve anything. I tend to feel bad for them because usually they perceived something wrong or are just going through something and don’t know how to communicate with others. I do my best not to give up on them. I just push back and wait until they are ready to communicate again. I do not take it personal, though sometimes hard. I become an advocate for my customer, no matter what background they have. With the offenders and ex-offenders if I feel I cannot service them, due to the time frame of their criminal background, I recommend them to The Next Step Re-Entry Program, on the other side of my office. I sit and converse with the customer about the program, then I schedule an appointment with one of the team members from Next Steps, giving my customer the opportunity to sit and converse with the Next Steps member and then my customer makes the decision to either work with me or Next Step. Some stay and some go. Either way I allow the decision to be theirs, because it is their life. I never make any promises to my customers, and I meet them where they are no matter where they may be. I know I cannot help everyone, but that does not mean I won’t try. I asses, understand, listen, meet needs, help knock down barriers, give hope, motivate, work with my customers, motivate them, counsel them and just be honest, never making promises. I just be myself and maintain my professionalism at all times. I am not perfect, so if I cannot service my customers, I am not afraid to reach out for help, because I know there is a team of co-workers and management that is with me as well. I do not look at diversity, only because no two people are the same no matter what they may have in common. I never judge a book by its cover nor assume, because we all know how that could turn out. People come for help and when I am assigned to this case, I do my best to service them. I do not make the mistake by comparing them to my life or that of someone else’s, or to even think I know it all, because I don’t.
Hello, I really liked your approach to servicing those in the re entry community and also your approach about not assuming. Especially when you mentioned that your job is to motivate your clients and counsel them. I am glad that you are also ensuring that the clients know of other services and taping into that support.
Within New Haven Connecticut we work with various different populations. In terms of cultural makeup we serve individuals from the Latinx, Hispanic, populations as well as those coming from the Arab states. I have some knowledge of various cultures and there nuances as well as knowing when to just ask. For example there are some cultures where women in the workplace is still a touchy subject so sometimes just asking the client what are they comfortable with? Do they have restrictions or practices that they would need accommodations for? For those who come to our center and have degrees or experience in their country, I help them translate that and talk them through the differences that might present themselves in an American work environment. The big thing is the language barrier, I can usually get by with google translate and if there is no one in the office who speaks that particular language then I ask if they have a trusted friend or family member that can translate. The next population is the re-entry population. First, I have learned that not everyone is willing to disclose on the first meeting so I do not assume that everyone is coming to me with a clean record. So I always ask their career goals and barriers. It usually comes up when I am doing resumes and addressing resume gaps. The biggest hurdle is getting those who are re entering to speak about any skills they may have learned during that time or connecting them with services that we offer like the Next Steps program. The important thing for me is to build confidence and be nonjudgmental.
I’ve worked with a few clients that have come from different countries and have degrees that far exceed the qualifications of the job they are working in. It is an interesting concept that although they have studied and have the knowledge, it doesn’t seem to be applicable in the United States. I like your approach of helping them translate those skills and qualifications. I sometimes ponder the theory of whether it is their skills/education that isn’t accepted in the United States, or is it specifically the cultural and language barriers that they face.
At the American Job Center we serve wide and diverse populations. Based on demographics the majority of our clients are African American followed by white and then Hispanic. The common denominator is all are looking for career opportunities to become self-sufficient. in order to best serve all of our populations including former offenders, basic skills deficient, ESL and long term unemployed is meeting all customers where they are and developing plans to ensure the best opportunity for success. It is imperative to partner with community partners and knowing the resources to connect our clients with for addressing needs such as transportation, housing, childcare, education etc. It truly takes a village to serve a lot of our clients and it takes passionate and empathetic staff.
At the American Job Center, we encounter people from different cultures, countries, and backgrounds. I’m sure many would agree that one of the more difficult populations to work with are those with language barriers. Translation apps are a great A.T. to help us communicate with those populations. I find it curious that within the population that come from foreign countries, many of them have high levels of education and former job titles that far exceed the jobs they are currently working (if employed at all). As a career advisor, it is important to identify the reasons for which these individuals cannot find competitive employment. I believe it is important to understand a clients culture and background while working with them. A coworker of mine mentioned in their post that there are certain customs that individuals follow based on culture/religion. As a career advisor, you do not want to put your client in situations where they feel uncomfortable or are not able to perform to the best of their ability because of cultural barriers they face.
I and my team work regulary with a diverse population–from those who are considered refugees and immigrants, to single Moms. Their needs and wants are very different, but I attempt to use the same approach : providing the same services, advising about what services are best ans what works for them. Empathy is important but attemping to provide for their individual needs is always a challenge–and thinking out of the box and understanding their needs is just as important.
I agree! The most important thing is to understand the participant’s culture, and discuss their needs, and how the services we provide can appropriately fit.
Hi Mike,
Great post! I agree with you; ESL participants struggle with learning a second language and finding a reliable job that pays well. ESL students often have to work during the day and study at night, requiring double work to reach their goals. It is essential to ensure that online resources are available to them in case of childcare at night is an issue.
As a youth Career Advisor I work with a lot of youth in the community that fall under a lot of different backgrounds. The biggest population that I work with are Gen Z-ers. There is still a lot to learn about this demographic but I feel since I am a millennial I have an easier time communicating and understanding their desires than someone who is a Xer or a Boomer. A big resource that I use with this generation is technology and social media. I find that I can capture their attention when I engage in less socially demanding resources because they have grown up in the technology age. I find resources such as LinkedIn or even using outreach like Instagram or tikTok makes a big difference in capturing the attention of those in that generation. One of the main incentives that brings Gen Z participants to our American Job Centers is the use of the WIOA bill (Money). Gen-Z are highly motivated by money and without the potential of earning money or success it is hard to earn their respect or loyalty. One thing that I have found interesting is that Mos t Gen Z are more productive when interacting in person than virtually. I tend to get further with my individuals if we meet in person or talk on the phone regularly, rather than through text and email. That being said since Gen Z are fluent in Text talk and telecommunications, they are easier to inform and engage in through social media and other media forms.
Working with the youth, we are constantly learning. The one thing I noticed is they like consistency. They also like in-person appointments. During the in-person appointments, that’s their time they read you and see if they can trust you. The minute you lose their trust and are inconsistent, you lose them.
As a Job Seeker Consultant, I primarily work with English and Spanish-speaking JFES, and WIOA registered customers. Their backgrounds often include:
ESL participants.
Non-degree/GED holders.
No college.
Some college graduate degrees.
Dislocated Workers.
WIOA Adults
These customers may be getting SSI or SSDI benefits at the time. Many customers come here to finish their GED, alter their professional path due to low income or a criminal record, or obtain a certification in their field of expertise to boost their work chances. Typically, participants seek advice on what to do with their professions and how to better themselves. Depending on the customer’s present obstacles, resources are offered. Dislocated Workers and Adult WIOA participants who have recently been laid off or are looking for job readiness services are provided to attend job readiness virtual workshops, free LinkedIn Learning, and the Talent Market website for Job Search. If they are unsure which certification to complete or career path to take, a personality test is recommended and completed most of the time. Furthermore, The biggest hurdle for JFES participants may be childcare and transportation; hence, C4K online and paper applications are offered and discussed in depth, and 211 services are provided to assist participants in looking for a local daycare. A Supportive Services request form is submitted if clothes, UBER, or other basic needs are required.
I work with the JFES population, those born in the United Stated as well as the JFES Refugee population, from other countries. I have to say, those born in the United States, have a slight advantage, specifically with economic, education, language, and work experience. They also have family support and know how to manage transportation. Some of the Refugee population, specifically women, have little to no education, do not speak or understand English, and no work experience, mainly because of their culture. But in many cases, they both need assistance with resources such as clothing, diapers, housing, and housing items. I provide a list of resources and contact numbers, such as Board of Education for ESL classes, enrollment of school for their children, Care 4 Kids applications, Food and Diaper Banks, Housing contacts and 211. I also use BIR referrals, which are primarily submitted to an agency, when a participant needs assistance with addressing barriers.
If a client shares information, confirming a criminal charge/background, they can be referred to the Ex-Offender Program, in the American Job Center. They need to know, there are services that can assist with seeking employment, with a criminal background and/or applying to expunge their record.
I work with the JFES population, those born in the United Stated as well as the JFES Refugee population, from other countries. I have to say, those born in the United States, have a slight advantage, specifically with economic, education, language, and work experience. They also have family support and know how to manage transportation. Some of the Refugee population, specifically women, have little to no education, do not speak or understand English, and no work experience, mainly because of their culture. But in many cases, they both need assistance with resources such as clothing, diapers, housing, and housing items. I provide a list of resources and contact numbers, such as Board of Education for ESL/GED classes, enrollment of school for their children, Care 4 Kids applications, Food and Diaper Banks, Housing contacts and 211. I also use BIR referrals, which are primarily submitted to an agency, when a participant needs assistance with addressing barriers.
If a client shares information, confirming a criminal charge, they can be referred to the Ex-Offender Program, in the American Job Center. They need to know, there are services that can assist with seeking employment, with a criminal background and/or applying to expunge their record.
During my 17 year career at the AJC, I’ve worked with jobseekers with various backgrounds such as visable dissabilities, youth, justice involved, ESL and LGBTQ+. I’ve learned to remove my biases and beliefs about various populations and remember that they’re all jobseekers seeking services. I lean on the various trainings overe the yers I’ve attended to increase my cultural awareness.
Monique. Participants who are enrolled in the JFES program are eligible for Care4kids. They usually do deny any other applicants.
I work with out-of-school youth between the ages of 18-24 years old. The youth are from the South Central region in Connecticut and from diverse backgrounds. My team and I assist the youth with employment and training and provide support services under the WIOA grant. The resource we used to help the youth with their barriers is the 211 info line. 211 provides up-to-date information on agencies and programs, makes referrals to appropriate community resources, and intervenes in crises, including suicide prevention. Another resource I use is my local church and friends who own businesses. For example, if a youth needs food, I’ll contact my church and make a referral to our food bank. The food bank is twice a month and will assist the youth until their snap benefits are added to their EBT card. My friends who own businesses will donate clothing and provide volunteer and work experience opportunities.