Southwestern Community Services
Workforce Development
Services are provided by SCS in partnership with other state and local agencies, utilizing federal and state funding, as well as funding from the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act. Services are provided at SCS offices and at the NH One-Stop Job and Information Centers. They include career guidance and planning, labor market information, workplace skill identification, resume writing, interview skills, job search and placement. Funds for classroom training/on-the-job training may also be available.
Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act
SCS provides employment counselors at the Employment Security offices in Keene, Claremont and Lebanon. General eligibility for the WIOA program is as follows:
Adults experiencing difficulty obtaining or retaining employment to provide wages that lead to self-sufficiency. Eligibility for this category will include federal income guidelines or individuals receiving Food Stamps or TANF.
Workplace Success Program
This program is for unemployed or underemployed parents who are receiving TANF cash assistance and who are enrolled with New Hampshire Employment Program (NHEP) and are mandated to participate in a work-related activity in order to continue receiving their cash assistance. Participants are referred by the NHES counselors for one or more combination of activities:
Job Readiness & Job Search Skills
Participants learn to create a resume, cover letter, and other essential tools to be able to successfully search for jobs. Job Readiness workshops address pre- and post-employment topics, such as interviewing, time management, balancing work & family, among others.
Embedded Work & Skills Training
Introduces and enhances skills needed in most jobs, such as typing, basic computer literacy, customer service, critical thinking, communication skills, stress management and other useful topics.
Service Bureau
Participants perform volunteer work assignments that offer them the opportunities to learn new skills, obtain direct work experience, and network with potential employers. Projects are performed both on-site and outside the Career Center for non-profit entities.
Work Experience Program (WEP)
Following completion of the on-site program, participants have the opportunity to improve their employability and gain skills, knowledge and work habits through a supervised 16-week unpaid work assignment with participating host sites in a field aligned with their career goals.
Community Work Experience Services (CWES)
This program is designed to give participants of New Hampshire Employment Services (NHES) the chance to gain relevant work experience. There are a vast array of work opportunities.
