July 2020
The rapid onset of Covid-19 concerns and restrictions shocked us all. Fear and unpredictability set in as businesses closed and workers struggled with uncertainty about their jobs.
For Nathaniel, this new reality was yet another barrier to face during his job search. He had been applying for jobs daily with no luck before he came to YES. He got connected with the YES team before provincial restrictions took effect. His Career Development Practitioner, Karli, was able to continue assisting Nathaniel “virtually” when restrictions temporarily closed our office to the public. Job 1 was revamping Nathaniel’s resume. Karli and Nathaniel worked together to ensure this essential job tool highlighted his transferable skills. With some re-formatting, the resume was more competitive and Nathaniel was thrilled.
The Employment Ontario programs delivered by YES offer job seekers access to a host of free programs and services including Second Career and other re-training options, career exploration, resume, interview and networking skills, and job matching and placement services. Nathaniel was focused on landing a job as soon as possible, so once his resume was revised, Karli worked with Thomas Kelly in Employer Services to find job leads that matched Nathaniel’s skill set and interests. The local labour market demand was different with restrictions in place, but employers were continuing to reach out to Thomas with opportunities. Service Master was one of the local businesses looking for staff. Thomas and Karli both thought the cleaning position offered would be a good fit for Nathaniel so they forwarded the position information to him.
Nathaniel did not have direct cleaning experience, but he did have the skill set required for the job and he recognized the opportunities that the business offered long-term. Part-time could lead to full-time and the contracts taken on by the company offered opportunity for skills development in construction and other areas. He interviewed with Service Master and Thomas negotiated a placement contract from mid May until June 11th. When we caught up with Nathaniel on June 23rd, he was happy to report that he had already had an increase in his work hours and was looking forward to continuing with the company. YES would like to congratulate Nathaniel on his success and thank him for his patience in working with us virtually during such a challenging time.
If you would like to register for the free services available through our Employment Ontario programs:
Call: 807-623-0768
Text: 807-633-7990
E-mail: resource@yesjobsnow.com
YES Employment Services moves to Phase II of its Covid-19 Re-opening Plan on July 2, 2020
To all our valued clients, community partners, and employers,
Over the past several weeks, we have been carefully planning for a safe re-opening. Thank you all for your patience and willingness to participate in our services virtually over the past three months. YES believes this shift was necessary to help flatten the curve and keep the people of our community safe. We applaud all the essential workers who have served the community while we stayed home to comply with provincial restrictions and assist in stopping the spread of Covid-19. Now, with restrictions easing, we have a plan to safely start serving you face to face again. We have implemented Phase I of our Covid-19 response plan, and on July 2nd we will move to Phase II.
Phase I of our Covid-19 response plan includes:
- completing a “deep clean” of our entire building
- installing additional hand sanitizing stations and posting signage for hand and surface hygiene in our restrooms and common areas
- posting signage for one-way hallways and routes through our building
- Bringing staff members who were working from home back to the building on a rotation and enforcing 6 foot physical distancing rules
- purchasing masks for our staff members and clients,
- purchasing and installing plexiglas barriers in client service areas and shared offices
- Preparing an extensive screening tool for every individual (including staff) who enters our building.
Please note – during Phase I we have some staff members in-office, but our doors remain closed to the public. We continue to serve all clients virtually and over the phone. Call (807) 623-0768, text (807) 633-7990 or e-mail resource@yesjobsnow.com to connect. You can book a virtual appointment to register with one of our Career Development Practitioners by clicking here.
On July 2nd, YES will move to Phase II of our re-opening plan:
- Continue strict adherence to all the COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines implemented in Phase I
- In-person service delivery with scheduled visitors only.
- Our Resource Area remains closed to the public.
Please note that with limited capacity for face-to-face appointments, Career Development Practitioners and Youth Workers will be scheduling meetings with individuals already registered in our Employment Ontario programs. Clients will be asked some screening questions and our Career Development Practitioners will outline the procedures to follow when you visit our office.
Individuals who want to register for our programs can call our main line number: 807-623-0768, text us: 807-633-7990 or e-mail: resource@yesjobsnow.com
WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING REGISTERED CLIENTS BACK IN FOR FACE TO FACE MEETINGS STARTING JULY 2ND.