Workforce Alliance Awarded $27.2 Million Grant to Provide Jobs for Palm Beach County Workers

"Florida Back To Work" Program Initiated in Palm Beach County

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., March 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Workforce Alliance has been awarded a $27.2 million grant by the State of Florida to fund a workforce program that will provide over 700 professional and entry-level jobs in Palm Beach County for job seekers who meet the federal eligibility guidelines.  The program, designed to run through the end of September 2010, is funded by the statewide "Florida Back to Work" program, which was introduced by Governor Charlie Crist to bolster the economy of the State and to create new jobs.

Kathryn Schmidt, President and Chief Executive Officer of Workforce Alliance explained, "Job Seekers meeting the eligibility requirements will be referred by Workforce Alliance for placement at already approved employer job sites throughout the County.  Initially, our staff will ask each person to present documentation to establish their eligibility.   Those meeting the criteria will then have an assessment of their experience and skills for referral to an appropriate employer.  The employer makes the final decision on the person to be selected for each position."

Ms. Schmidt added, "Employers are required to meet a portion of the payroll costs, thus bringing the total impact of the new jobs in the County to approximately $35 million."

Eligible job seekers, as defined by the federal guidelines, are individuals whose households have a total income below 200 percent of the "Federal Poverty Level" for the last thirty days, and also have at least one dependent child under the age 18, or 19 if attending school, living in the household.

Those wishing to apply are asked to visit a Workforce Alliance Career Center for assistance and to present the required documentation in order to determine their eligibility.  Documentation must include Florida Driver's License or ID, social security card, proof of income (for last 30 days), and documentation of dependent children.  

Each Career Center has scheduled "Florida Back to Work" orientations on the program to assist job-seekers.  The orientations are held Monday through Friday at 1 pm and 3 pm at the Belle Glade and West Palm Beach Career Centers, and Monday through Thursday at 1 pm and 3 pm at the Boynton Beach Career Center. It is very important that applicants also bring a resume to the Workforce Alliance Career Center so that they may be referred to a suitable position.  The Career Centers also hold classes and workshops on resume writing and other job preparation skills.  

The address of each Career Center can be found at the Workforce Alliance website, www.pbcalliance.com.  The website also provides full details on eligibility for the program, the "Federal Poverty Level" amounts for varied household sizes, a schedule of all workshops and classes, and the phone numbers of the Career Centers.

Workforce Alliance is the organization chartered by the State of Florida to develop, create and retain a quality workforce system in Palm Beach County and offers its professional services to all employers and job seekers in the County.  Through the "Florida Back to Work" program, it is fulfilling its mission by providing new jobs, helping invigorate the regional economy and helping local businesses remain fully competitive.

SOURCE Workforce Alliance