Workforce Program seeking businesses for Feb. 28 job fair

The Carson City Health and Human Services Workforce Program will host a job fair 2-5 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Carson City Senior Citizens Center.

At this time, the program is recruiting employers who are interested in attracting applicants for open positions in various fields.

There are spaces for 11 additional employers to participate, and space must be reserved.

"We have collaborated with agencies in Carson City who are assisting with the breaking-down of barriers and, in our opinion, working with the community is what it is all about" said Kelly Ibarra, a case manager with the Workforce Program. "We are asking for local companies of various types of employment to join us in our first job fair."

The difficult economic times and high rates of unemployment inspired the idea of putting together a job fair to bring together employers and those looking for work in Carson City, Ibarra said.

On the day of the event, employers can share information about their business and distribute applications to prospective employees. The hope for this event is that it can become a regular occurrence in Carson City. If this job fair is a success, the Workforce Program's aim is to hold additional job fairs every three months.

The Workforce Program's focus is to provide guidance and to work to reduce barriers that prevent people from obtaining employment. Clients can call or stop by the Workforce office at Carson City Health and Human Services for assistance. A workforce case manager will ask the job-seeker to complete a brief survey to provide information such as job history and education. The case manager and the job-seeker work one-on-one to address the barriers that stand in the way of gainful employment.

Job-seekers also can get help putting together a resume or get advice on ways to make themselves more marketable to employers.

Workforce counselors can also guide those who are looking for work by recommending strategies for the job search.

Those looking for work should keep an eye on the community calendar for information about signing up to participate, as the job fair will be limited to 100 participants.

"Let's all pull together and make this happen for our community", said Ibarra. The more people who gain employment, the less that will become homeless."

For more information call Ibarra or Warren Cartright, workforce specialist, at Carson City Health and Human Services at 887-2110.