Meet The Staff

The next Business Over Breakfast employer training series:

TOPIC: Introduction to the National Labor Relations Act: Principles of Labor Relations, Rights of Employees under the NLRA, The Organizational Process, Labor Agreements, and what could be considered an Unfair Labor Practice.

DATE:   Wednesday, October 12, 2011
LOCATION:   Helena Job Service, 715 Front Street, Helena MT
TIME:    8:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
COST:   $30.00 per person with discount available if sending more than one person from the same organization if you register in advance - $40.00 at the door.

Many of you have read recently about the new posting requirement under the National Labor Relations Act that becomes effective on November 14, 2011. The NLRA applies to most employers in Montana – even if your workplace is not currently represented by a labor union.
In anticipation of questions from employees about employee rights and employer rights and obligations under the National Labor Relations Act, Staci Bloomberg, SR HR consultant with Personnel Plus! will provide an overview of the law, employers covered by the law and permitted and prohibited activities under the law.
More specifically, we will discuss the organizing and contract negotiation process, mandatory, permissive and prohibited bargaining topics, concerted actions and unfair labor practices.

The workshop is the first of an exciting series of classes to be offered by the Helena Job Service Employer's Committee during the 2011-2012 school year. We will have information on future sessions and topics at the October session.

Personnel Plus! will also offer this workshop via webinar on October 19th at 10:00 am until noon for those who cannot travel for the live session in Helena.
PRESENTED BY: Staci Bloomberg, SR HR consultant of Personnel Plus! Consulting Services
Visit: www.personnel-plus.com/

TO REGISTER: Call 406-443-7787 or email training@personnel-plus.com

CANCELLATION POLICY: Please note that if you register for a seminar and are unable to
attend, you must cancel your reservation at least 1 business day in advance by calling 406-443-
7787 or by e-mail to training@personnel-plus.com. If you do not cancel your seminar and do not attend (or send a substitute) you will still be billed for the price of the seminar. Thank you for
your understanding and cooperation.

For more information you can contact: Dave Laber 447-3209 or dlaber@mt.gov

If you would like to view a list of future training opportunities go to: http://www.personnel-plus.com/html/training.html

Helena’s Outstanding Employer Award

The Helena Job Service Employer Committee (JSEC) is again sponsoring an award to recognize businesses in our community that create great workplaces.

Does your employer create a positive workplace, provide you with exceptional job training, encourage community participation, or contribute in other ways to the Helena community?

If so, tell us about them by submitting a nomination to:

Helena Job Service Employers Committee
Attention: Sandy
P.O. Box 201505, 715 Front Street
Helena, MT 59620-1505

Please include the following information on the employer you are nominating:

Name, Address, City, Phone Number
E-mail Address, Website Address (if available)
Why you feel they deserve this award (one typed page maximum)

Thinking about continuing your education? There may be federal financial assistance available to assist you with the cost of tuition and books. Attend a workshop on Thursday, July 28th at Helena Job Service in partnership with the Educational Opportunity Center to learn more about it and get assistance with completing your application. Workshops available at 9:00 A.M., 10:30 A.M., 1:00 P.M., or 2:30 P.M. Contact the Job Service to reserve your time at 447-3200.

Refreshments will be served.

Local Buzz

Mike Bullock Memorial Scholarship
Administered by the Helena Job Service Employers Comittee (JSEC)

Application (Microsoft Word)

Construction Flagger Certification

35$

March 8, 2011 • Helena, MT
Location: Wingate, 2007 North Oakes Street

You must pre-register in order to attend.

Other dates and cities are also available

Registration Form

Montana Department of Revenue Applications

The Montana Department of Revenue will no longer accept paper applications for job postings beginning July 1, 2010. The state’s new online application system has been up and running since December 2008. This process has been much more efficient for hiring managers who rate applications as well as those applying for positions. Applicants are able to create one online application and use it for multiple job postings. It is also saves managers a lot of time in rating applications when all are in the system. For the past several months the agency’s postings have requested that applicants apply on-line instead of sending in their paper applications. We are happy to announce that this has completely eliminated any paper applications for most of our postings. All job postings will state, “Applicants for this position should use the State of Montana online system and apply at http://mt.gov/statejobs/default.mcpx . Please contact us at DORHR@mt.gov or (406) 444-9565 if you are not able to apply online, and we will assist you.” Thank you very much for your assistance as we make this transition.
Sincerely,

James M. Fehr
Human Resource Manager
Department of Revenue
(406) 444-2867
jfehr@mt.gov

Massage Therapists Regulated Beginning July 1, 2010

(Helena) The Montana Department of Labor and Industry wants to remind individuals practicing massage therapy in Montana that they must have a license to do so by July 1, 2010, unless they meet certain provisions. Those who are 18 years old by July 1, 2010 and have engaged in the practice of massage therapy for at least 100 hours in Montana prior to July 1, 2010, must submit an application by July 1, 2012. “July is coming up soon and we want to remind those who do not meet these qualifications that they must be licensed by July in order to keep practicing,” said Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly.

There are several methods to qualify for a license. To qualify under the Grandfather clause (37-33-503, MCA), an applicant must be of good character and must submit a completed and acceptable application with the licensing fee. In addition, the individual must, on or before July 1, 2010:

be at least 18 years old, and
have been engaged in the practice of massage therapy for at least 100 hours in Montana.

If an applicant does not qualify under the Grandfather clause, the applicant must be licensed under 37-33-502, MCA, which requires that the applicant be at least 18 years of age, possess a high school diploma or its equivalent, be of good moral character, and submit a completed and acceptable application with the licensing fee. In addition the individual must:

receive a passing score on either the MBLEx, NCETMB, or NCETM examination, or a state examination deemed to be equivalent, and complete an appropriate massage therapy program with at least 500 hours of study; or
possess a license, certification, or registration in good standing in another state whose current licensing requirements are the same as (1).

For more information please visit the website for the Board of Massage Therapy:
www.massagetherapists.mt.gov.

NEWS June 16th 2010

Microsoft Elevate America

The Department of Labor & Industry and Microsoft have joined in a partnership to provide opportunities for Montana citizens to gain valuable skills and certification of those skills in the use of Microsoft products.

In Helena, The Computer Training Center, 3220 Centennial Drive 442-0080 is a Certiport Center for Elevate America Testing Vouchers.

Date May 25th 2010

The staff at the Helena Job Service One-Stop have had a busy spring! In March, we saw an average of 315 people per day in our office. For April, it dropped to approximately 289 per day. In May, we are seeing a steady stream of people, including our young adults who are starting to search for employment for the summer.

Microsoft Elevate America
The Department of Labor & Industry and Microsoft have joined in a partnership to provide opportunities for Montana citizens to gain valuable skills and certification of those skills in the use of Microsoft products.

Mondays continue to be our busiest days! Our office offers five resource room computers available on a first come, first serve basis; four that are available by reservations for two hour blocks; two that are available for web-based training; and two reserved exclusively for our veteran customers.

Helena area employers should be aware that required posters for their places of business are available through our office at no charge.

With the Montana Tunnels employees being certified for special benefits through the Trade Act, Programs staff are extremely busy. If you need to meet with them, appointments are encouraged by contacting our front desk at 447-3200.

Speaking of our front desk, for those of you frequently visiting our office, you will miss seeing the friendly face of one of our temporary front desk staff, Tracey, who has moved onto a permanent position in the community. We congratulate her on her new position, although we will miss her in our office.

We will be hosting an employer panel for our staff in early June, to give us perspective on challenges employers face in their hiring processes. This enables our staff to provide better job matching for both our employers and job seekers.

Because of the increased competition in the labor market, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible for any positions you see listed with our office. Once a sufficient hiring pool is established, employers tend to close the job order, so you want to make sure your application is submitted early on in the process.

We continue to hold our State application class in the evening on the first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m., with a 2:30 p.m. session the remaining Thursdays of the month.

Let us help you with your hiring needs, and job search assistance!

Deb Chouinard Buxbaum, Manager
Helena Job Service Workforce Center

01/26/2010

FREE CERTIFIED NURSING ATTENDANT CLASSES START FEBRUARY 1st

Elkhorn Health and Rehabilitation Center in Clancy, MT announces Free C.N.A. Classes.

What: Classes consist of two (2) weeks of instruction – Approximately 75 classroom hours total.
When : Starting February 1 and running thru Feb 12, 2010 (depending on enrollment)
Where: Elkhorn Health and Rehab, Clancy, MT
Time: Monday through Friday: 8 am- 5 pm
Cost: FREE

Note: At the conclusion of class instruction applicant must complete State of Montana CNA test for certification. There is $90.00 Fee for the test. (Paid by applicant reimbursed by employer upon hire)

To apply:
Pick up Application at Helena Job Service (File A) or at Elkhorn Health and Rehabilitation in Clancy.
Mark Application at top: CNA CLASS APPLICATION

01/19/2010

The Helena Area Housing Task Force is currently conducting a survey of housing needs in the greater Helena area. We are requesting that each of you click on the link below and compete the survey. We would also like each of you to encourage all of your clients to also complete the survey. If your clients do not have access to a computer just let me know and I will provide you with hard copies of the survey. We will collect all hard copies and have the responses included in the survey results. The survey is open through the month of February, but don’t put it off, respond today.

01/12/2010

Ever thought about being a construction flagger? First, you need to be certified.

LTAP has Flagging Certification across Montana. Click the link below for more information and registration.

More Information and Registration

DATE 12/10/09

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tax Credit Program Saves Montana Businesses Millions

(Helena) The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Program has saved businesses across Montana nearly five million dollars since January 1, 2009. WOTC is designed to assist individuals facing barriers move into gainful employment. “As economic times change more and more employers are looking for ways to save money; by hiring individuals who face these barriers they can receive up to $9,000” says Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly.

As of December 2009, the Montana Department of Labor and Industry processed more than 2,545 requests from businesses resulting in tax credits of $4,692,000. Employers see a $71 return for every dollar spent on the program.

The WOTC program encourages employers in the private sector to hire individuals who belong to the following groups: veterans, disabled veterans, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients, e-felons, supplemental security income assistance recipients, vocational rehabilitation clients and those receiving Transitional Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Since 2006, the department has seen a 60% increase in the number of tax credit requests.

For more information contact Christy Robbins, Program Specialist for WOTC at
(406) 444-9046 or go to http://wsd.dli.mt.gov/wotc/wotc.asp.

11/09/09

Tuesday, November 10th
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Helena Job Service
715 Front Street

Veterans,

In honor of our men and women in uniform, we at the Helena Job Service would like to invite you to the First Annual Helena Job Service Veterans Appreciation Day! Light refreshments will be provided from businesses in the Helena area. Veterans Service providers will also be attending. Hope to see you there!

Thank you for your service.
Shak Emly
Veterans Outreach
Helena Job Service
(406) 447-3210

10/14/09

ATTENTION Montana Employers!
Employment Law and Human Resource Training Opportunities
In the Helena Area.

Whether you are new to Human Resource Management or Supervisory Responsibilities or you are a career professional wanting to brush up on Montana and Federal laws, rules and regulations as they apply to personnel policies, administering the policies and what employers need to do to be in compliance with Montana and Federal laws Business over Breakfast Series of workshops are just for you!

Business over Breakfast will kick off with the following sessions:

• November 18th ………. Administering the FMLA
• December 16th ………..Termination Checklist (unique issues for MT employers)
• January 13th, 2010 …..Administering the New ADA (applies to all employers in MT)

These workshops are scheduled from 8:15 am to 10:30 am and will be held in rooms 2 & 3 of the Helena Job Service at 715 Front Street.

Cost: $30.00 per session, discounts available if sending more than one person from the same organization.

Please note that due to the popularity of these sessions in the past, you must pre-register to assure a place when attending.

TO REGISTER: Contact Jennifer at (406) 443-7169 or Jennifer@personnel-plus.com

* Presented by Jim Nys of Personnel Plus! Consulting Services
Visit: www.personnel-plus.com/
* Sponsored by the Helena Job Service Employer's Committee.
* If you have any questions you can also contact Dave Laber (406) 447-3209

9/28/09

UM-Helena will host the 2nd Annual Women in Gear” Fair on Saturday, October 10th to provide an opportunity for women to explore a variety of non-traditional fields.

Women working in non-traditional fields earn on average 20 - 30 percent more than their counterparts in traditionally female fields. “Women in Gear” will include two events: hands-on activities and demonstrations of various trades and a resource fair where participants can learn more about training, education and career opportunities. Featured career areas will include automotive & diesel technology, aviation, construction, electrical, fire & rescue, plumbing, machining and welding.

Deadline for registration is October 2nd, 2009

If you are interested, please print and complete the registration form and give it to

Alan Thompson – Career Services
UM-Helena
1115 North Roberts Street
Helena, Montana 59601
(406) 444-0835

9/22/09

The 5th Annual Way Home Stand Down and Access Fair for the Homeless was a great success thanks to all the volunteers and community partners.

There were 200 individuals served plus their families.

The full story on the event is in the Helena Independant Record

09/15/09

The 5th Annual Way Home Stand Down and Access Fair for the Homeless
Friday, September 18 from 8 AM-3PM
Saturday, September 19 from 8 AM-3PM
Located at: St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
At the corner of Cruse and Lawrence

Are you currently homeless or at risk of losing your home?
Could you use some help learning about the resources available in and around Helena?
Free Lunch! Free Haircuts And Showers! Learn about programs that can help!
Get gear for the winter! See a nurse! Have access to a doctor or dentist!

A celebration of neighbors helping neighbors
Questions? Contact: Emily (406) 442-1374 x 103

09/04/09

The Helena Job Service Workforce Center will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2009 in observance of Labor Day.

The holiday was said to be the idea of Peter McGuire a general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, however others believe it was founded by Matthew Maguire (notice the similarity in last names) a machinist. Regardless, the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and a picnic.

This resulted in the first Labor Day observed on Tuesday, September 5, 1882 in New York City. The following year, it was also celebrated on September 5, however in 1884, the first Monday in September was proposed as the official date. The Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in various cities to celebrate a “workingmen’s holiday” on that same date.

In 1885 and 1886 the first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances, and then the movement was to obtain state legislation. The first state bill was introduced in New York, but the first state to actually pass such legislation was Oregon, in 1887. By 1894, 23 states had adopted the holiday and on June 28 of the same year, Congress passed an act recognizing it as a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.

Given the history, it seems appropriate the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creators of so much of our nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership – the American worker.

Information gathered from the U.S. Department of Labor website

The team at the Helena Job Service Workforce Center wishes you all a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend.

08/31/09

Our Testing Service will be unavailable Wednesday Sept. 2nd from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

On Thursday, Sept. 17, we will open at 10:00 AM instead of 9:00 AM

Don't forget the State of Montana application class every Thursday. http://wsd.dli.mt.gov/local/helena/stateapp.asp

There are new videos and monthly webinars on how to navigate the state application online system (e-pass).
http://mt.gov/statejobs/statejobs.asp

07/20/2009

Montana’s Minimum Wage Will Increase $.35 July 24

(Helena) The federal minimum wage will increase by $.35 to $7.25 per hour on July 24, 2009. This is the final increase of three increases set by the Federal government in 2007. Montana’s minimum wage is also adjusted for inflation annually based on the Consumer Price Index, with the new rate implemented each January.

“This increase does more than raise the wages of Montana’s lowest paid workers; the small increase gives working families more money to spend immediately on basic goods and services which benefits the local businesses in their communities as well,” says Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly.

Approximately 8.5% of Montana’s workforce or 24,508 workers received hourly wages less than $7.25 per hour in 2008. Minimum wage workers impacted by the wage increase tend to be young workers employed in the accommodations and food service industry and workers living away from populated areas.
Once the increase goes into effect, Montana will be one of 37 states that have minimum wages equal to the federal rate. The other 13 states and the District of Columbia have rates higher than the federal minimum that range up to $8.55 per hour.

More than 70% of Montana voters supported a 2006 ballot initiative to raise Montana’s minimum wage. The voter passed initiative raised the state’s minimum wage to $6.15 an hour with annual cost-of-living adjustments thereafter.

Earlier this year Montana’s minimum wage increased from $6.55 per hour to $6.90 per hour; the State’s minimum wage will be recalculated by September 30, 2009, to determine if the minimum wage will increase from $7.25 in January based on a potential increase in the Consumer Price Index from August of 2008 to August of 2009.

For more information on the minimum wage you can click onto the Department of Labor and Industry’s Wage and Hour Bureau at http://erd.dli.mt.gov/labor-standards/wage-and-hourwage-payment-act.html or go to http://www.ourfactsyourfuture.org or contact us at the Helena Job Service
helenajsc@mt.gov
(406) 447-3200

June 22nd, 2009

Welcome to the Helena Job Service Workforce Center’s news page! We’ll be sharing regularly on upcoming events and opportunities in the community regarding topics of interest to our job seekers and employers. We invite you to check in often for the most recent updates.
The Helena Job Service Workforce Center is a Certified One-Stop in the State of Montana, which means that we are a part of a workforce system that offers a variety of services through many community resources. Some of our partners may be housed in our office; others may be physically located elsewhere. The important thing for our customers to know is that we will work to connect you with the resources within the community that offer the type of services they’re seeking. Job seekers and employers are never charged a fee for our services. Our services are paid for through employer taxes and other federal and state funding sources.
Many of our customers are enjoying one of our newest additions to the web page, Twitter and RSS job feeds. These electronic venues offer individuals the opportunity to receive updates, follow job orders, etc. on their computers or hand held devices. Information you want and need, right at your fingertips! Go to our home page for more information on how to sign up.
Our business customers have the opportunity to post their own job openings, search applicant resumes (of those applicant’s that choose to allow employers to view them), and close their job orders when they’ve found the employee that works for them. This is available 24/7 from our website http://jobs.mt.gov. If you’re not quite ready to start posting your own job orders, our friendly staff are available during normal working hours to assist you. Also available through our consultants are resources for employers on putting together workplace policies and employee handbooks; as well as required posters for the workplace and an opportunity to update themselves on the latest movements in human resource management and federal law changes.
We’ve made some instrumental changes in our office over the last year to help us meet the demand for our services.. We have obtained four more computers for our resource area. This has reduced the wait for computers, allowing for more and more folks to search for jobs, work on their applications, create resumes, file for unemployment via the internet, etc. In addition, we were able to equip all resource computers with internet access, as well as having Word and WinWay Resume Maker installed on all of them. A select number of computers also have Excel available.
Our office offers the opportunity to participate in web based training courses, which are available to you at no cost. There are a variety of classes available to enable you to learn about or brush up your computer skills, as well as a new group of classes we’ve subscribed to that deal with more of the “soft skills” such as Customer Service; Dealing with Difficult People; Project Management; Sexual Harassment in the Workplace; Teams that Work; and Negotiating. These classes are conducted on-line at our office, at your pace; whenever you schedule to attend them. Computers must be reserved for the class, but all that takes is a quick phone call to reserve a computer at a time that is convenient for you. (406) 447-3200
A “Family Friendly Resource Room” has been designated for parents with small children to work on their job search. This office has a TV/VCR available for the children to watch a movie on; color books and crayons; books and puzzles to keep busy minds and bodies engaged. This helps keep disruption to the customers in the lobby and resource area to a minimum, and still allow our parenting job seekers to perform their job searches, prepare applications, resumes, etc.
Our Workforce Consultants are normally available for one on one consultation on a walk in basis, or by appointment. If you’d like to meet to talk about your career path, and discuss steps to get you where you’re heading, think about meeting with one of our friendly staff. Our consultants are also available to assist you with application and resume review. We want your application and resume representing you and your talents in the best possible light.
Additionally, don’t forget our State Application Class offered at 2:30 p.m. in our office the second, third and any fourth weeks of the month, with a special evening class at 6 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month. The State Application process has undergone a facelift over the last six months. You can now apply for state jobs on-line and tailor your applications to the type of job you’re applying for. An instructional on-line web class is in production, to aid you in the process.
We also offer an opportunity for you to participate in a mock interview, by appointment, and upon availability of consultants, , to get you ready for that opportunity to showcase your talent with an employer.
We welcome feedback from you on what your experience with our office has been, and how we’re doing in the services that we provide our customers.
Contact Us!

September 5th, 2008

There is a homeless stand down on Saturday, September 20th at St. Paul's United Methodist Church (corner of 6th and Lawrence) from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This event is to assist the homeless or nearly homeless in our area. We will have a variety of services available with over 20 agencies available. There will be clothing, food, haircuts, showers, nurses, giveaways and live entertainment.

If you would like to volunteer, please sign-up here. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=_2falx2lwNSiI0vLf8esSCbg_3d_3d

If you are homeless or nearly homeless, come on by on Saturday the 20th. It's open to the public and several veteran service organizations will be there.