Program seeks to put people to work Federally funded effort pays wages up to $7.25 an hour

(Editor's note: The following story is reprinted by permission from the Central Kentucky News-Journal)
Times are tough for employers and those seeking employment, but a new federally funded program seeks to make things a little easier.
Job Opportunities & Business Services, also known as JOBS, is a stimulus-funded program that seeks to find jobs for low-income people while also paying some of their wages. The 10-county Lake Cumberland Region has $1.2 million in funding.
"The program targets low-income individuals to make them more self-sufficient," said Janice Myers, JOBS specialist for Taylor, Adair and Green counties.
Myers said the program helps those eligible to find "sustainable income and employment" through training and offering employer incentives.
"It is good for the company, the employees and the economy," said Ricky Myers, human resources manager at Cox Interior.
Through the program, Cox Interior has hired 10 employees, Cox said, a big boost for the company, which has laid off half of its workforce since 2008.
With signs that things are picking up, Myers said, Cox Interior hopes to hire more employees through the program. Orders are picking up and there have been no layoffs for the last few months, he said.
"Hopefully, the economy will pick up and we can bring some more on next year."

How it works
The first step for new applicants, Myers said, is taking an assessment test through the Adult Education Center. If an applicant passes the test, then a job search begins. If the applicant doesn't pass the test, he or she is entitled to 50 free hours of adult education classes to help prepare for a later test.
There are also classes offered through Campbellsville University's Technology Training center, including computer classes, office technology, nursing aid classes and Web page design. Myers said the nursing aid and Web page design classes are the most popular.
The addition of those classes, she said, is an integral part of the program.
"We know there are not jobs out there waiting. That's why we added the CU classes."
Depending on whether there is a written agreement with a business, an applicant could begin work immediately.
"They could go to work that day, if the business has a position."
If there isn't an agreement in place, Myers said, the paperwork could take about a week.
Besides the help in finding qualified workers, employers also benefit in several other ways.
JOBS reimburses 520 hours of wages at $7.25 per hour for on-the-job training for program participants. The program also pays 96 hours of job shadowing at $7.25 an hour. The employer is responsible for any wage over $7.25.
Background check costs are also reimbursed, and the program may be used to bring back laid off workers as long as they are returning to a new position that requires on-the-job training.
Myers said she is now looking for positions for four people. In the area she covers - Taylor, Green and Adair counties, she has found jobs for 12 people.
In all, there are about 30 individuals in the program in the Lake Cumberland area.
Even if someone doesn't qualify for the JOBS program, Myers said she doesn't forget about them. If that individual happens to have the qualifications an employer is looking for, Myers puts them in contact with each other.
"My goal is putting individuals to work."
Those interested in the JOBS program may call Myers at 465-6554.
•Central Kentucky News-Journal Staff Writer James Roberts can be reached at 465-8111 Ext. 226 or by e-mail at writer@cknj.com.

Do you qualify?
Household size Max. income last month
1 $1,805
2 $2,428
3 $3,052
4 $3,675
5 $4,298
6 $4,922
7 $5,545
8 $6,168
9 $6,792
10 $7,415