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For Job Seekers

Whether you need to find a job, change careers or build/upgrade your job skills, CNY Works can help. We can make your search easier and provide you with expert guidance and quality resources. We work with hundreds of area employers so we have up-to-date information on who is hiring and what types of jobs are in demand. We also list current job openings and recruitments on our website.

For one-on-one assistance with your job search, use our resource room to access computers and helpful staff. Alternatively, attend one of our many useful workshops regarding such things as resume writing, interviewing skills, social networking and computer skills training.

In addition, computer resources are available at local libraries. See http://onlib.org/find/available-technology.

What to Expect

Services include a choice of several workshops to help with your job search, resume, and interviewing skills.

One-on-one meetings with an experienced Workforce Advisor can provide a more in-depth review of customer needs and may include skills testing, review of labor market trends and in-demand occupations, adaptability and transferability of existing skills, and even funding for training courses.

Because every customer’s situation is unique, this wide variety of offerings is geared to ensure all customers get exactly what they need to successfully complete their job search.

Veterans

"To assist him [and her] who has borne the brunt of battle" --Abraham Lincoln

As a veteran, you can get a much-needed competitive edge in today's tough labor market by visiting CNY Works. Whether you are unemployed, underemployed, thinking about a training program, seeking information on assistance with basic veterans benefits, or are recently separated from the military, our skilled veterans staff is ready to give you the priority service you deserve.  You've served your country well, let us serve you!

Definition of "Veteran"

Tools and Services

Veterans Employment Hotline
1-800-342-3358

As a veteran, you receive priority service in all New York State Employment and Training programs. We have Veterans' Employment Representatives, who are veterans themselves, specifically trained to assist you in transitioning from the military, finding a new job, or starting a new career! Some of the services we provide include assistance with: 

  • Career assessmentReferral to jobs                                                                                                                               
  • Resume preparation assistance
  • Information on Federal, State, and Local Civil Service opportunities
  • Job search planning
  • Labor Market Information
  • Information on direct appointment to Civil Service positions
  • Referral to other agencies that provide services to veterans

Your Veterans Employment Representatives at CNY Works:

Bill Burns 315-477-6908

Matt Sheehan 315-477-6919

Ralph Turner 315-477-6930

Social Services

The mission of the Department of Social Services-Economic Security is to accurately and efficiently administer economic support and services to county residents in a respectful manner where each person is treated fairly. Our staff is responsible for following state and federal guidelines for delivering appropriate assistance. The delivery of services will be conducted in a safe and supportive environment for members of our staff and the public. Our goal is to help people achieve their highest level of independence by providing quality service in a timely, efficient and dignified manner.

Department of Social Services

People with Disabilities (SSI/SSDI)

              Ticket to Work

Ticket to Work is a free and voluntary Social Security program that helps people who receive disability benefits return to work or work for the first time.

If you are a person with a disability you may have the following questions:

  • Do you want to use your unique abilities to find the right job that secures your economic independence?
  • Would you like assistance with understanding complex government programs to obtain the supports you need to thrive in the workplace?
  • Are you a Social Security beneficiary, recipient of Medicaid or other public benefits? Do you want to know how working will affect these benefits?
  • Are you afraid of losing benefits or medical coverage if you return to work?

*If you have answered yes to any of the above questions, you may want to speak with our Workforce Advisor - Disability Services.

Learning Module

Referrals to local support services that help meet your employment goals such as:

  • Social Security Work Incentives
  • Benefits Planning Assistance
  • Medicaid Buy-In Program
  • Work-Site Accommodations
  • Development of linkages and collaboration with employers to facilitate job placements

Workforce Advisor - Disability Services:

Megan Dorey, 315-477-6937or mdorey@cnyworks.com

For additional assistance: www.Disability.gov

Returning Citizens

Job Search Tools:

Reentry Programs and Services:

Know Your Rights When You’re Finding A Job

Please visit: www.workforsuccess.ny.gov\DHR\knowthelaw for more information.

New York State Division of Human Rights
Telephone: 718-741-8400
Toll Free: 1-888-392-3644
E-mail: InfoBronx@dhr.ny.gov    Website: DHR

New York State Division Criminal Justice Services
Phone: 518-457-5837
Toll-Free: 1-800-262-3257
E-Mail: InfoDCJS@dcjs.ny.gov    Website: DCJS

New York State Department of Labor
Phone: 518-457-9000
Toll Free: 1-888-469-7365
TTY/TTD: 1-800-662-1220
Email: email address   Website: link to page

Seasonal/Migrant Farm Workers

Seasonal Farm Worker: a person who, during the preceding 12 months, worked at least an aggregate of 25 or more days or part of days in which some work was performed in farm work, earned at least 50% of his / her earned income from farm work, and was not employed in farm work year round by the same employer. For the purposes of this definition only, a farm labor contractor is not considered an employer. Non-migrant individuals who are full-time students are excluded.

 Migrant Farm Worker: Is a seasonal farm worker who had to travel to do the farm work so that he/she was unable to return to his/her permanent residence within the same day. Full-time students traveling in organized groups rather than with their families are excluded.

 Migrant Food Processing Worker: a person who, during the preceding 12 months, has worked at least an aggregate of 25 or more days or parts of days in which some work was performed in food processing, earned at least 50% of his / her earned income from food processing work, and was not employed in food processing year round by the same employer, provided that the food processing required travel such that the worker was unable to return to his / her permanent residence in the same day. Migrant food processing workers who are full-time students but who travel in organized groups rather than with their families are excluded.

Helpful Links:

 H-2A Agricultural Clearance Orders 

 Services for agricultural workers 

 Agriculture Labor Program

 Farm Worker Rights

 Farm Worker Rights - Spanish version

Civil Service

Civil Service

The designation given to goverment employment for which a person qualifies on the basis of merit rather than political patronage or personal favor.

Civil service employees, often called civil servants or public employees, work in a variety of fields such as teaching, sanitation, healthcare, management, and administration for the federal, state, or local government.  Legislatures establish basic prerequisites for employment such as compliance with minimal age and educational requirements and residency laws.  Employees enjoy job security, promotion and educational opportunities, comprehensive medical insurance coverage, and pension and other benefits often not provided in comparable positions in private employment.

Most civil service positions are filled from lists of applicants who are rated in descending order of their passing scores on competitive civil service examinations.  Such examinations are written test designed to measure objectively a person's aptitude to perform a job.  They are open to the general public upon the completion and filing of the necessary forms.  Promotional competitive examinations screen eligible employees for job advancement.  Veterans of the Armed Services may be given hiring preference usually in the form of extra points added to their examination scores, depending upon the nature and duration of thier service.

Onondaga County Civil Service      (Exam Fee Waiver)

New York State Civil Service

State Jobs NY

Job Test Prep

Test Guides and Resource Booklets

*No exam fee is due if you are unemployed and primarily responsible for the support of a household. Choose the option, "I am unemployed and primarily responsible for the support of a household."

*No exam fee is due if you are determined eligible for Medicaid, or receiving Supplemental Social Security payments, or Public Assistance (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families/Family Assistance or Safety Net Assistance) or are certified Job Training Partnership Act/Workforce Investment Act eligible through a state or local social service agency. Choose the option, "I am receiving public assistance."

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship is the process of learning a skilled occupation through:

  • Paid on-the-job training; apprentices train under the guidance of experienced journey workers
  • Related classroom training

To become an apprentice, you must be:

  • 18 years old
  • 16 years old with parental approval

The length of training varies from one to six years, depending on the occupation.

There is a written contract between the apprentice and the employer that acknowledges their shared commitment to the training process. This agreement is approved and registered by the New York State Department of Labor. 

JobZone

JobZone is an interactive resource to help adults manage their careers. JobZone is the perfect tool for:

  • Planning your future
  • Organizing your job search
  • Exploring your career interests and skills
  • Developing customized resumes
  • Exploring more than 800 careers

Create an account or log in to JobZone.

O*NET

WHAT IS O*NET?

The Occupational Network (O*Net) is an online resource center which uses a Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) which currently includes 1,000 different occupational titles. It includes resources for job seekers, workforce professionals and businesses. 

O*Net Online

Other Programs
  • You may qualify for temporary aid - The myBenefits.ny.gov website is a fast and easy way to find out about many helpful programs and how to apply for them.  These include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/Food Stamps), Medicaid, Family Health Plus, Child Health Plus, Temporary Assistance, and free or reduced-price school lunches.  If you are currently participating in any of these programs, tell your local Department of Social Services when your unemployment benefits run out.
  • Making Homes Affordable - The Making Home Affordable Program  (MHA) ® is a critical part of the Obama Administration's broad strategy to help homeowners avoid foreclosure, stabilize the country's housing market, and improve the nation's economy.  Maybe your expenses have increased due to medical bills or you're picking up the pieces after a separation or divorce. Maybe you're trying to get by with less because your hours were cut or your business stumbled. In any case, it's important to be proactive. MHA ® can help you get real help and real answers right now.
  • Money Smart - The Money Smart for Adults instructor-led curriculum consists of eleven training modules that cover basic financial topics.  Topics include a description of deposit and credit services offered by financial institutions, choosing and maintaining a checking account, spending plans, the importance of saving, how to obtain and use credit effectively, and the basics of building or repairing credit.