Pre-Employment Questions

1. What does Tompkins Workforce New York  do? 

Tompkins Workforce New York is a coordinated employment services delivery system for businesses and individuals in Tompkins County.  The System is comprised of a group of service organizations that assist businesses by linking them to qualified people who are looking for employment.  Staff assist individuals with the job search process.

 

2. What kinds of job are available? 

All types of jobs are available through America’s Job Bank.  Positions may be found in all areas of the country (and world) and in all types of fields.  This service is a computerized job matching service that may be accessed from numerous sites throughout the Workforce Development System.  Customers may also access America’s Job Bank through their home computers.  Registering on the system allows individuals the opportunity to receive job opening notices from the New York State Department of Labor, Division of Employment Services when jobs become available that match customers’ skills and interests.  America’s Job Bank: www.ajb.dni.us 

 

3. How can I get a better paying job? 

Research, research, research!  The Workforce Development Center is a great place to start finding out about job opportunities.  There are many online resources available where you can access information about companies, jobs and requirements necessary to get the jobs you want.  Information on area educational programs can also be found at the Workforce Development Center.   Informational interviewing and networking are job searching techniques that can help you find jobs.  The Women’s Opportunity Center offers a monthly workshop (open to the public) on interviewing which also covers these techniques.  They also offer 1 – 1 sessions with displaced homemakers. 

 

4. What information do you have on employers?

Internet:  use computers at the Center to access information about area employers.  Many local companies can be accessed through: www.ithaca.ny.us

Meet the Employer Information Sessions:  These informational meetings are conducted at the Workforce Development Center on Tuesday mornings.  Interested applicants should contact the Center for information on employers scheduled to present.   Company representatives provide information about their companies and their hiring practices.  A loose-leaf binder containing company information can be found at the reception area.

Cornell:  The job application process is de-centralized, however, individuals can fill out applications for temporary or regular position openings at the Cornell Employment Office (20 Thornwood Drive, 254-8370). Check the Cornell Chronicle (located at the Workforce Development Center and numerous sites throughout Tompkins County) or www.news.cornell.edu/Chronicle.html for general Cornell information and a link to the current job opportunities list.   If individuals apply directly to a department, a resume and cover letter is usually required.  Individuals may contact the Employment Office at Cornell for an expanded job description.  Temporary positions are often a good “in” for regular positions. 

5. What kind of training can I get? 

Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Funding:  A very limited amount of individualized training services will be available for customers meeting specific low-income, dislocated, and other criteria (previously JTPA).  WIA funding for individualized training is extremely reduced from funding under JTPA. However, self-help services provided to the general public are increased through WIA funding.  Limited group training in job-readiness will also be available through the Workforce Development System.  Individualized skill upgrading will be available for under-employed individuals who meet eligibility guidelines. 

PACE Program at Tompkins Cortland Community College:  Public Assistance Comprehensive Employment (PACE) Program for Family Assistance recipients.  Program components include screening and assessment of college readiness, enrollment activities, remedial courses, academic assistance, academic programs, job development counseling, case management, employment, placement and retention activities. 

STEPS Program at Challenge Industries:  Support Training and Education for Placement Success program for Public Services recipients.  Program components include:  employment assessment, job seeking skills training, job development assistance, job placement assistance, developing appropriate work habits and attitudes, follow-up supports after placement and job retention skills training. 

GED at TST BOCES:  The Adult Learning Center offers classes and GRASP, a home study program. Call 273-8804 (may also offer free transportation to qualifying individuals working on their GED). 

VESID (Vocational and Educational Services to Individuals with Disabilities):  Training may be available for qualified individuals. 

6. Where can I use computers? 

Workforce Development Center:  Computers are available for online job searching and interviewing materials (resume, cover letter, references) development. 

Women’s Opportunity Center:  Computers are available for job search related use. 
See attached sheet for additional opportunities. 

7. Do you have civil service listings? 

The Workforce Development Center has civil service listings available on site.  Tompkins County Civil Service: www.tompkins-co.org/personnel/

Federal Jobs: www.usajobs.opm.gov 
NYS Civil Service: www.labor.state.ny.us 

8. What is a cover letter, resume, who helps? 

Workforce Development Center:  Resume and cover letter assistance using on-site computers.   For individuals registered with the Department of Labor, Division of Employment Services, a career counselor is available by appointment for resume critiquing assistance, interview practice and additional job readiness assistance.

Other Partner Locations:  Assistance is available for individuals meeting specific program criteria.

9. What are references? 

References are individuals (usually 3) who can give information about an applicant’s work history.  Applicants should contact these individuals in advance of giving their information (name, title, work address, work phone, home phone – optional, e-mail – optional, and relationship – optional) in writing to prospective employers. 

Post-Employment Questions

10. What is the minimum wage?  How can I obtain more information about wages, hours, minimum wage, working conditions, including meal period, payment of holidays and vacations?

The minimum wage is $7.15 per hour. Additional information can be obtained by contacting New York State Labor Standards at 721-8014.

 

11. How do I sign up for unemployment? If I quit or am fired from my job, am I eligible to file for Unemployment Insurance?

Sign up through the NYS Department of Labor’s Telephone Claims Center:  1-888-209-8124 or sign up via the Internet at www.labor.state.ny.us.  Each situation is determined on a case-by-case basis.  Eligibility for Unemployment Insurance  can only be determined once the case is filed. 

 

12.  I did not get my unemployment check last week. Who do I call?

You should first try the automated telephone certification number (607) 272-4874 option 2.  This option will tell you when your last payment was made.  If this option does not mention the payment in question, please call 1-888-209-8124 to speak to a representative. 

13.  I speak limited English, who should I call to file for Unemployment Insurance?
Sign up through the NYS Department of Labor’s Telephone Claims Center:  1-888-209-8124 and listen for option 3, there are many languages available. 

14.  I wish to report a possible Unemployment Insurance fraud case.  Who do I call?
Contact Unemployment Fraud Control at 741-4479.

15.  Can my employer fire me for no valid reason?

Yes, New York State is an employment at will state.  The employer can fire an employee for any reason, or no reason, just as an employee can quit for any or no reason.  If you believe you have been discriminated against contact Tompkins County Human Rights:  277-4080 or New York State Human Rights:  721-8467 or on the web at www.nysdhr.com

 

16. What is the difference between workers compensation and disability coverage and how do I apply for them?

Disability is for off-the-job injuries or illnesses, while workers' compensation covers on-the-job injuries or illnesses.  Both programs are administrered by the New York State Workers Compensation Board. 

NYS Disability:  607-721-8353; Workers’ Compensation:  607-721-8356
or on the web at www.wcb.state.ny.us

17. I have questions regarding safety procedures and the safety of my work environment.
Contact New York State Safety and Health at 272-7570 ext. 122 or ext. 123

18. Is my employer treating me OK (and other Human Rights questions)?

Call Tompkins County Human Rights:  277-4080 or New York State Human Rights:  721-8467 or on the web at www.nysdhr.com

General Supplementary Questions

19. Who will pay for college, childcare, medical, etc.? 

Financial Aid:  Brochures available at the Tompkins Workforce New York and at Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3). 

Displaced homemakers may contact the Women’s Opportunity Center for informational sessions on finding both non-traditional and traditional financial aid. 

Low-income daycare:  Call 274-5221 and speak with Jackie Simpson.  This service is provided for low-income parents.  The fee will be based on the income of the parents. 

20. Who will provide transportation? 

TCAT:  Tompkins Workforce New York in easily accessed by TCAT. 

Gadabout:  a transportation service for individuals who are disabled or over 60.  Call 273-1878 for more information. 

Social Services Recipients:  For individuals who are in receipt of temporary assistance or whose temporary assistance cases have closed due to employment, transportation assistance may be available. 

21. How do I get a uniform? 

Social Services recipients may be eligible for uniform assistance.  In addition, customers can speak with Workforce Development Specialists who will assist customers to locate resources. 

 

22. How will my employment affect my SSI or SSD? 

Call Social Security’s toll free number, 1-800-772-1213.   The local Social Security Office is located on the 2nd floor of the Center Ithaca Building, Room 216 or by phone at 256-3651.

 

23. How do I get housing? 

Homeless individuals or families call the Special Services Unit of DSS at 274-5293and speak with Special Coordinator Cindy Cummings. 

Section 8:  This is a service for people who need housing.  There is a two-year waiting list.  There are two lists, and it is worth applying for both.  Contact Tompkins Community Action at 273-8816 and Ithaca Housing Authority 273-1244.  There is also a Family self-sufficiency program and another financial management program for people on Section 8. 

Ithaca Neighborhood Housing 277-4500 and Better Housing for Tompkins County 273-2187 offer home ownership information, classes and lending assistance for people who qualify. 

COFA (County Office For the Aging) has a program that links individuals who need housing and want to help care for the elderly with elderly homeowners who want someone to live in with them.  The Office for the Aging also has information on senior housing for individuals who are disabled or aged 62 or older. 

24. What is Title V? 

Title V is the section of the Older American’s Act that funds the Senior Community Service Program, SCSEP.   It is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor.  Title V’s mission is to strengthen families, communities and our nation by providing older and disadvantaged individuals with opportunities to learn, work and serve others. 

 

25. How long can I receive help after my Social Services assistance has ended?  (i.e. childcare, health benefits, support of employment) 

Child Care for applicants and recipients in Social Services orientation and/or work activities:  contact Special Services staff at DSS.  Additional services that may be possible:  Transportation related expenses, Uniforms, safety equipment, etc., and educational materials.

Still have questions?  Please send an email and we will respond as quickly as possible.