Performs financial activities, reporting, bookkeeping, account maintenance and conducts on-site financial reviews of contractor’s records.  This position will assist the Finance Manager in the processing and review of Nevadaworks financial transactions and will require basic knowledge of computerized accounting systems. 

The successful applicant will demonstrate a strong attention to detail, be proficient in computer operations and have the ability to deal tactfully and courteously with customers.   

Graduation from an accredited college or university in a business, finance or related field is preferred.  Experience shall preferably have included work with federal or public programs.

Starting wage, $17.00 per hour, employer paid PERS retirement, substantial benefit package, equal opportunity employer.

Position is regular, fulltime at 40 hours per week.

Location is in Reno, Nevada

Resumes accepted at jobs@nevadaworks.com

 Find more details about this job opportunity here.

Job Announcement will be open until filled.

 2010 reality in Northern Nevada is far different for many individuals. A continuation of unemployment or a potential job loss is very real to them. Being overqualified for a current job with no prospects for improvement is the new norm for some. Fear of the unknown stifles initiative in others. Nevada is in the top five of states with high unemployment and looks to hold that distinction for some time. Wow, is reality truly this bad?

 Yes and no. Yes some people are still suffering greatly. No it is not the end of life as we know it. Yes some businesses will loose their grip and disappear this year. No events will not stay this bad. Yes high unemployment will not disappear overnight. No our workforce is not doomed.

 At Nevadaworks, we have reviewed the current state of workforce issues in our area and we are pleased to share some very positive information. Beginning approximately one year ago, the federal government started distributing increased funds for workforce training with the expectation that with this training, individuals and businesses impacted by the recession could repair the holes in the jobs foundation and prepare for the next upturn in the economy.

 Receiving this money and putting it to proper use was not an easy or overnight process. It was sometimes slow and cumbersome and often frustrating. But that was 2009. In this new year, many of the plans for training are well into fruition and thousands of people have been and are being helped and for them, the future is showing some sunshine.

 Last fall, the Nevadaworks staff met with representatives of UNR Extension Studies and with TMCC Workforce Development and proposed that they prepare a variety of specialized classes, based on the expressed needs of employers, that would be offered to individuals through the Nevadaworks contracted service providers. Those classes have been identified and include:

 Assessment Testing – in applied mathematics, reading for information, how to locate and use information. A ProveIt! Measurement that correctly identifies a person’s ability to perform as they claim;

 Customer Service – a fresh perspective in serving customers, building customer relationships and motivating others in an organization;

 Computer Training – basics of keyboarding and lessons in Word and Excel;

 Work Readiness – critical workplace topics such as dependability, teamwork, conflict resolution and grammar.

 These classes are for individuals who are unemployed, underemployed or currently employed. Although the list above may seem very basic to some, employers have overwhelmingly confirmed that these skills are most lacking across industries and that when the hiring resumes, they will definitely give preference to people who demonstrate an ability to perform in the current environment rather than with outdated skills.

 The class fees for this training might be paid as part of workforce help to individuals, paid by the individual or paid by an employer desiring an improved workforce. There are many sources of funding available in this area and anyone can contact the training providers listed on the Nevadaworks website (www.nevadaworks.com) for more detail.

 This very needed training is available now, at reasonable cost to a wide variety of people in an adaptable format that removes many of the past barriers for individuals to acquire necessary skills. Individuals and businesses need to avail themselves of this training now while the economy is slow so that when the upturn begins, our proactive stance will deliver broad benefits and will prevent the need for reactive solutions.

 The flow of federal workforce training funds is now at its peak and later this year the flow will begin its decline as the stimulus funding runs its course. Therefore, in this early, positive part of the year, everyone needs to see personal and corporate fear leave our area. Managers must decide on what training their current staff should experience and then arrange it. Individuals must look at what is lacking in their work experience and get appropriate training to overcome that lack.

 All must stifle the innate fear that negative energy generates. Put fear into last year and optimism into the new year. See only success occurring in 2010 and then let it happen. Everyone must partake of the opportunities in front of them so that when this year is old and worn, we can look back and declare that the travel through 2010 was definitely worth the time and effort!

 –

 On another note, many times in business, we have a successful encounter with an organization and then as time passes, we forget the success or our attention is otherwise diverted and soon, we forget that organization when we need it most. Such is often the case with ProNet. Many local employers have hired outstanding employees from the highly professional individuals using ProNet to upgrade their management and supervisory skills while unemployed.

 If your organization is now in the position to start considering expanding its staff, don’t forget to check out the revitalized and refreshed ProNet professionals for today’s job market. ProNet has changed during the past two years to meet the challenges our area has faced. Knowing that such a changed group as ProNet can help your optimistic plans will help achieve your goals as the year progresses.

Side Bar:

 Deb O’Gorman, TMCC Workforce Development, dogorman@tmcc.edu, 824-3811

 Jim McClenahan, UNR Extended Studies, jmcclenahan@unr.edu, 784-4852

 Pieter Droog, ProNet, pdroog@join.org, 674-5408

Recruiter Bob Alessandrelli is very active in the Northern Nevada community.  He gives regular presentations to adults and high school students at area schools, employment agencies, and at the area JobConnect centers.  People ages 17-18 and older, with a high school diploma or a GED may apply to learn and earn on the job for a well-paying career in the construction industry.  All industries require physical coordination and working outdoors in the elements.  If someone is not prepared to meet these two requirements, the trades are most likely not for them. 

Alessandrelli is very upfront with all potential applicants regarding the pros and cons of careers in the trades.  All types of construction work ebbs and flows with the economy and with the needs of a particular community.  Obviously, at this time there are many workers who have been laid off and who are currently unable to find work.  All trades are optimistic that the economy will turn and building will resume.  A career in the trades provides a well-paying career, a comprehensive benefit package (medical, dental, and vision as well as a pension plan), job security, and safe working conditions.  Most importantly, the trades offer 2 to 5 years of paid training under a master craftsperson. 

On January 5, 2010 WACA held its annual coordinators meeting, inviting area educational professionals, employment professionals, and other community service agencies to hear about recent developments among the trades.  Each coordinator sits on their trade’s interview panel for new recruits.  It was unanimous among all of them the need for more “hands on” interview training.  They reported that many people come to the interview unprepared and unable to effectively communicate their experiences and skills.  Appearance and communication skills were very important to each of the different coordinators. 

There was also much talk in the meeting of the current perceptions among young people of careers in the trades.  Many professionals agreed that careers in trades should be seen as equal to the college experience rather than second rate occupations.  Ace High School is a local school whose focus is on teaching students science and mathematics in real world, trade focused methods.  There is great opportunity for youth who may not be interested in college. 

Not all individuals interested in the trades are coming out of high school.  In fact, the coordinators agree that many people are coming to them after spending time in the military.  These candidates are performing very well on the job and already are equipped with many skills that are needed in any trade. 

Although construction in Northern Nevada is down many people are finding their path to success in the trades.  For more information regarding WACA or any specific trade union, feel free to contact Bob Alessandrelli at (775)825-6866 or by email at info@buildingtradejobs.org.

Three adult staff will be working directly with forty-eight youth in all aspects of the silk-screening business.  Youth have been active in every step of the business process thus far; including the creation of an industrial shop in a former administrative office, complete with all appropriate plumbing, lighting, safety equipment, and ventilation.  

A graphic designer has been hired to work with the youth in the designing of artwork to be printed.  They are gaining skills working with the latest graphic design software and enhancing their already outstanding artistic abilities. 

The director of the program, Taylor Morgan, states that artistic ability is not a requirement of youth interested in participating in the program.  “They will be involved in every aspect of this business from design, production, quality control, advertising, and sales.”  Eight youth will receive part time employment and an additional forty youth will receive training on a voluntary basis.  Each person interested will go through the application and interview process, providing essential skills for any career.  

One youth who has already been selected for the team is very artistic “but I am more interested in seeing how an actual business is run.”  Each of these young adults is excited about the possibilities and enthusiastic about this business.  After watching them in the production of a T-shirt, I have no doubt that this venture will be a great success. 

Most importantly, these youth know that they are learning skills that will help them succeed in life.  “Without this job I’d probably be selling drugs” remarked one young adult.   The Children’s Cabinet  is providing a valuable community service that will impact the lives of youth for many years to come.  “What better way to stop a bullet than with a job and a paycheck?” asks Morgan. 

If you know of any youth who may be interested in Cabinet INK or if you are interested in placing an order, contact Taylor Morgan at 775-352-8090 ext. 127 or at 682-1309.

Northern Nevada is fortunate to have a Board as active and concerned as the Nevadaworks Board because these members are serious about their responsibility to oversee the Nevadaworks staff in the administering of federal funds which are designed to strengthen our region’s workforce.  Nevada is on its way to having one of the most prepared and flexible workforce in the nation. 

The Board took action in approving three contract revisions.  The Community Services Agency has two programs, one for adults and one for dislocated workers, which were granted additional funds.  The adult program received up to $376,000 and the dislocated worker program received an additional $368,000.  Job Opportunities in Nevada in Carson City also received an additional $96,000 for its adult program.

Several Board members are also involved in the Nevadaworks Workforce Action Team.  This team was created after a detailed workforce survey was completed in June 2009.  An update was given to the Board regarding this team’s recent efforts to compile important workforce related information at Nevadaworks.com.  All available jobs in northern Nevada are now being collected at Nevadaworks.com and businesses will soon be able to search the largest collection of resumes to find the perfect candidate for their particular position.

 With Congress’ heavy spending during the recent economic crisis, Nevada has received an increase in funding from the Department of Labor.  It will take continued collaboration between local area businesses, education facilities, government agencies, and training providers to efficiently use this money for enhancing the region’s workforce.  For additional information regarding Nevadaworks click here.  The next scheduled meeting will be held on March 12, 2010.

In today’s difficult economic conditions, many northern Nevadans qualify to receive training with Dislocated Worker funds, but many are unaware that they qualify.  A Dislocated Worker is anyone who has ever been laid off from a job.  As many know, businesses are forced to lay off employees when they can no longer afford to employ them.  Even if someone was only released yesterday, they qualify as a Dislocated Worker if they can show any kind of document that shows they have been laid off.  Documents could include records of Unemployment Insurance, a letter from the previous employer stating that the position would be terminated or that the company was closing.  Basically, if you have ever been laid off for reasons out of your control, you can qualify for training funds for Dislocated Workers. 

 There are no age, experience, or income requirements.  The only reason that would bar you from qualifying would be if you were terminated for a just cause from your last employer.  If you believe that you qualify for assistance as a Dislocated Worker and are interested in receiving training provided through Nevadaworks, you can contact any one of the training providers described below for more information. 

 Nevadaworks has several current training providers who are serving Dislocated Workers throughout northern Nevada. 

 Career College of Northern Nevada currently has two programs.  One program is training medical assistants.    The Medical Assistants Diploma is designed to provide students with the basic knowledge and clinical skills for gaining entry-level employment in a medical facility.  Healthcare is the fastest growing industry in this economy and it is projected that there will be a need for medical assistants for many years to come.  Another program at CCNN is the HVAC training program.  These students will possess the knowledge and skills to install, evaluate, service and repair residential and commercial HVAC equipment.

 Job Opportunities in Nevada (JOIN) in Ely, Nevada has a program for students interested in training in safety, HAZMAT, ATV, plant identification, map reading, GPS and GIS, first aid, desert survival, solid waste disposal and the recycling process.  The clients in the “Green” program are working in the desert areas around Ely and are potential hires for the Bureau of Land Management.

 Sierra Nevada Community Access Television (SNCAT) is training students in media productions, animation, game development, content management, and program/systems development.  The program is due to be completed in June of 2010 and the students will have achieved journeyman level proficiency in a broad array of communication technology.

 There are other training providers in the northern Nevada area who are serving Dislocated Workers.  Bristlecone, JOIN Carson City, JOIN Elko, JOIN Fallon, ProNet, JOIN Reno, and JOIN Winnemucca can all help individuals locate programs that may be right for them.  You can find contact information for any of these providers on our Training Provider page, or you can contact us.