Seneca County Workforce Development & Youth Bureau Programs
Seneca County Workforce Development & Youth Bureau is the HUB/Port for youth and young adult services. Our goal is to provide youth and young adults with opportunities through information, programs and services. These opportunities will empower individuals to make informed decisions about their education, employment and career goals as they strive towards self-sufficiency and development of a healthy, safe and nurturing lifestyle. These services will be provided for in the most professional, efficient and respectful manner.
Youth Programs
Runaway Homeless Youth Program
Providing case management to youth and young adults ages 14-24 who need assistance and support. Youth can be runaway, homeless, throwaway or at risk of becoming homeless. Youth are connected with the appropriate services and resources to encourage stability. Youth can be supported with transportation, independent living skills and building connections for self-sufficiency.
Independent Living Skills Program
Independent Living Skills Group is a for youth ages 15-20 who are pursuing skills in becoming self-sufficient. These groups are open ended and explore the duties and responsibilities of being an adult. At times group are facilitated by outside professionals and the program can include fieldtrips for hands on experience. Topics include but are not limited to cooking, hygiene, money management and employment.
Youth Empowerment
This 10 week course for youth ages 13-18 who are at risk. This includes those individuals who are involved in probation, preventive, foster care, pre pins, pins, juvenile delinquent or an adolescent offender, and youth at risk. Topics include attitude, self-expression, self-awareness, responsibility, respect, communication and healthy relationships.
Seneca County Fatherhood Connection
The fatherhood program involves weekly meetings in a group setting which focusses on rekindling the values that allowed men and families to prosper for generations. Men will be provided the opportunity for skill sharing and development as well as access to resources. Sessions are held in the evening.
Youth Work Programs
CYAC (Connecting Young Adults to Careers) Youth Employment Program
Year round youth employment program designed for eligible youth between the ages of 14-24. The program provides expanded career development and services in the areas of employment and training. Youth and staff work together to complete assessments to determine skills, interests and abilities. Youth develop an individual plan to identify career goals. Training opportunities include resume building, practice interviews and development of Hard and Soft skills. Participants have the opportunity to obtain a work experience to further develop their skills and interests.
SYEP (Summer Youth Employment Program)
The SYEP provides youth between the ages of 14-20 with summer employment and educational opportunities. Participants work in a variety of entry-level jobs at government agencies, nonprofits and private sector businesses. Youth start with a multi-day orientation touching on topics of professionalism, work ethic, teamwork, financial literacy and healthy relationships. The program runs approximately 6-8 weeks in July and August.
Employers Supporting Youth
Our mission is to place as many youth as possible in appropriate, meaningful jobs in safe settings while providing exceptional supports, academic enrichment, and opportunities to gain marketable skills; and to provide the community and businesses a view of our local emerging workforce. The employer is responsible for direct supervision, attendance, evaluations and to assure that the youth is working in a safe and healthy environment. Employers must abide by the New York State Child Labor Laws and comply with the requirements provided in the Supervisors Handbook provided by the county. Wages and Workers Compensation are the responsibility of Seneca County. We are always seeking employers to become worksites for our youth participants. For additional information to become a worksite please contact us.
Additional services which can be accessed through our agency include:
- Mental Health Counseling through Seneca County Community Counseling Center
- Substance Abuse evaluations and treatment through Seneca County Community Counseling/ Addictions Program
- GED -Wednesdays and Fridays 9:00am-12:00
- Literacy Volunteers
Other programs/committees the Youth Bureau facilitates/participates in:
- Seneca County Youth Development Committee
- Seneca County Youth Summit
- Youth SPOA
- Seneca County Housing Coalition
- Criminal Justice Advisory Board
- Fill The Bus School Supply Collection
- Seneca Cares formerly Systems of Care
- National Night Out
- Seneca County Suicide & Substance Abuse Coalition
- Safe Harbours (Human Trafficking Awareness/Education)
- Women’s Leadership Council
- CART (Child Abuse Review Team)
- Education and Outreach Committee through Finger Lakes Community Health
- Brightest Star Award-Annual award for 6th grade students
- NYS Governor’s Youth Council
- Seneca County Shout Out
- Seneca County Story & Activity Time
- Seneca County Youth Bureau/Board Scholarship Program
For further information please contact:
Annie Mahoney, amahoney@co.seneca.ny.us 315-539-1791
Or
David Goben, dgoben@co.seneca.ny.us 315-539-1915