GOVERNOR UNVEILS NEW PROGRAMS FOR MATURE WORKERS 

GOVERNOR UNVEILS NEW PROGRAMS FOR MATURE WORKERS

PHOENIX – Governor Janet Napolitano unveiled two new programs for older Arizonans who are looking to continue in or return to the workplace, during an address today at the Governor’s Conference on Aging.

“The face of aging is changing, and we have to make sure older Arizonans have the supports they need to live with dignity and independence,” Governor Napolitano said. “Part of independence is having work and volunteer opportunities outside of the home. Arizona leads the nation in terms of the opportunities available to mature workers, and I’m excited about two new programs that will do even more for Arizona seniors.”

The Governor announced the creation of the AZ Mature Worker Job Bank and Resource Website, online at www.azmatureworkers.com. Developed by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging, this resource will provide a venue for the mature workers searching the job market and for the employers looking to hire them. Employers will also be able to post jobs on the site for free.

The site was developed in partnership with Jobing.com, at no expense to Arizona taxpayers.

The Governor also unveiled a new program – Mature Worker-Friendly Employer Certification – which will provide special recognition to employers who commit to creating a workplace environment that values mature workers. The certification is also designed to assist employers in addressing projected labor force shortages.

These two programs add to the Governor’s previous initiatives that have improved care and quality-of-life for Arizona’s seniors. In 2007, the Governor’s Office on Aging opened, quality ratings and surveys for every Arizona nursing home and assisted living facility were made available online at www.AZCareCheck.com, and the state’s Adult Protective Services program began investigating 100% of allegations of abuse. The Governor has also introduced the CoppeRx Card to provide Arizonans with discounts on prescription drugs, and has worked to move Arizona toward electronic prescription systems that lower health care costs and reduce potentially dangerous mistakes.

The Governor’s Conference on Aging is a biennial conference being held through Friday, May 16 at the Phoenix Marriott Mesa and the Mesa Convention Center. This year’s theme is “Myth Busters: Breaking the Myths of Aging.”

For more information about the Office of the Governor, please visit www.azgovernor.gov.

Bill Austin

East Valley Living

Metro Care Services recently attended the Jobing.com Career Fair on May 15, 2008.  I was privileged to represent Metro Care Services to the thousands of eager job seekers that attended the free event.  We met a lot of great candidates for Metro Care Services as well as made great new connections to further help the individuals with developmental disabilities that we provide services to.  (Not to mention the sore legs from standing 5 hours!)  The event was great for us at Metro Care Services to meet you face to face and talk on a more personal level.  We were searching for caregivers to provide services throughout the valley and even the Jobing.com Career Fair is over, doesn’t mean our search for caregivers is.  Metro Care Services is always looking to hire individuals interested in providing in home services such as habilitation, respite and attendant care/housekeeping.  Experience is not necessary as we are always looking to train the right people.

The next Jobing.com Career Fair is August 6, 2008 and Metro Care Services will be attending again; but don’t wait till then to contact us as we are always looking for new caregivers to join our team!  Metro Care Services has 6 locations valley wide and 2 in Tucson .  We also sometimes have other positions other than caregiver that are available so be sure to keep checking Metro Care Services on Jobing.com for new postings.

Recent comments from Care1st employees include:

"I like to see our administrative team coming around asking all employees how we can make this a better place to work."

"I feel like HR and my director listen to me when I bring up issues."

"Compared to other places I've been at, Care1st is really working hard to make it a better place for employees."

After many years in the industry, and after talking with many employees about this topic, it is clear that what makes a place great to work at it two-fold.

1) The immediate supervisor/director that takes the time to listen to employee suggestions/input/concerns.  This information is then acted upon.  A follow up with the employee on the issue, closing the loop on the issue.  And importantly, acknowledging the employee's participation raising the issue is critical;

2) Employees that care about each other and the job they perform.  Many times we are asked to complete a high volume of work and need help.  Having co-workers around that support and assist during these times goes a long way.  It shows that every employee needs support and to be a part of a team.  Work can get accomplished much more quickly when there is teamwork involved.

On a television show last night, an example of "ants" was given about how they accomplish so much by helping each other out.  They are able to move mountains and create networks that we look at in amazement. How do they do it?

Everyone pitches in and works towards a common goal.  No one ant is left to complete a task by themselves.

Do yo have examples of teamwork and positive reinforcement at your current job that you would like to share?

At ASCC we:• Provide training and education to the child care field
• Prepare people for jobs in the child care field
• Support quality child care through accreditation programs
• Help parents find child care
• Ensure nutritious meals for children
• Offer support and training to those who care for the children of family and friends
• Encourage child care professionals to continue their education
• Refer people to jobs in child care
• Lend toys, equipment, books and resources to providers
• Assist child care providers with state certification
• Teach children how to be safe when home alone
• Help children who are home alone after school.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.asccaz.org/Index.htm

Cindy Bennett

President

Smarter Move Staffing

Office: 602-266-8650

www.smartermovestaffing.com

CLUB E - PHOENIX

ClubENetwork.com 

WEDNESDAY, MAY 21st

6pm

NIXONS AT THE CAMELBACK ESPLANADE 

                                                                                              
GUEST SPEAKER:

CINDY BENNETT, PRESIDENT OF SMARTER MOVE STAFFING!

COMPLIMENTARY APPETIZERS!

NO COST TO ATTEND!

GREAT NETWORKING!

Active in the Hispanic business community, Cindy recently started her legal recruiting firm after years as an employee and paralegal at a leading area law firm. Cindy will share her story of going from employee to business owner and the challenges of a young, Hispanic woman entrepreneur.

Business owners, students, aspiring, emerging & future entrepreneurs -- come meet, mingle and learn from the best!