On any given day, the Ocean County One-Stop Career Center on Route 9 in Toms River assists county residents in their job searches, training assistance and a host of other services.
However, there is a growing concern among Ocean County officials that the services at the career center may be altered because of a decrease in federal funding to the successful program.
“We are seeing a $375,932 decrease in the federal funding we receive for our Workforce Investment Act programs,” said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as liaison to Ocean County’s Workforce Investment Board. “This will have an across-the-board effect on programs offered at the One-Stop Career Center.”
The Workforce Investment Board, which received its state certification in 1996, oversees a host of services to adults in need of employment services, and retraining.
With the cut in funding, some of those served by the career center may not be able to receive the extensive training currently provided, according to a press release from the county.
“We will take a closer look at previous work history and transferable skills a potential employee has and attempt to match them with the employer,” said Marcella DeRosa, director of the Ocean County Department of Human Services. “The funding will just not be there for all the additional training that is requested.”
It costs about $3,000 per person to train. Last year, about 150 adults received retraining, while 300 dislocated workers received the service and 400 youths participated in the year-round youth program.
“Thousands of other residents were served at the center tapping into the other services we provide,” said Freeholder Gerry P. Little, who serves as liaison to Ocean County’s Department of Human Services. “The center will continue to do the outstanding job that it always has but we will be doing it with even less.”
The career center on Route 9 in Dover Township officially opened in 2001 and assists job seekers, employers and students. A person can receive employment leads, résumé writing assistance and other help in assisting with obtaining employment.
To make the services even more convenient, the center’s hours expanded staying open until 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and offering Saturday morning hours.
Many of the people served at the career center are walk-ins while others are referred by other agencies including the Ocean County Board of Social Services.
Equipped with computers and numerous resources, the career center offers job seekers information on vocational, technical or academic training, job search assistance, accessing social services and creating résumés.