Monday, April 30, 2012

Managing Job Stress: How to Beat Job Stress Before It Beats You!

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Advice offered by professionals in the retail sector – the customer service challenges may sound familiar! Originally published at career-advice.monster.com.

While everyone has heard reports on rising levels of job stress, and most everyone would agree that their own job is stressful from time to time, not everyone has a proper realization of how much job stress can impact their life. This article will help you understand the steps you can take to manage your stress.

Don’t Let Conflicts at Work Escalate
  • Communicate with coworkers — Keep the lines of communication open. When a problem arises, talk through it as soon as possible.
  • Accept Responsibility — If you were wrong, accept responsibility, apologize and look for ways to make it right. Even if the fault wasn’t completely yours, look for what might have been your part in the disagreement and acknowledge it.
  • Recognize and accept differences    — We don’t all see things the same and that’s o.k. Sometimes we have to agree to disagree.
  • Focus on the problem, not the person — Don’t allow disagreements to become personal attacks. Resolve the conflict and move on.
  • Validate other people’s feelings and acknowledge your own — Use language like “I can see that you are upset” or “When you said ‘X’ it made me feel annoyed.”
  • Brainstorm for solutions — Ask the other person what you can do to work through the problem.
Be Smart in Your Interactions with Difficult People
  • Listen to your heart — If it’s racing, stop and breathe!
  • Hold your immediate response — Sometimes your first thoughts aren’t the best to say. Take a deep breath and think.
  • Ask yourself, “What do I want to happen?”
  • State clearly what you want — Be specific.
  • If the other person is yelling, do nothing until (s)he stops yelling — talk softly to help them calm down.
  • Ask “What would you like me to do?” And mean it.
  • Depersonalize the interaction.
  • Let the other person have last word
Take Care of Yourself
  • Get enough sleep (7-9 hours/night)
  • Eat small meals or snacks throughout the day
  • Plan at least one self-care technique per day (deep breathing, exercising at your desk or station, progressive muscle relaxation, telling or reading a joke)
  • Exercise for 30 minutes at least 3 times/week
  • Learn to relax and then take time to do it!
  • Reframe negative events into positive ones
  • Avoid alcohol and drugs
  • Keep a stress diary to see what events trigger your stress throughout the day
Manage Your Time Effectively
  • Prioritize
  • Keep a calendar 
  • Make a daily reminder list
  • Establish long and short-term goals
  • Learn to say “No”
  • Be flexible
  • Use your energy wisely
  • Plan ahead
Keep the Professional and Personal in Balance
  • Remember you are only one person!
  • Remember time limits (24 hrs/day)
  • Set and maintain boundaries with others
  • Use the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Use support from friends and family
  • Listen to your body
  • Use transition time between work and home to relax (listen to a book on tape, catch up with your friend on the cell phone – using your headset of course!)
  • Eat lunch away from the office or away from your work area, if possible
  • Leave stress at the door (if you change the way you think you can help change the way you feel!)
Dealing with stress is an ongoing process – you will have good days and bad days. Hopefully, the tips given in this article will help you to diffuse the stress that might seem overwhelming in the short term. The more you commit yourself to the strategies in this article, the less likely job stress will rule your life!

Dreamfedjob - Turning unemployed into employed.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Things Happen for a Reason...

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Have you ever heard advice like this?
  • "Make a career decision and stick with it."
  • "Finish your education."
  • "Don’t let chance events disrupt your plan."
  • "Take action only when you’re sure of the outcome."
Statements like this make things sound as though you should know the exact path you will take in your life and career. But what if you’re less than completely certain about what path you want to take? What if you are still wrestling with several competing interests? How can you move forward when you’re not sure of your direction?

Well, to start, don’t be too alarmed – you’re in the majority. There are very few people who know exactly what they want to do in their careers; much less how to achieve their goals. Instead, many of us are unsure. Luckily, there is a job searching approach that acknowledges this uncertainty and views it as an asset. It’s called Happenstance.

What is Happenstance?
The premise of this theory is that people can take unplanned events and transform them into career opportunities. Both planned and chance events are involved. Most people are taught that they should overcome indecision quickly and minimize any chance events that can interrupt their plans.  Happenstance adopts a different view where people welcome indecision as a sensible approach to a complex and unpredictable future, and also actively look to capitalize on chance events.

The key to this approach is an attitude shift that embraces the fact that uncertainty is normal.  Unplanned events are a normal and necessary component of every career. Similarly, anxiety about the future is normal but can be replaced with a sense of adventure.

We’ve all been through unexpected changes in life, some good and some bad. However, even some of our negative changes have resulted in new opportunities. Here are a few examples:
  • You may have been laid off from a job, but this event was the spark you needed to focus on starting a home-based business;
  • You weren’t selected for the job you wanted, but instead you decided to explore a new career area you previously knew nothing about; and/or
  • You have to go to a party you’re dreading, and while there you end up meeting someone who becomes an important business contact.
In each of these examples, something positive takes places in what first appeared to be a negative and/or unplanned situation. Paraphrasing Louis Pasteur, “Chance favors the prepared mind.” It is not enough to wait for good things to happen to you. While you may not actively seek out new opportunities or situations, you must be prepared for the ones that you encounter. Remember that your career development is a life-long learning process that requires you to make decisions in response to unexpected events.  

There are lots of things that you can do to prepare yourself for Happenstance. These include:
  • Get more education – Enroll in workshops, seminars, online learning courses, as well as college classes 
  • Build and maintain a professional network of contacts 
  • Volunteer for different projects and assignments at work to increase your skills and knowledge as well as your visibility among coworkers and managers
  • Join a professional association and become active on various committees 
  • Volunteer with community and civic groups to increase your network of social and professional contacts 
  • Work with a career coach to update your resume
In addition, here are some specific mindsets you can cultivate to make the most of unplanned events:
  • Optimism – viewing new opportunities as possible and attainable
  • Curiosity – exploring new learning and opportunities
  • Risk Taking – taking action in the face of uncertain outcomes
  • Persistence – trying to succee in spite of setbacks
  • Flexibility – changing beliefs, ideas, attitudes and behaviors
And finally, remember that Happenstance helps broaden your horizons. You can move forward with an expansive spirit, taking actions to discover new outcomes and learning from your mistakes. Within this new way of thinking, you are not indecisive…you are open minded!

For more on Happenstance, see the book Luck is No Accident: Making the Most of Happenstance in Your Life and Career by John D. Krumboltz and Al S. Levin (2004).

Dreamfedjob - Turning unemployed into employed.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

The Telephone Interview

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As you pursue career opportunities, expect a few telephone interviews along the way. If you seek a position in another geographic location, it's likely you'll be responding to questions from an interview panel by telephone.
In the private sector, phone interviews are often used to narrow the pool of applicants who will be invited for an in-person interview. Within the government however, a telephone interview may be the only interview.
Government managers who evaluate candidates through both written application materials and phone interviews say many applicants with outstanding credentials and experiences fall short in the phone interview.
How can you avoid this? Treat the telephone interview just as seriously as you would a face-to-face interview. Prepare for it just as well. And don't be too casual when you take the phone call.
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW


You won't see non-verbal reactions or cues from the interview panel, and the panel can't see your enthusiastic expression or your professional appearance. So pay close attention to your phone manners, clarity of speech, voice tone and the content of your answers.
Preparation is critical. Just as you would for a face-to-face interview, anticipate the kinds of questions you'll be asked and be ready with specific examples to demonstrate your abilities. Without visual clues from the panel to guide the conversation, keep your responses concise. Use the STAR Interview Response Technique (see the resources below) to help you keep your responses focused and strong.
Dial up a friend for a mock interview. Ask for feedback not only on your content, but also how you sounded. Consider recording this mock interview -- when you play it back, you'll be able to hear the "ums," "uhs," and "okays" which are especially noticeable on the phone.
Verify ahead of time the exact day and time of the interview, and make sure the chair of the interview panel has your correct phone number. If the panel schedules the interview at a time that is out of sync with your time zone, feel free to request a different time that better fits both your time zones. Ask who will be on the phone call – names and titles.
Find a room with no distractions. If you are home, make sure no one will bother you including children and pets. One hiring manager told us that a candidate completed the telephone interview at the airport – with flight announcements blaring in the background. Needless to say, this candidate was not offered the position.
Try to sit at a good-size table or desk with only the following in front of you: resume, notes, and pen and paper to take notes about the call. Use a landline telephone, and disable call waiting so your interview is not interrupted. If you are using a cordless phone, be sure the battery has a full charge.
Many job search experts advise clients to wear business attire as a reminder that the appointment is a professional interview, not an informal telephone conversation.
DURING THE INTERVIEW
The interview begins the moment you pick up the phone. Answer in a professional manner and with energy. Consider standing, as this technique allows your voice to project with more confidence. Smile! That might sound silly, but experts say facial expressions reflect through your voice. If you are frowning, you will sound disinterested.
If you cannot hear the interviewers' questions clearly, say "I'm having trouble hearing you. Can you hear me clearly?" These questions are less confrontational than "Can you speak up?" and will help you determine if the problem is with your connection or on the panel's end.
Be "UP" and enthusiastic in your tone of voice. Speak directly into the phone. Do not smoke, chew gum, eat or drink – and no multitasking! Turn your computer off, and keep your papers and cards quiet.
Speak clearly and slowly – many people tend to mumble on the phone -- and avoid using slang.
Use the technique of repeating or rephrasing the questions. It tells the caller you are listening carefully and gives you time to think about your answer. If you need more time to think, ask for it. But remember as in radio, silence during a phone conversation is dead air time.
Keep your energy and enthusiasm throughout the interview, and end on a positive note. Don't forget to say "thank you" to the interviewers. Let the interviewer panel hang up first.
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
After the call ends, write down notes about the interview and your performance. What did you learn from this interview? What did you do well, and what should you do differently for the next interview? If you don't receive the job offer, don't become discouraged. It is an accomplishment just to get the interview.
Finally, be sure to ask the interview panel for their feedback on your interview – it will help you do better next time!
Dreamfedjob - Turning unemployed into employed.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Upcoming Hiring Events for our Nation's Veterans

East Hartford, CT
Date Event: April 27, 2012


Join us April 27, 2012 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM for a job fair for veteran job seekers, active duty military members, Guard and Reserve members and military spouses at the Rentschler Field, East Hartford, CT. This event will be a one-of-a-kind FREE hiring fair for both employers and job seekers.

April 27, 2012

11 am to 3 pm
Rentschler Field
East Hartford, CT

Click here to view the event flyer.
Click here to view a list of the employers.

Kalispell, Montana
Date Event: April 27, 2012

Employers and those seeking employment are invited to attend the free Northwestern Montana Energy Job Fair Friday, April 27, 2012 in Kalispell, Montana. This event will focus on energy employers-those in the oil, gas, petroleum, and other energy industries. Northwestern Montana employers with open positions are also invited to attend.

Exhibiting employers that are actively seeking employees, the fair will be open to veterans, military spouses, and the general public. Hours will be 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Flathead Valley Community College 777 Grandview Drive, A & T Building, Rooms AT139 and AT144B in Kalispell. Attendees should come dressed for on-site interviews and bring several copies of their resume.  Resume experts will be on hand to help fine-tune resumes if needed.

A collaborative group made up of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, Montana Chamber of Commerce, US Department of Labor, Montana Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (MT ESGR), US Chamber of Commerce Hiring Our Heroes, the American Legion of Montana, and the Montana National Guard is offering employers the opportunity to support veterans and their families by hiring them as employees.

For planning purposes, registration is due back to Montana ESGR by April 16, 2012.  E-mail confirmations will be sent to employers.  For registration information the point of contact is:  Parker Sullivan Program Support Technician for MT ESGR.  Her contact email is:

parker.sullivan.ctr@ang.af.mil or call 406-791-0895.
Click here to view the event flyer.

Lackawanna, NY
Date Event: May 02, 2012

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s “Hiring Our Heroes” Hiring Fair sponsored by the American Legion and Call of Duty Endowment, scheduled for May 2, 2012, at the American Legion Matthew Glab Post # 1477 is committed to making this one-of–a-kind FREE hiring fair a win-win for employers and veteran/military spouse job seekers.

This hiring event, sponsored by the American Legion Matthew Glab Post #1477, is being conducted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s “Hiring Our Heroes” Hiring Fair and is co-sponsored locally by the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, U.S. Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (DOL VETS), New York State Department of Labor, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), New York National Guard, and the United States Army Reserve.

May 2, 2012

1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
American Legion Matthew Glab Post  #1477
1965 Abbott Road
Lackawanna, NY  14218

For more information:
Please contact  Mr. Jim Bojanowski at JIMBOJ799@aol.com or (716) 803-0891.

Registration

Job seekers, click here.
Employers, click here.
Click here to view the event flyer.


Oakland, CA
Date Event: May 03, 2012

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and veteran recruiting partner RecruitMilitary are proud to present this Hiring Our Heroes event to all military job seekers and their spouses. This exclusive hiring fair is free for servicemembers, veterans, and spouses and will be held at Oakland's O.co Coliseum.  This is an excellent opportunity for top employers from across the country to connect with high caliber candidates.

May 3, 2012

11:00 am - 3:00 pm
O.co Coliseum
7000 Coliseum Way
Oakland, CA 94621

Registration

Job seekers click here.
Employers click here.

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Thursday, April 26, 2012

Veteran Hiring Events: 4 Happening today!

CLARKSVILLE, TN

Date Event: April 26, 2012

Please join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Hiring Our Heroes Military Spouse Initiative for a FREE special hiring and career event for military spouses in Clarksville, TN on April 26th.

The Military Spouse Business Alliance, in partnership with the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Tennessee Career Center of Clarksville,  will host a special military spouse career forum to complement the Clarksville Area Chamber’s spring hiring fair.  The forum will feature presentations and career-enhancing advice for military spouses from Fort Campbell and the surrounding area.  Active duty, Guard and Reserve and veterans’ spouses welcome.
April 26, 2012

9 am to 3 pm

The Riverview Inn
50 College Street
Clarksville, TN

Registration
Job seekers click here to register.

Employers click here to register.

Click here to view the event flyer.

In addition, following the fair, the Clarksville Chamber and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Center for Women in Business will host a special networking event exclusively for military spouses.  Spouses will have the opportunity for face-to-face networking with local female executives, board members and VIP’s.  Come and learn how you can enhance your career aspects through your local chamber!

The networking and cocktail event will follow from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at:

Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce
25 Jefferson Street, Suite 300
Clarksville, TN 37040

NEW YORK

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and veteran recruiting partner RecruitMilitary are proud to present this Hiring Our Heroes event to all military job seekers and their spouses. This exclusive hiring fair is free for servicemembers, veterans, and spouses and will be held at New York City's New Yorker Hotel.  This is an excellent opportunity for top employers from across the country to connect with high caliber candidates.


11:00 am - 3:00 pm
New Yorker Hotel
481 Eighth Avenue

New York, NY 10001
Registration
Job seekers click here.

Employers click here.


New York Employment Workshop - GE Veterans Network Transition Assistance Program
The employment workshop will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with GE's own veteran employees conducting one-on-one mentoring sessions with all pre-registered participants.  Mentoring sessions will focus on resume building, resume writing, and interviewing techniques for all job-seeking veteran and service member participants.

Interested candidates must complete the FREE electronic pre-registration in order to participate.  A maximum of 60 participants will be accepted.  Walk-ins will be accepted the day of the event if there is availability after the pre-registered attendees have been seen.

Click here to register for the employment workshop.

LIBBY, MONTANA
Date Event: April 26, 2012

Employers and those seeking employment are invited to attend the free Northwestern Montana Energy Job Fair Thursday, April 26, 2012 in Libby, Montana. This event will focus on energy employers-those in the oil, gas, petroleum, and other energy industries. Northwestern Montana employers with open positions are also invited to attend.

Exhibiting employers that are actively seeking employees, the fair will be open to veterans, military spouses, and the general public. Hours will be 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Libby Armory located at 1004 Treasure Avenue in Libby, Montana. Attendees should come dressed for on-site interviews and bring several copies of their resume.  Resume experts will be on hand to help fine-tune resumes if needed.

A collaborative group made up of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, Montana Chamber of Commerce, US Department of Labor, Montana Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (MT ESGR), US Chamber of Commerce Hiring Our Heroes, the American Legion of Montana, and the Montana National Guard is offering employers the opportunity to support veterans and their families by hiring them as employees.

For planning purposes, registration is due back to Montana ESGR by April 16, 2012.  E-mail confirmations will be sent to employers.  For registration information the point of contact is:  Parker Sullivan Program Support Technician for MT ESGR.  Her contact email is: parker.sullivan.ctr@ang.af.mil or call 406-791-0895.


MONTGOMERY, AL

Date Event: April 26, 2012

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s “Hiring Our Heroes” Hiring Fair sponsored by the Hero2Hired (H2H), scheduled for April 26, 2012, at the Fort Taylor Hardin National Guard Armory is committed to making this one-of–a-kind FREE hiring fair a win-win for employers and veteran/military spouse job seekers.

This hiring event, sponsored by H2H, is being conducted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Services, Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, Alabama Department of Industrial Relations’ Mobile Career Center, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Alabama National Guard and the United States Army Reserve.
The Alabama Department of Industrial Relations’ Mobile Career Center will be on site at the Fort Taylor Hardin National Guard Armory 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. available to job seekers for resume writing assistance.

April 26, 2012

12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Fort Taylor Hardin National Guard Armory
1600 North Eastern Bypass
Montgomery, AL  36117
For more information:

Please contact John Q. Adams at john.q.adams@us.army.mil or (334) 271-7288

Registration

Job seekers, click here.
Employers, click here.

Click here to view the event flyer.



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Thursday, April 19, 2012

Best Way to Apply for A Federal Job Vacancy

This is an actual  current job posting on USAJOBS

Job Title:Correctional Officer
Department:Department Of Justice
Agency:Justice, Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System
Sub Agency:Federal Bureau of Prisons
Job Announcement Number:BOP-N-0007-002-2012

SALARY RANGE:

$38,619.00 to $51,193.00 / Per Year

OPEN PERIOD:

Friday, March 02, 2012 to Saturday, March 02, 2013

SERIES & GRADE:

GL-0007-05/06

POSITION INFORMATION:

Full Time - Permanent

PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 07

DUTY LOCATIONS:

MANY vacancy(s) - Prisons-Nationwide

JOB SUMMARY:

Why is it Great to Work for the Federal Bureau of Prisons? Do your Career Justice and consider a career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)...

    KEY REQUIREMENTS

  • U. S. Citizenship is Required.
  • See Special Conditions of Employment Section.
  • Males born afer 12/31/59 must be registered for, or exempt from, the
  • Selective Service. Click Here


DUTIES:

What are the Major Duties of this Position? Provides supervision, care and correctional treatment of inmates. Incumbent is concerned with maintenance of institution security contributing to the health and welfare of the inmates and the promotion of good public relations. Enforces rules and regulations governing facility security, inmate accountability and inmate conduct to ensure judicial sanctions are carried out and inmates remain in custody. From time to time, may be authorized to carry firearms and to use physical force, including deadly force, to maintain control of inmates. During institution emergencies or other periods of heavy workload or limited staff, may be required to work long and irregular hours, unusual shifts, Sundays, holidays and unexpected overtime. Information as to operations and procedures is provided by post orders, BOP program statements, local supplements, custodial manual, internal correspondence and staff meetings. Incumbent must be flexible and have a broad knowledge base to use own initiative in the resolution of problem situations.


QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

The qualifications required for correctional work, and, in addition, demonstrate the possession of personal attributes important to the effectiveness of correctional officers, such as:
  • Ability to meet and deal with people of differing backgrounds and behavioral patterns
  • Ability to be persuasive in selling and influencing ideas
  • Ability to lead, supervise, and instruct others
  • Sympathetic attitude towards the welfare of others
  • Ability to reason soundly and to think out practical solutions to problems
  • Ability to make decisions and act quickly, particularly under stress
  • Poise and self-confidence, and ability to remain calm during emergency situations

[End of Job Posting]

DREAMFEDJOB tips:

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE APPLYING:

You need to know as much as you can about what Correctional Officers do?

Correctional Officers work in prisons according to established rules, policies, and procedures to prevent disturbance and escapes. They guard inmates, inspect inmates' mail for forbidden items, administer first aid, or assist police authorities by investigating crimes committed within the institution and by searching for escaped inmates. They may also do informal counseling to help inmates adjust to institutional life, prepare for civilian life, and avoid future criminal activity. Corrections Officers must always be on the lookout for inmates who might try to injure themselves or others who have other problems that are best referred to doctors, psychiatrists, or psychologists.  

Generally, only Officers on tower duty or outside patrol or who are searching for escaped prisoners carry guns. Corrections Officers may be known by the type of institution they work in such as Corrections Officer, city or county jail or Corrections Officer, prison.

Correctional officers perform functions requiring the application of technical treatment and/or counseling skills and techniques, acquired through formal and supervised practical training, which are normally associated with services provided by professionals in social work or the behavioral sciences.
Under the guidance of professional workers, assignments are typically in direct support of structured treatment or rehabilitation programs. Working within the framework of program goals and methodology established by professional workers, the correctional officer applies these techniques and his extensive correctional experience to establish effective communication with the offender and help them recognize and resolve problems relating to themselves, their family, and the community environment.

The correctional officer aids the inmate to appraise their problems realistically and to understand and accept their limitations and capabilities. In some situations, the correctional officer also deals with individuals outside the correctional system, such as teachers, supervisors, family, etc., to identify further problems and enlist their aid in resolving them.

They also:
  • Observe inmates to ensure that they are orderly and that they obey rules  
  • Check locks, window bars, grills, doors, and gates for tampering  
  • Search inmates and cells for weapons, drugs, or other prohibited items  
  • Supervise inmates during work assignments  
  • Settle disputes between inmates and enforce discipline  
  • Prepare reports of problems and unusual occurrences  
    Serve as guards on towers and at gates  
  • Escort inmates to and from cells and other areas, and escort lawyers, doctors, or other outsiders to see inmates  
  • Make fire, safety, and sanitation inspections  
  • Issue clothing, tools, and other authorized items to inmates  
Tools and equipment used may include:  
  • Detecting devices  
  • Alarms
  • Flashlights
  • Whistles
  • Report forms
  • First-aid equipment
  • Motor vehicles, when transporting inmates
  • Communications equipment, such as intercoms and two-way radios

HOW TO ANSWER TO THE SKILLS AND ABILITIES LISTED IN THE VACANCY:

Let's say you have experience as a correctional counselor in a specialized treatment program for inmates addicted to narcotics.  Then you would write:

As a full member of the treatment team, I make recommendations and participate in decisions concerning the operation of the treatment program. I conduct group therapy sessions, community meetings, self-help sessions, or other formal activities, and work with an assigned caseload of inmates to provide services including counseling on problems; writing correspondence; arranging for special visits; and approving visitor lists.

I serve as liaison between treatment program staff and other institutional staff members to provide detailed information on individual inmates. I use the skills and techniques learned from my schooling at [name of school] and supervised practical training by professionals in such areas as group counseling techniques, sensitivity training and personal interviewing.

I am assigned a full case load of inmates who typically are substance abusers. I provide both individual and group counseling. I serve as liaison between treatment program staff and other institutional staff members to provide detailed information on individual inmates.

I  exercise independent judgment in performing the day-to-day counseling and treatment assignments. I have considerable latitude for judgment within the framework of the basic program policy because of the individualized attention given each offender. Much of the counseling and direct involvement with offenders is subject to review only in terms of overall results. Social workers, psychologists, etc., are normally available for guidance in unusual or complex situations that require professional knowledges to determine the best approach for further action.

Other duties include monitoring the movement and activities of inmates; making periodic and unannounced rounds, head counts, and security checks of assigned areas; observing the conduct and behavior of inmates; preparing written reports; responding to emergency situations; and communicating with staff and inmates to prevent or resolve problems.

Supervised the work and daily activities of inmates. Communicated and documented daily events that could effect the care of the inmates or the security of other personnel. Assisted Deputies during meal hours, verifying meal and inmate counts, passing out meal trays. Conducted inventory on utensils and equipment used by inmates. Performed laundry exchange, supervised inmates while they performed this task. Answered phones and responded to the caller by either resolving the matter at hand, or refer caller to the appropriate section or supervisor.

Coordinated and assisted in the required inmate movement to and from designated areas. Supervised the work and daily activities of inmates. Communicated and documented daily events that could effect the care of the inmates or the security of other personnel. Assisted Deputies during meal hours, verifying meal and inmate counts, passing out meal trays. Conducted inventory on utensils and equipment used by inmates. Performed laundry exchange, supervised inmates while they performed this task. Answered phones and responded to the caller by either resolving the matter at hand, or refer caller to the appropriate section or supervisor.

ADD THE WORKING CONDITIONS WITH YOUR DESCRIPTIONS

Did you work indoors or outdoors, depending on their assignment. Were indoor areas well lighted, heated, and ventilated, overcrowded, hot, and noisy. Did you spend most of your shift standing and walking. Did you take any steps to prevent violent outbreaks?  

Was your normal workweek 5 days, 40 hours? What shift did you work? Did your schedule include weekends and holidays? Worked overtime?

Did you join professional associations, such as the International Association of Correctional Officers of the American Correctional Association?

Did you receive training? e.g. Received hand to hand combat, night stick, and rifle training in case of emergency riots and out bursts ...

Did you have more than one post? e.g. Yard Officer, Tower Watch Guard Officer, Segregation Officer, Pod Officer, Perimeter Officer, Work Crew Officer, or Medical Officer

For additional information visit dreamfedjob.com

Friday, April 13, 2012

Employment Background Checks and Credit Reports

You’ve applied for a job. You sent a letter, made a phone call, submitted your resume. Perhaps you’ve had an interview. Did you know that when you apply for a job, an employer may ask your permission to do a background check before hiring you? Depending on the employer and the job, that background information might include your employment history, your driving record, criminal records, and your credit report.

Your credit report has information about where you live, how you pay your bills, and whether you have filed for bankruptcy. Credit reporting companies and other businesses that provide background information sell your file to employers that, in turn, use it to evaluate your applications for employment. Employers also are allowed to use these reports to consider you for retention, promotion or reassignment.

Did You Know?

Not only do credit reporting companies provide information to employers, but they also sell it to creditors, insurers and other businesses that, in turn, use it to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, or renting a place to live.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, enforces the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), a law that protects the privacy and accuracy of the information in your credit report. The FCRA spells out your rights as a job applicant and an employer’s responsibilities when using credit reports and other background information to assess your application. The law also enables you to get a free copy of your credit report by requiring each of the three national credit reporting companies — TransUnion, Equifax and Experian — to provide it to you every 12 months if you ask. That means if you stagger your requests to each of the companies, you can get a free copy of your credit report every four months.

Applying for a Job?

Before you apply for a job, it’s a good idea to order a free copy of your credit report. Each of the nationwide credit reporting companies — TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian — is required to provide you with a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months, if you ask for it.
To order, visit annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228. When you order, you’ll need to provide your name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth. To verify your identity, you may need to provide some additional information that only you would know — for example, the amount of your monthly mortgage payment if you own a home. Each of the three national credit reporting companies may ask you for different information.
If you prefer to order your reports by mail, complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form and mail it to:
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
You use this form, or you can print it from ftc.gov/credit.
For more information about free credit reports, see Your Access to Free Credit Reports at ftc.gov/credit.

Key Employment Provisions


The big picture is this: An employer must get your permission before asking for a report about you from a credit reporting company or any other company that provides background information. If you don’t give your okay, your application for employment may not get a second look. That’s up to you. But if you don’t get the job because of information in your report, the employer has some legal obligations: First, the employer must show you the report; second, the employer must tell you how to get your own copy. The report is free if you ask for it within 60 days of learning the bad news.

Here are more details about these provisions:

Notice and Authorization. Before an employer can ask for reports about you from any companies that provide them, it must tell you that it might use the information to make a decision. This notice is separate from other documents you get — like an application. An employer may not get a report about you for employment purposes without getting your permission or authorization first, usually in writing.

Pre-Adverse Action Procedures. If an employer might use information from a credit or other background report to take an “adverse action” — say, to deny your application for employment or a promotion, to terminate your employment or to reassign you — he must give you a copy of the report and a document called A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act before taking the adverse action. Read your report, and contact the company that issued it if you find inaccurate or incomplete information.

You also can explain any inaccurate or incomplete information to an employer, but that won’t fix errors in your report. To do that, you have to contact the company that issued the report and dispute the information. If an investigation reveals that a correction is warranted, the credit reporting company or other company providing background information must send an updated report to the employer if you ask them to. Even if the information is not corrected in time to benefit you with that particular employer, it’s a good idea to dispute inaccurate information so it can be corrected before your next job interview or assignment comes along.

Adverse Action Procedures. If an employer takes an adverse action against you based on information in a report, it must tell you — orally, in writing, or electronically. The notice to you must include:

  • the name, address, and phone number of the company that supplied the credit report or background information;
  • a statement that the company that supplied the information didn’t make the decision to take the adverse action and can’t give you any specific reasons for it; and
  • a notice of your right to dispute the accuracy or completeness of any information in your report and to get an additional free report from the company that supplied the credit or other background information if you ask for it within 60 days.

Notice of Negative Public Records


If a company provides an employer with a report that has negative information about you gathered from public records — for example, tax liens, outstanding judgments, or criminal convictions — that company either has to tell you that it provided the information to the employer or it has to take special steps to make sure the information is accurate.

If you get a notice that a company has provided negative public record information to an employer, you may have a chance to correct or clarify it, which, in turn, may help you get or keep a job. For more information about this, see How to Dispute Credit Report Errors at ftc.gov/credit.

If Employers Don’t Comply with the FCRA


There are legal consequences for employers who don’t comply with the FCRA, whether they fail to get an applicant’s okay before getting a copy of their credit or other background report, fail to provide the appropriate disclosures in a timely way, or fail to provide adverse action notices to unsuccessful job applicants. If you think an employer has violated the FCRA, report it to the FTC, because the law allows the FTC, other federal agencies, and states to sue employers who don’t comply with the law’s provisions. The FCRA also allows people to sue employers in state or federal court for certain violations.

The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. Watch a video, How to File a Complaint, at ftc.gov/video to learn more. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.