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Career & Training Services

Today’s job market has affected everyone, from people in the early stage of their career to people in administrative roles to CEOs .  JVS’ Career Services Department is geared towards helping people with their career,, whether they’re considering a career change, re-entering the workforce after a long absence or finding a job after being laid off.  Through Career Services, people have the opportunity to learn from experts in the field how to identify careers and jobs that are satisfying and meet their needs, how to best present themselves on paper and in person, interview with decision makers, get job leads, and meet with on-site recruiters.  Although the fees for these services are far below for-profit career firms (thanks in part to funding from the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles), the results are not.

“I have finally found my bliss.  I know what a difficult case I was, and I’m sure we were both wondering if I’d ever figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up.  It took me 51 years to get here, but I’m living proof that it’s never too late to discover and do what you love.  Feel free to use me as a testimonial that career counseling does work!”

-Linda T.

Resources for Job Seekers
  • Confidential career counseling and coaching
  • Strategic career planning and coaching
  • Individual and group programs
  • Redefining career direction through established assessment tools
  • Developing a career plan for learning and advancement
  • Skills Plus! Microsoft Certified computer training
  • Access to Career Resource Centers, including internet-ready computers, current JVS exclusive job listings, industry trades, journals, periodicals and reference materials

“With JVS’ help, I developed an effective resume that brought me several job interviews. The counseling and mentoring sessions guided me to effectively present my credentials, and negotiate with prospective companies. I hope to keep in touch and support JVS as I pursue my new career with the MTA.”

- Carl R.


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WoMentoring

JVS’ innovative WoMentoring program is a lifeline for women who have experienced some personal or professional challenge in their lives and now find themselves seeking a fulfilling career.  Past participants have included women who sought to return to work after raising their children, women who need to support their families after divorce, and women who found themselves unemployed after years in the same industry.  Each participant is paired with a mentor who has an established career in the participant’s chosen professional field and works closely with the JVS career counseling staff to reach a career milestone. WoMentoring is funded by Debbie and Rick Powell and Union Bank.

After being widowed, Marsha L.  left her thriving career in television production to care for her young daughter.  But after a few years, she needed to return to work to support her family.  Her mentor helped her identify an interest and aptitude in the non-profit arena, which translated to a new career as a grant writer.

If you or someone you know would benefit from this program, either as a mentee or professional mentor, please contact Bobbi Yanke at (818) 464-3222/ BYanke@jvsla.org or Rachelle Cohn at (323) 761-8888 ext 8876/ RCohn@jvsla.org.


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MaturAbility

JVS Los Angeles has observed a steady increase in older job seekers due to layoffs, forced early retirement and unexpected financial needs experienced following voluntary retirement.  Generously supported by a grant from Northrop Grumman, JVS Los Angeles has created a program to support the very particular needs of the older worker.  MaturAbility:  Working Stronger Working Longer is designed to help participants assess at mid-life their skills and accomplishments, how their anchor values may have shifted, and identify employment goals that will satisfy their intellectual, financial and personal needs.  Particular attention is paid in the workshop series to boosting self-esteem and self-confidence and getting past the barriers that, unfortunately, older workers continue to frequently face in the pursuit of employment.

Delivered in ten sessions over the course of five weeks, key series components include Great Expectations, which deals with the myths and realities of the mature worker, Program Self for Success; Taking Stock: The World of Work and You; Goal Setting and Decision Making; and Financial Planning.  In addition to this curriculum, participants are invited to participate in computer training appropriate to their needs. 

For more information, please contact
Bobbi Yanke at 818/464-3222 | BYanke@jvsla.org
-or-
Rachelle Cohn at 323/761-8888 ext 8876 | RCohn@jvsla.org


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BankWorks™

Invest in the future with BankWorks™, a free bank career-training program.  BankWorks™ prepares clients for entry-level jobs as bank tellers as a first step on the career ladder in the financial services industry.  The eight-week program offers job training, job placement assistance and ongoing coaching for career advancement, with starting salaries between $20,000-$35,000 plus benefits.  To be eligible, clients must be at least 18, speak and write English, and have basic computer skills.  BankWorks™ is funded by a grant from the Les Biller Family Foundation, along with a consortium of banks, including Bank of America, City National Bank, Pacific Western Bank, US Banks, Union Bank and Well Fargo.  As part of a partnership of IAJVS agencies, and with generous support from the U.S. Department of Labor, JVS will be expanding the BankWorks™ program to provide services to people with disabilities, including supporting the career growth of individuals already working in the banking and financial industries.  For more information, contact JVS Banking Manager Lisa Meadows at lmeadows@jvsla.org or 310-273-6633 x241.


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Certified Nurse Assistant Training and Employment Program

JVS’ CNA program began as an initiative to train long-term welfare recipients for careers in the nursing industry.  A highly replicable model, this unique program helps participants learn viable, in-demand new skills. 

JVS trains hard-to-serve clients and supports these clients through intensive case management, Vocational ESL classes, job retention, guidance and follow-up services to make sure that everyone who enters the program is successful.   Prompted by the tremendous nursing shortage and high degree of need in the community, JVS has created an affiliate, Community Care at Home and new graduates, after certification, will be employed by the agency.

» read about our Refugee & Immigrants Services