Rockland County Career Center Opens

The Rockland County Career Center, offering job search and career development services, opens today.

“The Rockland County Career Center creates a strategy where we collectively combine our resources to give our residents a pathway to a livable wage career,” said County Executive Ed Day.

The Career Center is assuming the employment services previously managed by Tomorrow’s Workplace. It’s a collaborative endeavor that brings together employers and job seekers, providing a comprehensive, one-stop approach to career exploration, job training and employment searching.

Before the end of 2015, the center will relocate to the Suffern and Haverstraw campuses of RCC.

“Bringing the Career Center to the community college represents the perfect marriage of employment services with the resources for career preparation provided by RCC. Job seekers can now receive a full array of services to help them reach their potential and find career satisfaction,” said RCC President Dr. Cliff L. Wood.

While the new locations are being constructed this summer, the systems are already in place, so if a resident needs help finding a job today, the staff is ready to help from the existing office location at 1 Perlman Drive in Spring Valley.

Staffed with employment professionals from several private and public entities, including the New York State Department of Labor, the Center will provide job seekers with the necessary tools for a self-directed or staff-assisted job search and provides employers with facilities, training and workforce support.

Career Center services will be overseen by the newly-formed Workforce Development Board of Rockland County, which will provide guidance and set policy.

“This partnership allows Rockland County to further develop a qualified workforce that meets the needs of area businesses and positions the county for greater economic growth,” said Lucy Redzeposki, the Workforce Development Board’s Executive Director. “We are looking forward to working together to meet the needs of job seekers, workers and employers.”

Rockland Community College was selected through an RFP process to administer Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA) grant funds from the Labor Department. The Youth Services component will be operated by Rockland BOCES.

“Rockland BOCES is excited about this collaboration with RCC and County of Rockland in providing a variety of career services,” said BOCES Superintendent Dr. Mary Jean Marsico. “It’s a great opportunity for further collaboration with community providers to ensure the best future for youth and adults. As a BOCES, we remain rooted in this community, and acknowledge our commitment to remain at the center of this great county.”

Photo: County Executive Ed Day, RCC President Dr. Cliff Wood, Workforce Development Board Executive Director Lucy Redzeposki formalizing the agreement to create the Rockland County Career Center