LIMA — Allen County Ohio Means Jobs is one of only two job centers in a 43-county area to have completed the first phase of certification to become a One-Stop facility.
“In the 43-county area we are part of a group of, we have to have a certified One-Stop,” workforce development administrator Joe Patton said. “Knox County and Allen County were both certified, so we are the two counties that the others are riding their certification on.”
To become certified, Allen County Ohio Means Jobs had to meet nine criteria: being compatible with the Americans with Disabilities Act, ensuring all civil rights, equal employment and Fair Labor Standards Act information is posted, having an emergency action plan, ensuring its physical site is easily identifiable and professional, having a fully functional resource room, having correct Ohio Means Jobs signage, performing correct registration and referral practices, have partner programs in place and trained, such as Apollo Career Center and Spherion, providing adequate customer service and ensuring all proper veterans programs are in place.
“Job coaches here have an inside track with what employers are looking for,” Patton said. “We coach up for interviewing and can help customize a resume to whatever job they’re looking to go into.”
Patton is gratified that the hard work put into the center seems to be paying off.
“Allen County has put a lot of work in the job center, and the number of employers working with us has increased exponentially,” he said. “We’re up to working with over 250 local employers now calling us for their job placements, and we’re doing our best to satisfy their needs.”
