CareerSource Pinellas is pleased to announce the award of $10,000 from Victories for Veterans, a partnership between Duke Energy and the Tampa Bay Rays. The CareerSource Pinellas Victories for Veterans grant will serve over 200 veterans by promoting awareness of veteran services, offering employability skills workshops and providing immediate, flexible, transitional supportive services customized to meet the needs of the individual veteran.

Each day, CareerSource Pinellas assists veterans in preparing for interviews and obtaining employment through job referral and matching services, job development and training, and career management. In addition, there are services available to veterans with barriers to employment. Each career center has full-time staff trained and dedicated to helping all eligible, qualified veterans in their career goals. The Victories for Veterans funding will allow the organization to serve a greater number of our local veterans.

For every game the Rays won this season, the Duke Energy Foundation committed to contribute $1,000 to charities that support veterans in our community. The funding requests were so impactful; Duke Energy went above and beyond and is investing $90,600 in 10 area non-profits.

“Serving our communities is an integral part of Duke Energy’s culture and we are especially honored to help support our veterans through employee volunteer events, by actively hiring veterans – we employ nearly 2,000 veterans at Duke Energy, and through initiatives like this,” said Alex Glenn, state president, Duke Energy – Florida. “The organizations that are benefiting from the ‘Victories for Veterans’ program offer invaluable services to local veterans and we are proud to invest in them.”

The implementation of this initiative is in direct response to the needs of veterans who are seeking and are in need of transitional supportive services.  The potential impact of this project is critical and life changing for veterans.  It is an opportunity to enable veterans to overcome transitional issues to pursue activities that can lead to a better self-supporting future. 

On October 5^th CareerSource Pinellas will host a career fair at the EpiCenter at St. Petersburg College (13805 58^th Street North) in Clearwater from 12:00pm – 3:00pm. Veterans will receive priority of service at the event. For more information about CareerSource Pinellas’ services for Veterans or the upcoming career fair, please visit www.careersourcepinellas.com. 

About CareerSource Pinellas

CareerSource Pinellas establish workforce development and training policies for Pinellas County. For more information on our valuable, no cost resources for businesses and job seekers, please visit www.careersourcepinellas.com.

Duke Energy Florida

Duke Energy Florida owns coal-fired and natural gas generation providing about 9,100 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 1.7 million customers in a 13,000-square-mile service area.

With its Florida regional headquarters located in St. Petersburg, Fla., Duke Energy is one of the largest electric power holding companies in the United States. Its regulated utility operations serve approximately 7.4 million electric customers located in six states in the Southeast and Midwest, representing a population of approximately 24 million people. Its Commercial Portfolio and International business segments own and operate diverse power generation assets in North America and Latin America, including a growing portfolio of renewable energy assets in the United States.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 125 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com.

The Duke Energy News Center serves as a multimedia resource for journalists and features news releases, helpful links, photos and videos. Hosted by Duke Energy, illumination is an online destination for stories about remarkable people, innovations, and community and environmental topics. It also offers glimpses into the past and insights into the future of energy.

Student Veterans from the Student Veterans Association (SVA) on the St. Petersburg-Gibbs campus will be participating in the ” Great American Teach-in” this November 16^th. at Pinellas Park Middle school again this year. This will be the fourth time that  St. Petersburg College’s SVA has taken  part in this wonderful event. Twelve students have already signed up to be part of it. Jeff Thomas will be in charge of this event as he has been over the past four years.   As Jeff will be graduating this year, he will be training a new individual in order to take over for 2107.

Accenture is looking for candidates to fill positions in the following locations.  If any of your candidates fit the basic qualifications for the position and is willing to relocate, please send their resume to me and I will forward them on to where they need to go.  

Job Location: DC, DC – Washington, TN- Knoxville, TX – Austin, TX – San Antonio, VA – Arlington, VA – Reston, WA – Seattle

Accenture Veteran Technology Training Program

Bring your talent and passion to an organization at the forefront of business, technology and innovation. Accenture, a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, is looking for military service members and veterans to join us and provide programming and technology implementation services that help our clients become high-performance businesses and governments. We are excited to offer a unique training program for military service members and veterans who want to pursue a career in technology and software engineering.

Military service members and veterans 

Military professionals are known for their strong work ethic, commitment to excellence, and ability to succeed in a challenging environment, exemplifying many of the same core values we live at Accenture. The lessons learned as military men and women are very transferable to the work we do. Leadership, discipline, organization, teamwork, and doing what it takes to get the job done are some of the areas in which military experience directly applies to our work.

We are excited to offer a unique training program for military service members and veterans who want to pursue a career in technology and software engineering. The Accenture Veteran Technology Training Program is a two-month training program that will equip veterans with the technical skills they need to position themselves for employment as an Entry Level Software Engineering Associate with Accenture.

To deliver this program, Accenture is partnering with Udacity, an online university focused on bridging the gap between real-world skills, relevant education, and employment. Participants selected for the Accenture Veteran Technology Training Program will enroll, free of charge, in Udacity’s Intro to Java Programming online program.

In this introductory course, you’ll learn and practice essential computer science concepts using the Java programming language. You’ll learn about Object Oriented Programming, a technique that allows you to use code written by other programmers in your own programs. You’ll put your new Java programming skills to the test by solving real-world problems faced by software engineers.

Upon successful completion of the training course, participants will be granted an interview with Accenture for the Entry Level Software Engineering Associate position, which is part of our global network of technology experts. If ultimately hired for this full-time position, you will apply your military background and new Java skills to assist with the development, delivery and management of technology-based business solutions. You will continue to develop new skills, through Accenture’s robust training curriculum.

Responsibilities:

As an Entry Level Software Engineering Associate, you will assist with the development, delivery and management of technology-based business solutions. You may work on coding, testing and implementing configuration changes; assist in the design of software applications to meet both functional and technical requirements; or provide project management support.

You will be part of our global network of technology experts that provides programming and technology implementation services for clients across the entire range of industry sectors. From application development and architecture to software maintenance and systems administration, we help turn innovation into effective technology solutions.

As part of our global team, you’ll work with the latest software and leading-edge development tools giving you the opportunity to enhance your skills and hone your expertise in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Every step of the way you’re learning, growing, and building yourself – getting ready to meet the next challenge that comes your way.

Training and Development:

From day one, we’re committed to providing you with the right experiences, learning and coaching to help you become an effective professional. As an Entry Level Software Engineering Associate you will benefit from a robust training curriculum that will build your business acumen, technical and professional skills. Learning will take place both on the job and through formal training conducted online, in the classroom or in collaboration with teammates.

Basic Qualifications: 

Required Skills:

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in the US Armed Forces or military spouse

Additional Preferred Skills:

• Desire for a career in software engineering
• Previous experience with technology
• Experience with specific software applications

Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States and with Accenture (i.e., H1-B visa, F-1 visa (OPT), TN visa or any other non-immigrant status).   Candidates who are currently employed by a client of Accenture or an affiliated Accenture business may not be eligible for consideration.   Accenture is an EEO and Affirmative Action Employer of Females/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.   Equal Employment Opportunity All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by federal, state or local law.    Accenture is committed to providing veteran employment opportunities to our service men and women.

Respectfully,

Geoff Newton, U.S. Army Veteran

LVER – Local Veteran Employment Representative

CareerSource Pinellas

13805 58^th St. North, Suite 2-140

Clearwater, FL 33760

GNewton@careersourcepinellas.com

Tel:  727-608-2317

Fax: 727-324-2855

Below is information regarding the CareerSource upcoming Career Fair to be held October 5th from 12 PM to 3 PM.  We have over 100 jobs being represented at this event with representation from 20 different organizations. CareerSource Pinellas and CareerSource Tampa Bay offer Priority of Service to all eligible job seekers, this means if they qualify based on the below requirements, they should notify staff once they arrive for the Career Fair. Candidates who plan on attending are advised to bring several copies of their resume and asked to contact CareerSource Pinellas in advance for positions descriptions.

Eligibility for Priority of Service:

Veterans and eligible spouses, including widows and widowers as defined in the statute and regulations, are eligible for priority of service. For the purposes of implementing priority of service, the Final Rule requires that program operators use the broad definition of veteran found in 38 U.S.C. 101(2). Under this definition, the term “veteran” means a person who served at least one day in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable, as specified in 38 U.S.C. 101(2). Active service includes full-time Federal service in the National Guard or a Reserve component. This definition of “active service” does not include full-time duty performed strictly for training purposes (i.e., that which often is referred to as “weekend” or “annual” training), nor does it include full-time active duty performed by National Guard personnel who are mobilized by State rather than Federal authorities (State mobilizations usually occur in response to events such as natural disasters).

“Eligible spouse” as defined at section 2(a) of the JVA (38 U.S.C. 4215[a]) means the spouse of any of the following:

1. a. Any veteran who died of a service-connected disability;
2. b. Any member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty who, at the time of application for the priority, is listed in one or more of the following categories and has been so listed for a total of more than 90 days: i. Missing in action; ii. Captured in line of duty by a hostile force; or iii. Forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power;
3. c. Any veteran who has a total disability resulting from a service-connected disability, as evaluated by the Department of Veterans Affairs; or 3
4. d. Any veteran who died while a disability was in existence.

If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact:

Charles Almeida, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

LVER – Local Veteran Employment Representative

CareerSource Pinellas

13805 58^th St. North, Suite 2-140

Clearwater, FL 33760

Special Announcement:

The office of Congressman Gus Bilirakis and the West Pasco Dental Association are delighted to announce the Second Annual Stars, Stripes, and Smiles Event, which will take place at Pasco Hernando State College on October 28, 2016.  As part of this exciting initiative, dentists within the community have volunteered to provide urgent dental care to 75 military Veterans living in Pasco County who have been suffering with untreated dental pain and infection- all at no cost to Veterans.  Veterans in need of dental services should contact Congressman Bilirakis’s office at 727-232-2921 to sign up for treatment.  Veterans will be taken on a first come, first serve basis and the event is open to all area Veterans with transportation to the West Pasco Campus of the Pasco Hernando State College. Unfortunately, the event is not equipped to provide transportation to and from the campus.

Oral health is an integral part of total health, and unfortunately, dental care through the VA is limited to those who are 100% disabled or have a direct service connected injury impacting their oral health. “Our Veterans have sacrificed so much to defend our freedom and they deserve access to high quality health care.  I am in the process of developing legislation that will expand Veterans’ access to dental care, however, I am very grateful for the generosity of the dentists from the West Pasco Dental Association who are not waiting for a change in law.  They are ensuring that our heroes receive immediate attention and I am honored to help organize this important event,” stated Congressman Gus Bilirakis.

Services offered through this special event will include:  professional dental cleanings, root canal therapy, tooth extractions and dental fillings.  “These heroes deserve a system of care to ensure their oral health care needs are met.  Until that can become a reality, it is our professional privilege to serve this special segment of our community,” said Dr. Zacharias Kalarickal of the West Pasco Dental Association.  Other partners and sponsors include:  Pasco-Hernando State College, Digital Brainz and Thread Art.  Event information is below.  The press is welcome to attend. 

Stars, Stripes and Smiles

October 28, 2016

8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Pasco Hernando State College, West Pasco Campus

For more information, please contact Summer Robertson, 727-232-2921.

Dear Supporters of Veterans,

On behalf of the St. Petersburg/Bay Pines MyVA Community Engagement Board, we invite you to a unique opportunity for Veterans Service Organization, non-profit, and government leaders. We will be hosting a speed networking event on Wednesday, October 19, 2016, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center in the J.C. Cobb Room located on the first floor of Building 100, the main hospital building.

Building upon the success of our Collaborative Lab experience hosted by St. Petersburg College this Summer, the October activity provides you with another opportunity to become engaged and share information to collaborate on behalf of our Nation’s heroes. Here’s how this will happen. You will be paired with an individual for a five minute time period, introduce yourselves, exchange contact information, and inform about what your organization does to support Veterans. The rotation of these pairings will continue throughout the afternoon so we can maximize the number of individuals you meet. You are encouraged to bring business cards and any other informational products you may have about your organization to share with those you meet.

Our MyVA Community Engagement Board was chartered more than a year ago to bring together local Veterans service providers, resources, advocates and other stakeholders to improve outcomes for Veterans, Service members, and their families. This speed networking event is intended to foster relationships that will enhance our collective ability to address the needs of Veterans living in Pinellas County.

Sincerely,

Rev. Fr. Robert “Bob” Swick

Chair, St. Petersburg/Bay Pines MyVA Community Engagement Board

If you plan to join us on October 19, please RSVP to Kai Mentzer,

Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, via e-mail at

Kai.Mentzer2@va.gov

At the annual VHA Communications Awards ceremony on August 6th,  the Bay Pines VAHCS received the following awards:

• 1st Place Tactic – Bay Visions News Brief Video Series – Educating and Information Veterans and their families through the delivery of quality news video. Bay Visions News Brief is a video news product line that complements Bay Visions – a quarterly magazine distributed to Veterans, family members, VA employees and Volunteers, members of the general public and other stakeholders.  Watch the videos here:  www.baypines.va.gov/news/BVNB.asp
• 1st Place Tactic – Veteran Viewpoint Video Series – Highlighting personal VA health care stories from Southwest Florida Veterans Veteran Viewpoint is an ongoing video series developed by the Bay Pines VAHCS that highlights personal VA health care stories from Veterans residing in southwest Florida.  Through personal, one-on-one interviews Veterans share detailed and private accounts of their experiences as users of VA health care.  Watch the videos here:  www.baypines.va.gov/news/Viewpoint.asp

2nd Place Tactic – Bay Pines VA Healthcare System Annual Report 2015 This 24-page publication highlights and summarizes the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System’s achievements, accolades, operational statistics and more during 2015.  Read the annual report here:  www.baypines.va.gov/news/documents/2015AnnualReport.pdf

A great opportunity within CareerSource for students who have recently graduated  or are preparing to graduate.

Here is the Job Description:

Must have the following in order to apply:

 Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Marketing from an accredited college or university

 OR an AA Degree with Military, Sales, Hospitality, Retail, or Customer Service experience

 Proficient in MS Office Suite

 Must be able to travel to Pinellas centers

Required Screenings: Criminal background checks (Local, State, Federal) as far back as the system will allow, education, pre-employment drug screen, random drug screening. Drug free workplace. Job Description: This position will work between our Clearwater and Tarpon Springs Offices to meets the hiring needs of employers, by working with recruiters and account managers, to locate candidates who possess the knowledge, skills and abilities set forth in the employer’s job order. It markets placement of program participants/job seekers through various federal and state grant programs to employers based on job seekers qualifications and ability to learn while on the job.

 Maintain excellent relations with hiring managers and job seekers

 Assist Employers/Job Seekers with research, follow ups, scheduling

 Assist Management with staff develop training, placements Job Fairs and mass recruitments as needed

 Staying fluid to quickly adapt and perform ALL other duties as assigned

PAY: $33,000 + benefits + PTO/Holiday Pay + more

Hours: Monday through Friday 8 am – 5 pm

Please feel free to share, If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Charles Almeida, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

LVER – Local Veteran Employment Representative

CareerSource Pinellas

13805 58^th St. North, Suite 2-140

Clearwater, FL 33760

calmeida@careersourcepinellas.com

Tel:  727-608-2421

Fax: 727-324-2855

Every year we ask our community partners to RAYS UP and help recruit volunteers for the annual Shirts Off Our Backs fundraiser. Proceeds from Shirts Off Our Backs benefit the Rays Baseball Foundation, supporting youth and educational programming throughout Tampa Bay.  Volunteers will join forces with Rays staff to offer scratch-off cards to fans in the ballpark in exchange for donations. Scratch-off prizes include offers such as game tickets, in-ballpark offers and even the shirts off our backs!

Each year we look to provide this opportunity to our partners as a way to encourage community involvement and team building. The event always becomes a fun competition between partners and employees by pitting them against each other in a battle for the highest scratch-off sales.  There will be prizes for top individual sellers as well as the group who raises the most money over the six day event.

We are looking for 200 volunteers for the six-day event.  We are asking all of our community partners for support in recruiting volunteers.  Please include the information below in your next email blast, newsletter, social media post, etc.  Once volunteers sign up, we do all the work.  We will communicate the details, host daily orientations and run the event.

Event Details

€        Tampa Bay Rays Shirts Off Our Backs Fundraiser

€        All proceeds benefit the Rays Baseball Foundation, supporting youth and educational programming throughout Tampa Bay

€        Rays Home Games on September 20^th – September 25^th

€        Tropicana Field

Available Shifts

Tuesday, September 20^th:  4pm to 4th Inning

Wednesday, September 21^st:  4pm to 4th Inning

Thursday, September 22^nd:  4pm to 4th Inning

Friday, September 23^rd:  4pm to 4th Inning

Saturday, September 24^th:  3pm to 4th Inning

Sunday, September 25^th:  10am to 4th Inning

*Each volunteer receives free parking, a ticket to the game, a t-shirt and a voucher for a meal after their shift

**Must be 18 or older or accompanied by an adult

Click HERE to sign up!

Make sure your volunteers mention your organization when they sign up!

We thank you for your support.  Please let me know if you have any questions about the fundraiser.

All the best,

Jenn Tran Senior Director, Employee and Community Engagement | Tampa Bay Rays P: 727-825-3312 | F: 727-825-3235 One Tropicana Drive | Saint Petersburg, FL 33705

A Job Coach is needed for the TANF program.  TANF (Temporary Cash Assistance For Needy Families) participants are referred by Directions for Mental Health or Suncoast Center for assistance in finding employment (most are women with children).

If anyone has any questions regarding this opening, please have them call Pat Jones @ 727-463-6260.

Interested individuals can go to:  http://boleycenters.org/careers/

                Click on current opportunities, then on Job Support Coach.

 Individuals will need a clean background (no felonies), clean driving record (No DUI’s), have their own vehicle and insurance.