Home Page   SHARE Network Directory   News   Member Login   Help Access Points FAQ What exactly is a SHARE Network Access Point? What is the cost? Our organization doesn’t have all the systems and procedures that government usually looks for. Will we even be considered? But doesn’t this kind of partnership mean we will have to open our books to the government? Sounds good. So who is eligible to be considered for the project? How much training will be provided and how long is the agreement for? How will the project be monitored? Back to Top What exactly is a SHARE Network Access Point? A SHARE Network Access Point is a faith-based and/or community organization (FBCO) located in neighborhoods or communities where people can go to look for jobs and other services. Assisted by trained individuals, job seekers are connected to the Missouri One-Stop Career Center system via computer and direct referrals. The intent is to provide job search help to individuals who, for whatever reason, may otherwise find it difficult to receive these services. Back to Top What is the cost? We hope to keep costs low. There is no cost to participate but organizations must meet certain criteria. During the initial roll-out of this initiative, plans have been made to provide a free (used) computer to organizations on a first-come, first-served basis. Training will be provided to participating Access Point staff free of charge. Access Point agencies are required to meet basic requirements like space and security for the equipment provided as well as high speed internet. Additional stipulations are contained in Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) documents. These MOUs are developed in coordination with interested organizations. Back to Top Our organization doesn’t have all the systems and procedures that government usually looks for. Will we even be considered? Yes!! This project is supported by the US Department of Labor Center for Faith-based and Community Initiatives and is specifically designed to increase the involvement of small FBCOs in helping people get jobs, keep jobs and improve their earning capacity. Back to Top But doesn’t this kind of partnership mean we will have to open our books to the government? Not in this case. SHARE Network Access Points are non-financial partnerships, in which the State and local Workforce Investment Board (WIB) staff provide training to you and Access Point staff with the intent that you help job seekers in your neighborhood. You agree to provide that help according to a cooperatively signed written Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Back to Top Sounds good. So who is eligible to be considered for the project? To be eligible for consideration under this project, an organization must meet stipulations as follows: 1) Be a faith-based or community-based organization located in the state of Missouri that provides one or more approved human service function; 2) Provide at least 100 square feet of heated/air conditioned office space, with adequate insurance coverage, reliable electricity and high-speed ISP; 3) Ensure non-religious use and non-discrimination; 4) Provide adequate and trained personnel to provide Career Link assistance a minimum of 16 hours per week; 5) Provide security measures as necessary to safeguard the Career Link resources and take reasonable precautions to ensure hardware, furnishings and/or other resources remain in good repair; 6)Conduct community outreach to inform the public of the availability of Career Link services; 7) Submit, in a timely manner, required data and evidences such as sign-in sheets, customer satisfaction forms and other documentation to substantiate activities; 8) Be neighborhood based and located in an area that is most likely to be accessible by individuals who are striving to enter the workforce; 9) Agree to work cooperatively with the local Workforce Investment Board and the local Missouri Career Center to assist individuals to access Career Center services. Back to Top How much training will be provided and how long is the agreement for? FBCOs who are selected to become a SHARE Network Access Point will be asked to send two individuals to approximately 12 hours of training provided by the local One-Stop Career Center system. This training will equip them to provide quality job search services to members of your community, including online job matching, help with applications, resumes, cover letters, and referrals to additional services needed. Your trained SHARE Network Access Point operators will develop a first-name working relationship with key staff at the One-Stop Career Centers. This will enable Access Point staff to provide more effective job search assistance. The MOUs are renewable annually. It is expected that Access Points are operational by November 1, 2006. Back to Top How will the project be monitored? Workforce Investment Boards (WIB) and FBCOs are required to complete certain tasks specified in the MOU. WIBs will provide training to participating organizations, they will work collaboratively to open the Access Point, Access Point organizations must submit customer sign-in sheets for review and customer satisfaction reports must be made available to the WIB. In addition, Access Point staff will be using the state’s electronic labor exchange system (http://www.greathires.org ). Access Point usage of greathires will be reviewed to ensure success for all involved.