Category Archives: Jobs

Ks State Virtual Job Fair Sept. 29-30

Governor Kelly Encourages Participation in Statewide Virtual Job Fair

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today encouraged Kansans looking for employment to participate in this week’s KANSASWORKS Statewide Virtual Job Fair.

The virtual job fair that begins at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 29, and ends at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 30, will give job seekers the opportunity to meet virtually with multiple businesses, with the ability to live chat and conduct interviews through computers, tablets and mobile devices. Job candidates also will be able to upload their resumes to their Virtual Job Fair account for employers statewide.

Click here to register for the Virtual Job Fair.

KANSASWORKS has done an exceptional job of adapting to the circumstances and continuing to connect Kansas employers with qualified job seekers,” Governor Kelly said. “Our workforce plays a key role in attracting people and businesses to our state, and I applaud KANSASWORKS for emphasizing safety in helping Kansans seek employment and helping Kansas businesses fill open positions.”

In 2020, the Department of Commerce partnered with the Local Workforce Development Boards to offer virtual statewide job fairs as a way to continue to provide job opportunities and maintain a ready workforce for Kansas businesses. That led to 10 virtual job fairs, with the 10th in March 2021 attracting 159 employers and 538 registered job seekers. There currently are over 130 employers participating in the upcoming fair with hundreds of open positions.

“These statewide virtual job fairs offer a tremendous opportunity to help Kansans find meaningful employment opportunities in our state,” Lieutenant Governor David Toland said. “The previous 10 virtual job fairs all succeeded in connecting job seekers with employers, and the virtual job fair to come will do the same in achieving more real results.”

The Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features a Job Seeker Training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and login.

Open positions are listed on the registration page. Registration is required for each individual virtual event, regardless of previous attendance. As employers may request to engage in a video interview during the virtual job fair, job seekers are encouraged to dress professionally.

Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

About KANSASWORKS

KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and the world. Our strong partnerships allow us to create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

HBCAT Seeks Program Coordinator

POSITION AVAILABLE with the energetic and mission driven Healthy Bourbon County Action Team, Inc. dedicated to creating a healthier Bourbon County. This position features a flexible work schedule and competitive salary. The position is ideal for a service-driven, mission-minded, flexible professional seeking variety in day-to-day work.
Title: Program Coordinator – flexibility with remote/in office
Salary: $40-$45,000, dependent upon education and experience
Position: full-time, 40 hours per week, 2 year, temporary, grant-funded
Summary: This position will focus on efforts to engage and build relationships with community stakeholders, implement placemaking activities and support programming for the Center for Economic Growth. The coordinator will oversee the Patterson Family Foundation Grant and activities as outlined in the awarded proposal. The coordinator may work directly with the HBCAT president, HBCAT Board, and a cross sector of community partners to address the social determinants of health through policy, systems, and environmental changes.

Program Coordinator will manage, coordinate, and oversee programs and projects. The successful coordinator will have the following responsibilities:
• To support HBCAT efforts to grow our response to Bourbon County’s challenges, including the social determinants of health, scarcity of resources, and working to create a culture of health.
• To perform outreach duties to engage with the local community and our target market of low income, minority, and female demographics.
• To support the development of effective relationships with other key organizations to meet the mission of HBCAT through development of partnership activities that educate and inform stakeholders and key partners.
• To maintain records pertaining to program activities. Provide data monitoring and tracking for all activities, including developing, implementing, and maintaining a tracking system, ensuring accurate measure, reporting and benchmarking.
• To recruit and supervise volunteers
• To coordinate the activities of the program and set priorities for managing the program.
• To manage marketing and outreach to the community. Assist in the preparation of information and clear monthly reports for the community and board.
• To prepare or assist in the preparation of grant requests and funding continuation from outside sponsors.
• To represent HBCAT at various conferences, meetings and during conference calls.
• To complete other assigned duties
Environment: HBCAT is dedicated to increase access to physical activity and healthy eating, promote commercial tobacco cessation, enhance quality of life, and encourage economic growth. The HBCAT staff works as a team. Each staff person has responsibility for a wide variety of activities.
Relationships: The coordinator reports to the President and CEO. This support position works closely with multiple members, partners, contractors, and committees to achieve program objectives. The coordinator must have the ability to quickly establish and nurture working relationships and the ability to provide customized, need-based levels of support and engagement.
Education: bachelor’s degree in a related field or combination of education and related experience
Requirements: This position requires an understanding of the social determinants of health, as well as policy, systems, and environmental changes to address health outcomes. The coordinator will have some experience working to improve rural systems and addressing the needs of a rural community. Applicant must have proficiency in customer service and community data-driven programming. Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, are required. Applicant must be proficient in MS Office 365 and provide an appropriate remote office (when working remotely) with the basic equipment needed to maintain a confidential, professional representation of the organization. An understanding of federally funded rural programs is preferred. Travel by car may be required.
HBCAT is an equal opportunity employer.
Submit a letter of interest, resume, salary requirements and references to Jody Hoener, President and CEO, at [email protected], no later than October 1, 2021

Kansas Gas Service Virtual Career Fair July 28

Kansas Gas Service is hosting a virtual career fair to
help potential candidates find jobs with the company.

On July 28, applicants will have an opportunity to learn about ONE Gas and its divisions:
Kansas Gas Service, Oklahoma Natural Gas and Texas Gas Service and apply for open positions.
“As a company, we have adapted to the new virtual environment with everything we do,
including our recruiting efforts,” said Adam Mellor, Talent Acquisition supervisor for ONE Gas,
parent company of Kansas Gas Service. “With our virtual career fairs, we’re actively looking for
individuals who are eager to join an exciting industry focused on safety and service.”
• Interested candidates can visit careerfair.onegas.com to register and submit a resume.
• Candidates can pick their department of interest and choose a 20-minute session to
speak with a recruiter. (The Microsoft Teams links will be available 15 minutes prior to
the actual session).
• A list of current job openings can be viewed at onegas.jobs
• Candidates will need a device with internet access, a front-facing camera and a
microphone for the sessions.
Visit onegas.jobs for more information on careers at Kansas Gas Service and ONE Gas.
About Kansas Gas Service
Kansas Gas Service provides a reliable and affordable energy choice to more than 645,000 customers in Kansas and
is the largest natural gas distributor in the state, in terms of customers.
Headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas Gas Service is a division of ONE Gas, Inc. (NYSE: OGS), a 100-percent
regulated natural gas utility that trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OGS.” ONE Gas is
included in the S&P MidCap 400 Index and is one of the largest natural gas utilities in the United States.
For more information and the latest news about Kansas Gas Service, visit KansasGasService.com and follow its
social channels: @KansasGas, Facebook, Nextdoor, LinkedIn and YouTube.
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Unemployment Recipients Required to Complete My Reemployment Plan

REMINDER: Kansas Department of Labor Urges Claimants to Participate in the My Reemployment Plan Program

~Claimants who do not participate in the program may be disqualified from receiving benefits under the new state law~

TOPEKA – On May 13, 2021, the Kansas Legislature passed a law that requires individuals currently receiving unemployment benefits through the Kansas Department of Labor to complete the two-step program requirement called “My Reemployment Plan” (MRP).

Claimants who do not participate in the program may be disqualified from receiving benefits under the new state law. The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) encourages individuals who received notice of their participation in the program to complete the requirements immediately in order to prevent a disruption in their benefits.

Claimants were notified by KANSASWORKS on or after June 23 and have 7 days from the notification to get into compliance per the new law. KDOL will begin to deny benefits for the individuals who are out of compliance on Friday, July 16 at 12:00 pm CT. KANSASWORKS will continue to notify additional claimants as they become eligible.

The program, developed in collaboration with the Kansas Department of Labor and KANSASWORKS Workforce System, requires claimants who have received three (3) continuous weeks of unemployment to complete the following two steps:

Once a claimant fulfills the requirements of MRP, they will not have to complete them again unless notified.

Claimants will already have an account on KANSASWORKS.com. If a claimant is having trouble with their username or password, they can use the Forgot Password or Username located here.

Failure to complete all items within seven (7) days of receiving KANSASWORKS’ instructions may result in denial of unemployment insurance benefits. Should this happen, claimants will receive a disqualification email and/or letter from the Kansas Department of Labor.

Claimants who do not comply may have their benefits continued or reinstated upon completing compliance of the My Reemployment Plan’s two steps. If claimants have questions regarding the My Reemployment Plan, they should contact KANSASWORKS through the following four resources:

  1. CALL: 877-509-6757 to be connected to your closest Workforce Center
  2. LIVE CHAT: at KANSASWORKS.com
  3. NEAREST WORKFORCE CENTER: https://www.kansasworks.com/contact for the Workforce Center nearest you
  4. WEBSITE: kansascommerce.gov/mrp

Human Resource Roundtable July 7

HR Roundtable
Hosted by the Chamber
TOMORROW!
Wednesday, July 7th
8:15 to 9:30am
Fort Scott Community College
Ag Hall (just north of Arnold Arena)
2108 S. Horton St.
Click here to RSVP if you
haven’t already.
Light refreshments will be served.
The Chamber is hosting an HR Roundtable for those in a human resources role at our local businesses on Wed., July 7th from 8:15 to 9:30am in Ag Hall on the campus of FSCC.
We hope you can join us or send another appropriate contact from your business.
We will have a loose agenda, but would like to hear feedback on workforce needs, challenges, or good stories. And, hear back anything you may need from the Chamber or ideas on recruiting qualified workforce to the community. We also want to allow time for those in HR to just connect with each other.
We will have light refreshments ~ please click here to RSVP if you can attend on Wed., July 7th from 8:15 to 9:30am at FSCC Ag Hall, just north of Arnold Arena.
Hosted by the Chamber’s Workforce Development Division:
Alysia Johnston, FSCC
Cathy Bishop, Niece Products
Payton Coyan, SEK-CAP

Support Program For Kansans Seeking Employment Announced

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Launch of My Reemployment Plan

~Program offers support, resources to Kansans seeking employment~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced the launch of My Reemployment Plan, a program designed to support Kansans with job-search efforts.

My Reemployment Plan is a great tool to provide Kansans with the resources needed to secure high-quality, in-demand jobs,” Governor Kelly said. “While it’s welcome news that our state’s unemployment rate is back to 3.5%, we want to keep pursuing programs and resources that support getting every Kansan on the right career track. This is how we grow our workforce and build a better, more resilient economy for future generations.”

The program, developed with collaboration between the Kansas Department of Commerce, Kansas Department of Labor, and KANSASWORKS Workforce System, will connect unemployment recipients with workforce service professionals in their area. The personalized job-search assistance they will receive free of charge will include:

  • Creation of a personalized My Reemployment Plan that focuses on goals and accountability.
  • Skills assessment to match interests and skills with occupations.
  • Resume, interview and networking assistance.
  • Labor market information highlighting current in-demand jobs.

“Our team is working hard to drive the Kansas economy forward,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “This is why the Kelly administration is focused on helping the people of our state find jobs, helping Kansas companies fill vital positions and helping our communities get back to normal. My Reemployment Plan will be a powerful tool in achieving these goals.”

Current unemployment claimants who have received three or more consecutive unemployment payments will automatically be enrolled in My Reemployment Plan.

The process of sending notifications will begin on the evening of Tuesday, June 22. Participants will receive an email from an “@ks.gov” account. Recipients without access to an email account will receive information in the mail.

Claimants will have seven days from the date the email was sent to complete the following tasks:

  1. Upload/build a resume at KANSASWORKS.com (resume must be in active status).
  2. Complete the online job search form (including the O*Net Interest Profiler) attached to the email/included with the mailed information.
  3. Email completed form to the Kansas Department of Commerce at [email protected].

Failure to submit this information before the deadline may result in suspension of unemployment benefits. Suspended claimants must submit this information to have the hold lifted.

Kansans receiving unemployment benefits who are eligible to be enrolled in MyReemployment are encouraged to prepare for the launch of the program:

  1. Log into your KANSASWORKS.com account and ensure that your account information is up to date.
  2. Create/build your online resume.
  3. Contact your local Workforce Center for immediate assistance with your job search.

Questions on the launch of this program should be directed to the team at KANSASWORKS:

To learn more about the MyReemployment Plan program, visit kansascommerce.gov/mrp.

About KANSASWORKS

KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use.  Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

Center for Economic Growth: Focus on Health and Economic Stability

Dacia Clark and Jody Hoener.

The group that set up an office on the second floor, above the Star Emporium Downtown General Store, 17 S. Main,  has changed the name, but not services.

 

 

“The partners that made up the Bourbon County Workforce and Entrepreneur Resource Center (BWERC) have decided to name ourselves The Center for Economic Growth,” Jody Hoener, director of the center, said. “We have the same space, model, operations, and services that were provided before.” The one exception is the Bourbon County Commission is not a part of the partnership, she said.

 

“Our mission is to increase access to physical activity and healthy food, promote tobacco cessation, enhance the quality of life and encourage economic growth,” she said.  “We wanted our program and name to tie directly to our mission.”

 

 

 

“The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team Board and our partners re-branded our collaborative efforts,” Hoener said.  “Our work to build healthy communities and address the social determinants continues, with health and economic stability as the focus of the center.”

 

 

“Specifically, we are working with community members and our partners on economic stability,” she said.

 

 

“Priority is given to those businesses owned by low-income, minority, female, or veteran,” she said. “Pittsburg State University Small Business Development Center uses the U.S. Small Business Administration small business definition…typically 500 employees or less with less than $5m in profit in a two-year period.”

 

 

Jody Hoener at her desk at the Center For Economic Growth, 17 S. Main, second floor.

 

 

 

“Poverty and low income are drivers of poor health,” Hoener said. ” Bourbon County is a rural community… with higher rates of poverty.  Our community has seen low investment and low upward mobility in employment.  We are working to create economic opportunities to generate wealth and income for Bourbon County residents.”

 

 

 

The partner organizations are the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce,  Fort Scott Community College, Kansas Works, Pittsburg State University’s Small Business Development Center, and  BAJA Investments.

 

 

Hoener’s work as the Bourbon County Economic Director ended in March

 

Continue reading Center for Economic Growth: Focus on Health and Economic Stability