Project HIRE provides funding to defray the cost of training new-hired employees and assist the employer in selecting the job candidate. Through an On-the-Job Training contract, an employer can receive up to 50 percent of the cost of a new employee’s wages during an initial training period. Also Project HIRE can fund ACT WorkKeys® testing to document a candidate’s skills in math, reading and locating information. To learn more, click here.

There are at least two different ways a dislocated workers can benefit from Project HIRE. First,  those in need of skills for a position can gain them while "On-The-Job" with an OJT contract between the employer and Project HIRE. Also, dislocated workers may qualify to take at no cost the ACT WorkKeys® test that documents their skill levels in math, reading and locating information requried for job performance. For more inform, click here.

The Ohio Highway Patrol is looking for a few good men and women. If you think you're cut out for a job enforcing traffic and criminal laws on Ohio's state-owned roads, then the Patrol may have a job for you. On March 1, the Ohio State Patrol will be recruiting at the Columbiana County One-Stop, 7860 Lincole Place, Lisbon, from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Applicants must be between the ages of 20 and 34. They must pass weight and vision requirements, a fitness test and a written test.

The U.S. Census is looking for workers to assist with the 2010 Census. Recruiters will be taking applications and testing at the Mahoning County One-Stop  on Feb. 2, 12 and 18 at 2 p.m. On Feb. 23 the recruiters will be on site starting at 10 a.m.

Census recruiters will be testing at the Columbiana County One-Stop on Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26.  Testing sessions will be held at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on those days. 

For more information or to register for the test call (866) 861-2010 or visit www.census.gov/detroit. Walk-ins can also take the test. However, all individuals taking the test must bring two forms of ID.

Individuals seeking information about training and employment opportunities in the healthcare industry can learn more about career paths at a series of upcoming NEO HealthForce workshops in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties. The next workshop will be Tuesday Feb. 16, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Community Outreach Center, Champion Presbyterian Church, 4997 Mahoning Avenue NW, Warren, OH 44483.

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) has been notified of a national scheme targeting recipients of unemployment compensation benefits. Multiple states have reported customers receiving bogus text messages on their cell phones, claiming to be from state unemployment agencies. The bogus message informs recipients that their unemployment benefits have been suspended and to call the provided phone number to reactivate. When recipients call, they are asked for personal information, including debit card numbers and personal identification numbers (PIN). At that point, unemployment benefits deposited on the debit card are accessed and withdrawn by the scammer.

While Ohio customers have not reported any incidents of this scheme, ODJFS warns its customers that representatives will never ask for their debit card information or their PIN. Additionally, ODJFS is working with its debit card provider, US Bank, to further protect, inform and educate its customers.

If you receive one of these bogus messages, do not respond. If you suspect funds have been inappropriately accessed, call the customer service number provided on the back of your debit card.

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally-funded program managed by the Ohio Department of Development designed to help income-qualified consumers pay winter heating bills. To learn more about this program click here.  To learn about the emergency component of the HEAP program, click here.   

Another aspect of the home energy program is the Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP). It also is federally funded and available to low-income residential consumers. HWAP helps to lower energy bills through weatherization. to learn more about this program, click here.

The Ohio Consumers' Counsel lists other untility payment options. To learn about those, click here

Ohio's Attorney General is alerting Ohioans looking for job opportunities about a number of scams that target job seekers. Richard Cordray, Ohio Attorney General, issued a letter describing legitimate employment services and giving tips to avoid job opportunity scams. To view this letter, click here. The Attorney General offers more advice to protect Ohioans from fraud like foreclosure rescue scams and your rights in dealing with debt collectors. You can also learn how to get a copy of your credit report and file a consumer complaint. Visit www.SpeakOutOhio.gov.

If you lost your job through no fault of your own, you may be eligible for help making your COBRA payment or may be able to pick up COBRA after you've turned it down. To view a flyer from the U.S. Department of Labor about COBRA assistance and contact information, click here.

The 2010 Department of Defense Appropriations Act extends the COBRA premium reduction eligibility period for two months until February 28, 2010 and increases the maximum period for receiving the subsidy for an additional six months (from 9 to 15 months). Eligible individuals pay only 35 percent of their COBRA premiums and the remaining 65 percent is reimbursed to the health coverage provider through a tax credit. Eligible individuals must have been voluntarily terminated from their jobs between Sept. 1, 2008 and Feb. 28, 2010. The premium reduction applies to periods of health coverage that began on or after Feb. 17, 2009 and the premium reduction lasts for up to 15 months.  The U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration has a dedicated web site that explains the COBRA extension (www.dol.gov/ebsa/cobra.html).

President Obama has introduced a plan to help homeowners refinance or modify their mortgages.
Refinancing: Many homeowners pay their mortgages on time but are not able to refinance to take advantage of today's lower mortgage rates perhaps due to a decrease in the value of their home. A Home Affordable Refinance will help borrowers whose loans are held by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac refinance into a more affordable mortgage.
Modification: Many homeowners are struggling to make their monthly mortgage payments either because their interest rate has increased or they have less income. A Home Affordable Modification will provide them with mortgage payments they can afford.
Who is eligible? Use the self-assessment tool to see if you are among the homeowners who can benefit from Making Home Affordable. Based on the results, HUD will provide suggestions about what homeowners can do next. To find out if you are eligible, click here.