NYS Welcomes New Job Bank Coordinators

By Larissa Lytwyn

In the true spirit of the saying, “Two heads are better than one,” Newtown Youth Services [NYS] recently hired Shannon Hayes, 15, and Erin Clark, 16, to share the position of job bank coordinator.

Erin Hayes, who held the position previously part-time, will be leaving Newtown this fall to attend college.

While Shannon, a sophomore at Newtown High School, manages the clerical side of the position, maintaining the job bank database and handling interview applications and job evaluations, Erin primarily handles incoming calls and interviews student applicants.

Erin and Shannon agreed that the advantage of having two people in the position is that the office’s duties are covered consistently throughout the week.

“By splitting shifts, we’re able to have flexible part-time work schedules, which is great for our time in school and other activities, while the office always has someone there,” explained Erin.

“I’ve already felt like a part of [NYS] for a while,” said Shannon. “I’ve had experience helping out with some of the clerical work. It’s a really nice work environment. I love all the people here! It’s laidback and just a lot of fun.”

Erin has also been involved with NYS for a while, too. She has served on NYCAAP, a student-run board managing peer education on AIDS.

Though a junior at Newtown High School, only one grade ahead of Shannon, Erin had only seen her new coworker’s face in the halls during passing time.

The girls had never really shared a conversation.

Now, however, through a summer of training together for several hours each week, the two have grown downright close.

“We get along really well,” said Shannon.

Erin added that it was “great” working together.

“They are both very focused, energetic and personable,” noted NYS Director Anthony Tozzi. He said the girls’ part-time schedule, cumulatively creating more of a consistent office presence, would elevate the job bank’s level of service.

“They also have a personal connection with the town’s youth, being young themselves,” he said.

The girls said that working with the town’s youth has given them the opportunity to meet more people.

“The job bank is a wonderful way to connect with people in the community,” said Shannon.

She noted the wide range of youth involved in the job bank, from 12- and 13-year-old baby-sitters to college students home for the summer interested in yard work.

Though the number of prospective employers had been as sparse as the barely budding trees this past spring, Shannon and Erin agree that the phone has been ringing almost incessantly since the 2003-04 school year ended.

“I think the number of calls we get, requesting workers, varies according to the season,” said Shannon.

In the winter, she said, NYS often receives requests for shoveling and plowing. In the fall, there are a lot of inquiries for yard work, especially raking and bagging leaves. In the spring and summer there are a variety of things that can be done, from yard work and landscaping to assisting in various household projects, like painting.

Student applicants complete an interview with Erin or Shannon, typically Erin, defining the applicant’s strengths and interests.

“No one is turned away,” said Erin. “We can match an applicant with a job that is right for them based on what they want to do.”

For younger applicants, transportation has to be provided.

“A lot of times, a parent will actually pick up and drive their baby-sitter to their home, or the student’s own family or friends will drive them,” said Shannon.

NYS cannot provide transportation service because there is never a guarantee that someone will be in the office during the times needed.

Because of their age, younger students often do not have a lot of job experience.

“Usually, experience for younger students who want to baby-sit can receive it through NYS’ Super Sitters courses,” said Shannon.

NYS Youth Coordinator Roseann Loring teaches the Super Sitters course.

Or, the prospective baby-sitter can gain experience through caring for their younger siblings or parents’ friends’ children.

“There is definitely something out there for every student,” said Erin. “All they have to do is come and be interviewed so that they can be included in the data base and matched with someone in the community. It’s a great opportunity.”

For more information about inclusion in the NYS job bank, or information about other NYS programs, contact NYS at 270-4335.