The Summer Jobs+ initiative was created to enhance the representation of a population that is currently experiencing difficulties with employment efforts. Supported by the Obama administration, this effort aims to increase the number of employment opportunities and career skills given to young adults, aged 16-24, specifically those who are low-income and disconnected.

 For more information about Summer Jobs+, please visit: Summer Jobs+

About Geisinger Health System
Geisinger Health System (GHS) is an integrated health services organization widely recognized for its innovative use of the electronic health record, and the development and implementation of innovative care models including ProvenHealth Navigator, an advanced medical home model, and ProvenCare program. The system serves more than 2.6 million residents throughout 44 counties in central and northeastern Pennsylvania.

Proposed Geisinger Program
Based off of the provided tool kit from the Department of Labor for Summer Jobs+, Geisinger will be working to provide five to six employment opportunities for individuals in the community to enhance basic work skills. In addition, we will have a job shadowing event at Geisinger which will not only emphasize professional skills, but will also encourage networking opportunities with Geisinger departments.

Outreach Methods
Since Geisinger Health Systems is a medical facility, the legal minimum working age is 18, therefore our efforts will focus on young adults aged 18-24. Outreach efforts will include working with the Geisinger Community Engagement Manager, who will assist in forging relationships with community entities to assist in identifying persons interested in applying for the Geisinger positions.

Job Shadowing Day at Geisinger
The Job Shadowing event would be a professional development day provided to participating individuals for the purposes of enhancing professional skills and knowledge to obtain employment as well as being successful during their employment at GHS.

Professional Workshops: The University Relations Specialist will provide educational opportunities for students to enhance their professional images through workshops focusing on: resume and cover letter writing, social presence, soft skills, and interviewing.
Round Table Social Networking with Geisinger Departments: Bringing different individuals from departments to discuss their opportunities, how to obtain employment and words of advice for individuals just entering the work force.

HR Recruiter Roundtable: Gives individuals an opportunity to discuss what employers look for and how to get noticed during the employment process.

Employment
The main goal for the Summer Job+ initiative is to increase employment for a population that is underrepresented in the work force. Therefore, Geisinger is working toward providing five to six employment opportunities for individuals to which they can apply. The University Relations Specialist has contacted the entry level recruiters to discuss possible hiring managers that would be interested in supporting this endeavor.

Once hired, these individuals will receive hands on support from managers and departments to learn basic employment skills and understand the organizational culture of a business. In addition, the young adults will receive continued support from the University Relations Specialist with individualized assistance for writing cover letters and resumes as well as participating in mock interviews.

Volunteer Opportunities
In addition to basic employment, individuals can enhance their skills and increase their awareness of other opportunities by becoming involved with Geisinger’s Volunteer Office. The volunteer office has numerous opportunities and is currently expanding their offerings. Some such current opportunities include: directing and escorting visitors and patients, visiting and comforting patients, acting as a host/hostess liaison in visitor waiting areas, responding to requests for information, answering telephones and performing clerical tasks, transporting patients, delivering materials, providing spiritual assistance to patients, and operating the gift and resale shop run by the Geisinger Auxiliary.

Shadowing
Since the individuals who are becoming employed will have background checks and clearances, there will be additional opportunities to reach out to departments to shadow for a few hours. This shadowing experience allows for an increased awareness of the numerous opportunities that a Health System can offer. This effort would be done on an individual basis and only be based on available opportunities.  

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