Employment Services Program

Director: Alayna Petrie
Email: Alayna.Petrie@use.salvationarmy.org
Phone: (716)883-9800 x412

Program Overview
The Employment Services Program in partnership with Erie County DSS (Department of Social Services) provides low-income individuals with comprehensive Job Readiness, Job Search, Vocational Training, and HSE (High-School Equivalency) services.  Clients are assisted with childcare resources and referrals, and housing searches.  In addition, clients are linked to community agencies for additional supportive services.  Approximately 400-450 individuals are served by the program yearly. 

HSE (HIGH-SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY)

Another component of the Employment Services Program is HSE classes through Buffalo Public Schools Adult Education Program. Our clients are given the opportunity to complete their educational goals (HSE & Computer classes) and achieve their employment dreams.

JOB SEARCH

Assists clients in finding jobs via online searches.  Clients are assisted in accessing job boards such as Indeed, Monster, WNYJobs, etc., and are directed to apply to positions they are qualified for.  In addition, clients are supported in searching out opportunities for specific training such as CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), HHA (Home Health Aid), as well as culinary programs.  The Salvation Army Employment Services Program is grateful to work with community partners such as United Way of Buffalo, Buffalo Board of Education, Employ Buffalo Niagara and our health care community partners, such as Kaleida Health, Roswell Park, Catholic Health and others. 

TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION

Salvation Army Employment Services offers Coursera online training programs for those who want to complete a certificate program in cybersecurity, data analytics, accounting, project management, and more. Tech-related jobs are on the rise and these jobs are also more friendly to a remote or hybrid model. There are limited slots available, contact Employment Services director for more information or to enroll.

WRAPAROUND WORKSHOPS

Monthly workshops are conducted by partnering organizations to help better prepare clients for self-sufficiency. Cornell Cooperative SNAP-Ed provides nutrition education workshops and goes over basic nutrition, reading food labels, recipes, and grocery shopping on a budget. Financial literacy workshops are conducted by M&T Bank and discuss budgeting and saving, credit, and paying off debt. Neighborhood Legal Services conducts legal workshops onsite monthly, reviewing housing rights and public benefits for clients, as well as student debt forgiveness options.

In February 2023, Employment Services partnered with Mobile Counseling of New York to increase awareness of and access to mental health support. Any client can be referred to mental health supports at any time and be linked with a licensed clinician to meet with anywhere in the community, or virtually.

In June 2024, Employment Services partnered with Mission: Ignite to offer digital and computer literacy programs for participants, to address the technology education gap and improve participants’ computer skills.

OPEN INTERVIEWS

The Salvation Army Employment Services partners with several different local organizations to offer open interviews on a monthly basis.