Planning and Community Development Committee - May 5, 2022
Division of Community Resources Monthly Report
Workforce Development
ü The Job Fair held at the Kartrite Water Park on April 6 was a success. There were 51 businesses and 163 jobseekers. Of the 163 jobseekers:
• 10% were jobseekers receiving unemployment benefits;
• 17% were jobseekers in receipt of public benefits;
• 73% were jobseekers who were unemployed and not receiving unemployment benefits or were employed but looking to change careers.
• 17% were between the ages of 18 - 24 years
• 39% were between the ages of 25 - 40 years
• 20% were between the ages of 41 - 55 years
• 16% were between the ages of 55 - 64 years
• 6% were attending school
• 6% had no High School diploma
• 62% had a High School diploma
• 13% has an Associate degree
• 2% had more than 4 years of college
• 8% had a Bachelor degree
• 3% did not answer
The CWD staff continues to follow up with the employers and the jobseekers.
ü SUNY Sullivan has had to cancel the April 25th class due to no enrollment. A new date has not been scheduled.
ü Planning has begun for the 2022 Summer Youth Employment Program. Crew Leader positons have been posted and applications are being made available to county youth. The worksites are being developed. The annual allocation was in the State budget that was recently passed. We are awaiting word on the amount of the local allocation.
ü Johnson Technical College has received all necessary approvals. A meeting was held between SC BOCES and the college to secure space and set up an agreement. The first training is Diesel Mechanic/Automotive and is scheduled for June/July.
ü USDOL has issued State allocations for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). New York is slated to receive a 15% increase overall. We are waiting for estimated local allocations for the 2022 program year.
ü The Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant (DR-DNWG) that the CWD is administering has placed 13 dislocated workers in Clerk positons within various County departments. One goal is to have these individuals take Civil Service exams so they can join the County workforce.
ü NYSDOL provided all 33 local workforce areas with $100,000 annually for three years through the NY Systems Change and Inclusive Opportunities Network pilot program (NY SCION). These funds will support a Disability Resource Coordinator (DRC) in each local area. The mission of the NY SCION program is to improve the participation of individuals with disabilities, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, in workforce systems and improve their employment outcomes via a sustainable job driven, inclusive model that involves businesses and workforce demand.
The DRC will work to support and expand partnerships, collaboration, service coordination, and service delivery across multiple education, workforce and disability systems. The increased coordination with systems and the business community will help to create sustainable career paths.
Interviews are scheduled.
Update: A person has been hired as the new Disability Resource Coordinator started April 25th.
Labor Market Data for February 2022 compared to February 2021
ü Sullivan County saw an increase 3.8% (1,000) in total nonfarm jobs and an increase 4.9% (1,000) in total private sector jobs.
Sullivan County had the second fastest growth year over year in the Hudson Valley region for private sector job gains (4.9%).
Please note: The net month (January ‘22 - February ‘22) showed a gain of 0.4%(100) nonfarm jobs and a gain of 0.5%
(100) private sector jobs.
ü For Sullivan County the largest job gains were:
• Leisure & Hospitality at 30% (900)
• Natural Resources, Mining & Construction at 9.1% (100)
• Manufacturing at 6.3% (100)
The County showed job losses in:
• Education and Health Services at -1.4% (-100)
All other industries showed no job growth in February 2022 over February 2021.
ü NYS showed an increase of 5.6% (487,700) in total nonfarm jobs and 6.3% (458,000) in private sector jobs.
The largest jobs gains were found in:
• Leisure & Hospitality at 34.4% (199,100)
• Trade, Transportation & Utilities at 5.4% (75,200)
• Professional & Business Services at 6% (74,100)
• Education and Health Services at 1.5% (30,900)
ü The Hudson Valley region showed an increase of 3.2%
(28,400) in total nonfarm jobs and an increase of 4.5%
(33,000) in private sector jobs.
The largest job gains were found in:
• Leisure & Hospitality at 22.2% (14,400)
• Trade, Transportation & Utilities at 3.8% (6,200)
• Other Services at 11.9% (4,400)
• Professional and Business Services at 3.8% (4,000)
The Region’s job losses were in:
• Government at -3.1% (-4,600)
• Education and Health Services at -0.3% (-600)
• Financial Activities at -0.5% (-200)
ü Sullivan County’s unemployment rate was 4.3% for February 2022 down from 6.8% in February 2021.
February 2022 had 35,800 people in the labor force (34,200 employed & 1,500 unemployed). This reflects an overall decrease of -200 people in the labor force compared to February 2021.
In February 2020 the unemployment rate was 5%. There were 1,300 more people in the labor force (37,100) then in February 2022.
ü The Hudson Valley’s unemployment rate for February 2022 is 3.8% compared to 6.3% in February 2021.
ü NYS’s unemployment rate was 5.1% in February 2022 compared to 9.2% in February 2021.
ü The February 2022 unemployment rates across the 62 NYS counties ranged from a low of 3% for Tompkins County to a high of 9.3% for Bronx County. Sullivan County with a 4.3% rate ranked 27th in the State along with Cayuga, Delaware, Franklin, Greene, Oneida, Otsego and Washington counties.
ü Hudson Valley unemployment rankings for February 2022:
# 3 Rockland County at 3.4%
# 5 Putnam County at 3.5%
# 9 Dutchess County at 3.7%
#11 Westchester County at 3.8%
#13 Ulster County at 3.9%
#13 Orange County at 3.9%
#27 Sullivan County at 4.3%
Labor Market Data for March 2022 compared to March 2021
ü Sullivan County saw an increase 4.6% (1,200) in total nonfarm jobs and an increase 5.9% (1,200) in total private sector jobs.
Sullivan County had the second fastest growth year over year in the Hudson Valley region for private sector job gains (5.9%).
Please note: The net month (February ’22 - March ‘22) showed a gain of 1.5%(400) nonfarm jobs and a gain of 1.4%
(300) private sector jobs.
ü For Sullivan County the largest job gains were:
• Leisure & Hospitality at 30% (900)
• Manufacturing at 12.5% (200)
• Other Services at 12.5% (100)
• Natural Resources, Mining & Construction at 8.3% (100)
The County showed job losses in:
• Trade Transportation and Utilities at -2.4% (-100)
All other industries showed no job growth in March 2022 over March 2021.
ü NYS showed an increase of 5.3% (465,500) in total nonfarm jobs and 5.9% (433,4000) in private sector jobs.
The largest jobs gains were found in:
• Leisure & Hospitality at 30.5% (185,000)
• Professional & Business Services at 5.9% (73,900)
• Trade, Transportation & Utilities at 4.9% (67,600)
• Education and Health Services at 1.7% (35,200)
ü The Hudson Valley region showed an increase of 2.5%
(22,600) in total nonfarm jobs and an increase of 3.7%
(27,400) in private sector jobs.
The largest job gains were found in:
• Leisure & Hospitality at 17.8% (12,000)
• Professional and Business Services at 4.5% (4,900)
• Trade, Transportation & Utilities at 2.7% (4,500)
• Other Services at 11% (4,100)
The Region’s job losses were in:
• Government at -3.2% (-4,800)
• Education and Health Services at -0.3% (-600)
ü Sullivan County’s unemployment rate was 3.9% for March 2022 down from 6.3% in March 2021.
March 2022 had 36,100 people in the labor force (34,600 employed & 1,400 unemployed). This reflects an overall increase of 500 people in the labor force compared to March 2021.
In March 2020 the unemployment rate was 5.4%. There were 800 more people in the labor force (36,900) then in March 2022.
ü The Hudson Valley’s unemployment rate for March 2022 is 3.5% compared to 5.7% in March 2021.
ü NYS’s unemployment rate was 4.7% in March 2022 compared to 8.3% in March 2021.
ü The March 2022 unemployment rates across the 62 NYS counties ranged from a low of 2.7% for Tompkins County to a high of 8.6% for Bronx County. Sullivan County with a 3.9% rate ranked 24th in the State along with Chenango, Monroe and Otsego counties.
ü Hudson Valley unemployment rankings for March 2022:
# 3 Rockland County at 3.1%
# 4 Putnam County at 3.2%
# 9 Dutchess County at 3.4%
#10 Ulster County at 3.5%
#10 Westchester County at 3.5%
#15 Orange County at 3.6%
#24 Sullivan County at 3.9%
Transportation
ü The Move Sullivan public transit routes provided in the last quarter of 2021 an average of 314 rides per week and 6 residents access the complementary paratransit services.
ü The request for NYSDOT approval of two proposed expansion routes has been submitted. Will do a formal presentation to the Legislature once State level approval has been received.
Community Assistance Center (CAC)
ü The CAC has been coordinating the countywide mask and test kit distribution.
ü We are working with towns, villages, libraries, pharmacies, food pantries, housing complexes, community-based organizations and businesses to help with distribution in their communities.
ü The team continues to provide referral and assistance to callers looking for vaccines and/or information.
ü The CAC remains active providing food assistance deliveries as well as connections to community resources.
ü The Thursday Food Bank deliveries to the pantries are now twice a month. Salvation Army box deliveries continue unchanged.
Office for the Aging - Monthly Report: March 2022
Highlights:
ü Continue to assist with CAC efforts distributing masks and test kits, answering phones, providing referrals and information and vaccination access.
ü Participating in case review with APS regarding mutual clients.
ü Implementation of marketing campaign targeting vaccine hesitancy - kickoff of YouTube and Facebook marketing showing great engagement to date.
ü Partnered with Alzheimer’s Association and Sullivan 180 for virtual forum March 16. There were 15 people in attendance.
ü OFA newsletter planning ongoing, target launch in August 2022. Would greatly expand outreach opportunities, in print and online, at no cost to County.
ü Participation as member at large of Association on Aging in NY.
ü Oversight & Technical Assistance Visit (OTAV) performed virtually by NYSOFA, excellent feedback regarding all of our efforts to support our community throughout COVID.
ü NOTA (Nutrition Oversight and Technical Assistance) visit performed virtually by NYSOFA, received feedback on our ongoing efforts but also advice and guidance on re-opening plans.
ü Preparation for Nutrition and Transportation re-opening targeting early June. The plan is to increase meal delivery to 5 days per week (following NYSOFA recommendations), and institute grab & go sites throughout the community in addition to current site in Livingston Manor.
ü Continue to participate in Sullivan County Food Security Roundtable efforts.
ü Manager of Youth Services submitted resignation effective 4/1/2022, interviews have started for new staff.
ü Along with Division, participated in various community outreach events.
EISEP (Expanded In-home Services for Elderly Program)
|
EISEP/Unmet Needs, March 2022 |
Total |
|
CASE FILES already open for full EISEP-type services including PCA |
27 |
|
Plus, new CASE FILES opened in March |
1 |
|
CASE FILES closed EFFECTIVE February |
3 |
|
CASE FILES total open as of 3/31/22 |
28 EISEP [+ 3 non-EISEP] |
|
CASE FILES open still without aides as of 3/31/22 [does not include “bridge” clients] |
14 |
|
CASE FILES reassessed in February |
3 |
|
WAITLIST currently active as of 3/31/22 |
25 |
ü Willcare, Anytime Home Care and Community Home Health Care continue to accept clients, but homecare worker shortage still continues.
Legal Services
ü There were no referrals to legal services this month. An RFP for a new Legal Services provider due to retirement of current provider was issued and we received no initial responses by the due date. Additional outreach was made and there may be one interested applicant.
HIICAP
ü client interactions - 56
ü HIICAP and NY Connects both being showcased at recent outreach events. Partnerships with local organizations and SALT doing “boots on the ground” outreach is showing results.
NYConnects
ü Client interactions -42
ü Advertising on all platforms is up and running and is proving to be effective.
ü Outreach at housing developments and other community events
Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)
ü 31 clients receive PERS medical monitoring through the OFA.
Nutrition Program
ü Aging Services Specialists have resumed in-home visits to reassess home delivered meal clients and to perform initial assessments of eligibility and need for services
ü 9 new referrals for Home Delivered Meals were taken for March
ü Totals for March 2022
Homebound meals: 1203 units for 94 clients
Congregate meals: 750 units for 72 clients
Total meals: 1953 units for 166 clients
ü Homebound deposits: $1980.00
Congregate deposits: $66.00 (from Rockland site walk-ins)
Total deposits: $2046.00
Transportation
ü SCT Medical Trips-79
ü RSVP-42 trips
ü Shopping Bus trips--94
RSVP
ü Appointed 7 new members to our RSVP Advisory Council. Reappointed 3 members to the RSVP Advisory Council.
ü Celebrated AmeriCorps Volunteer week (March 13th through 19th), including press releases and social media blasts. Communications Director, Dan Hust and RSVP staff conducted onsite interview with Volunteer Station, Sullivan County Historical Society and created video showcasing the work and accomplishments of volunteers and our volunteer station which was shared on multiple platforms.
ü Recruitment efforts included telephone interviews with Bold Gold Media/Thunder 102 Radio Station and WJFF-95.9RM - Radio Catskills. Multiple Press Releases for RSVP recruitment with the Sullivan County Democrat and the River Reporter which were also picked up by other news media outlets. Additional recruitment efforts through email blasts and onsite visits. Radio Interview with Bold Gold Media on AmeriCorps Week.
ü Recruited seven (7) new volunteers: 1 in the Ombudsman Program; 1 at the Federation for the Homeless; 1 at the Time and the Valleys Museum; 1 at the IOU Main Street Thrift Shop; 2 at Radio Catskill; and 1 in the RSVP Medical Transportation Program. 1 existing volunteer has taken a second placement at the OFA Home Delivered Meals hub; and 1 at Radio Catskill. Lost 2 volunteers due to relocation, 1 has transferred into the Orange County RSVP, and the other will be joining the RSVP program in South Carolina.
ü RSVP Volunteers created and distributed Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day cards to our Veterans in Sullivan County. A Volunteer created 157 cards for distribution to the OFA home delivered meal clients. Blankets were donated to the Family Violence Response Team and the Veterans Service Agency.
ü The Client Satisfaction Surveys are in from the RSVP Medical Transportation Program, Telephone Reassurance Program and home delivered meals program. Below is a breakdown of their responses, along with some of the comments received.
o 96% of the respondents felt less lonely with 4% reporting no change.
o 84% of the respondents felt that they had close ties to other people with 16% reporting no change.
o 84% of the respondents indicated that they were able to the things they need to do, while 12% indicated there was no change, and 4% disagreed.
o 84% of the respondents indicated that they were able to do most of the things they wanted to do, while 8% reported no change; and 8% disagreed.
o 76% of the respondents reported that they were more satisfied with their life, while 24% reported no change.
o 92% of the respondents reported that due to our services, they can remain living in their home, while 8% responded no change.
o 76% of the respondents reported that they are able to get to the grocery store, while 8% responded no change; and 16% disagreeing.
o 96% of the respondents reported that they felt comforted knowing that someone checks in with them, while 4% responded no change.
Comments:
o RSVP Medical Transportation:
“It really helped me out, as my friends are also old - like me - and I cannot rely on them for rides. I can’t drive myself. I cannot at all afford a taxi to Middletown. So I am most grateful.”
“This is a wonderful must needed program. I really don’t know how I would be able to get to my medical appointments without this service. All volunteers are fantastic.”
“RSVP is great! For my doctor visits that are in Middletown, as Office for the Aging transports only cover Sullivan County.”
“My husband uses RSVP for transportation to Middletown. He could not get there otherwise.”
Youth Services:
ü Prepared and submitted the Youth Bureau’s 2021 annual report to county management.
ü Prepared and transmitted 2021 OCFS Program Annual Reports to youth programs for completion, and provided technical assistance to youth program directors on completing their 2021 Annual Program Reports. Submitted reports to OCFS.
ü Based on recently compiled statistics from OCFS Program Annual Reports, Youth Bureau funded programs served 7,668 youth in 2021 via in-person and/or virtual programming.
ü Prepared 2021 year-end Accounts Payable and Revenue Accrual transaction requests.
ü Prepared and transmitted 2021 State and County fiscal claim form packages to all Youth Bureau funded programs.
ü Continue to promote public awareness of youth programs, activities, and events available to youth and families through e-mail blasts, postings on the County’s Instagram page, and through outreach to DFS staff and school districts.
ü Continue to hold telephone conferences and/or in person meetings with youth program directors to discuss youth programming.
ü Continue to hold and lead regular scheduled meetings of the Sullivan County Youth Board.