WORKFORCE & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
941 Market Street Piketon, Ohio 45661
(740) 289-2371 or Toll Free at (866) 820-1185
OHIOMEANSJOBS PIKE COUNTY
The OhioMeansJobs (OMJ) Career Center is a free resource available to everyone, regardless of income or employment status. The Career Center provides employment and career services, including job search assistance, career planning, resume and cover letter development, career assessments, interview preparation, and unemployment insurance assistance.
The Career Center provides access to job postings, labor market information, training and education resources, college and financial aid information, local and regional employment information, and computers and telephones for job search activities. Staff are available to assist individuals with navigating these resources and accessing available employment and training services.
The OMJ Career Center also provides assistance with career assessments, job applications, resume preparation, interview preparation, and referrals to workforce and community resources. Additional services may be available based on an individual's employment, education, or training needs.
ADULT PROGRAM (WIOA)
The Adult Program provides eligible adults and dislocated workers with individualized career services, employment assistance, training, and supportive services. Services may include career assessments, career planning, job search assistance, resume development, case management, referrals to community resources, and assistance with employment-related needs.
Eligible participants may receive assistance with occupational skills training that leads to an industry-recognized credential, certificate, associate degree, or up to the final two years of a bachelor’s degree in an in-demand career field. Financial assistance may be available for approved training and related expenses based on individual eligibility and program requirements.
The program also offers work-based learning opportunities, including paid work experience and On-the-Job Training (OJT), when available and appropriate. Through the Work Experience Program, eligible participants work with local employers to gain hands-on experience and develop workplace skills. The program provides eligible participant wages and liability coverage during the approved work experience.
Supportive services may also be available to eligible participants to address employment-related needs, such as transportation, work-related expenses, or other approved supports that assist with participation in employment or training activities. Interested applicants must come in OhioMeansJobs Pike County located at the CAC of Pike County, 941 Market Street, Piketon for Intake Paperwork.
SPARK YOUTH PROGRAM
The SPARK Youth Program—Success, Purpose, Ambition, Responsibility, and Knowledge—provides services to eligible youth and young adults ages 14–24. Services include individualized case management, career planning, career preparation, paid work experience, occupational skills training, supportive services, and referrals to education, employment, and community resources.
Through individualized services, participants may receive assistance with career exploration, employment preparation, job search activities, education and training planning, and identifying resources based on their individual needs.
The SPARK Work Experience Program provides eligible participants with paid, hands-on work-based learning opportunities with local employers. Participants gain experience in an actual workplace while completing assigned job duties and receiving guidance from the employer. Eligible participant wages and liability coverage are provided through the program.
Financial assistance may be available for eligible participants pursuing occupational skills training that leads to an industry-recognized credential, certificate, associate degree, or up to the final two years of a bachelor's degree in a high-demand career field. Applicants must first apply for all available financial aid, and education and training providers must meet applicable state certification requirements before funding can be awarded.
TRANSITIONS PROGRAM
The Transitions Program provides employment, education, training, and supportive services to eligible individuals in recovery from, or impacted by, substance use disorder (SUD). Services include individualized case management, peer support, career planning, career preparation, occupational skills training, paid work experience, and supportive services.
Participants work one-on-one with Case Managers who are Certified Peer Supporters. Case Managers provide individualized career planning, employment assistance, referrals to education and training opportunities, connections to community resources, and ongoing case management and peer support.
Through the Work Experience Program, eligible participants may participate in paid, hands-on work-based learning with local employers. The program may provide participant wages and liability coverage during the approved work experience.
Financial assistance may be available for eligible participants pursuing occupational skills training that leads to an industry-recognized credential, certificate, associate degree, or up to the final two years of a bachelor's degree in a high-demand career field. Applicants must first apply for all available financial aid, and education and training providers must meet applicable state certification requirements before funding can be awarded.
Supportive services may also be available to eligible participants based on individual needs and program requirements. The Transitions Program coordinates with community partners and may provide referrals to additional employment, education, training, and community resources.
GRIT PROGRAM
The Growing Rural Independence Together Through Jobs (GRIT) Project provides youth and adults with individualized career exploration, assessment, and coaching services. Participants work one-on-one with a Career Coach to explore career options, complete assessments, develop a personalized career plan, and identify education, training, employment, and community resources.
The GRIT Project uses the Future Plans Assessment to evaluate participants’ interests, aptitudes, work values, and transferable skills. Career Coaches use assessment results to provide individualized career guidance and assist participants with identifying potential career and training options.
The GRIT Project works with schools, nonprofit organizations, treatment and recovery providers, courts, OhioMeansJobs Centers, employers, and other community partners to provide referrals and coordinate services based on participant needs.
When appropriate, participants may be referred to other Workforce & Business Development programs, including the SPARK Youth Program, Adult Program, and Transitions Program, for additional education, training, work experience, employment assistance, and supportive services.
CAR REPAIR PROGRAM
Eligible participants that are employed or currently enrolled in an education or training program may receive assistance with essential vehicle repairs of up to $2,500.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES & SMALL BUSINESS LENDING PROGRAM
The Business Development Program provides services to aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners who are starting, purchasing, or expanding a business. Services include one-on-one business counseling, classroom training, technical assistance, and referrals to business resources.
Participants may receive assistance with evaluating business concepts, assessing entrepreneurial readiness, conducting market and industry research, developing business and financial management skills, preparing business plans and financial projections, and identifying resources for business operations and financing. Ongoing technical assistance is also available.
The Workforce & Business Development Program also offers the Small Business Lending Program, which provides financing to eligible start-up and existing businesses that may not qualify for traditional bank financing. Loan amounts generally range from $5,000 to $250,000, depending on the project, funding source, and business needs. Some projects may require participation from another lending institution and/or an equity investment by the borrower.
Applicants are required to submit a business plan, cash flow projections, and personal and business financial information as part of the loan application process. Business Development Specialists provide one-on-one guidance and technical assistance to help applicants prepare required documentation and navigate the financing process.
The Business Development Program enhances the economic potential in Pike, Adams, Brown, Lawrence, Jackson, Ross, and Scioto Counties through the facilitation of personal and professional development strategies and ultimately through job creation and retention.