While his dad was helping him look for a job, a Barton County teenager also was collaborating with Juvenile Services (JS) to enhance his employment-seeking skills.
He was offered suggestions about ways to apply for a job on paper and online, while also learning about ways to enhance his interviewing skills.
“The interviewing practice was very helpful,” said the 18-year-old who is in the JS diversion program. “Finding a job was important for me because I have to be productive. To be unproductive doesn’t work for me.
“In addition, life is expensive. Gas, food, everything costs money. So, it’s good to always have an income to help pay for things.”
The teenager encourages other JS clients to look for a job. “It is a needed thing and you should start early. I wish I would have been more consistent with work when I was a younger teenager.
“I didn’t work as much as I could have, which means I don’t have much money saved up. If I could go back, I would change that. I’m glad I realize it now and plan to do better.”
The young man graduated from high school and plans to enroll in community college in the fall.
Mike Daniel
As part of the JS mentoring program, Assistant Director Mike Daniel works with clients who want to find a job in the community.
“We want to guide them on ways to find employment that will help them be successful today and later in life,” Daniel said. “A job allows them to spend time constructively. If they are idle, they may find time to do things that are not so constructive.
“Our clients oftentimes want help with submitting an application and/or tips about how to present themselves at an interview. I will walk them through the process.”
Daniel acknowledged that “some clients don’t really get it at first. But then we talk about how a job can be rewarding in a number of ways. Of course, there is the paycheck but also that feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day.”
When Daniel talks with clients, he uses the motivational-interviewing technique that involves open-ended questions; closed-ended questions often result in one-word answers.
“This type of interview usually opens them up,” Daniel said. “They come to understand the importance of employment and are more willing to accept the help to get their foot in the door of a local business.
“Some know what kind of work they want to do,” he added. “In other cases, we try to figure it out together.”
Daniel has introduced himself to a number of area business owners and will continue to do so. He also collaborates with clients’ parents, KANSASWORKS and Sunrise Staffing Services.
“We encourage local businesses to give us a chance when they are looking for help,” he commented.
This JS employment service is just one part of the agency’s mentoring program, which also includes education, recreation and leisure.
20th Judicial District Juvenile Services empowers youth in Barton, Rice, Ellsworth, Stafford and Russell counties to achieve positive outcomes by offering Juvenile Intake & Assessment, Immediate Intervention, Intensive Supervised Probation, Case Management, Journey to Change, Life Skills, All Stars and Youth Crew. Parents and guardians also are offered The Parent Project. Visit 1800 12th in Great Bend or call 620-793-1930.