Wards and stakes may provide a variety of services that help people achieve self-reliance in their careers. The list below provides suggestions of services that could be provided. Regional LDS Employment Resource Services staff can offer information, training, and support for each service.
Provide Information about Resources and Opportunities in the Community, the Church, and the Internet
Specialists provide individuals in need and Church leaders with information about employers, job opportunities, educational or vocational training institutions, education financial aid, self-employment assistance programs, and other resources or opportunities found in the community, through the Church and its members, or on the Internet. Information may be provided in group meetings or individually.
Support or Sponsor Group Resource Information Meetings
Community organizations often sponsor career fairs, educational or financial aid open houses, small business expos, and so on, so that interested citizens can become informed of resources. Such meetings are called Group Resource Information Meetings. Specialists can support these meetings by publicizing them among Church members. Where such meetings are not offered in the community, a stake or group of stakes may sponsor them, inviting guest experts, if desired, to inform large numbers of people how to access resources.
Help People Plan for and Achieve Self-Reliance
Employment specialists help people develop plans to find a job, increase their skills through education or vocational training, get a better job, or improve their own businesses. Plans may include assistance with budgeting, spouse support, financial aid, and other issues that impact employment and careers. Planning sessions may be conducted in the home or at predetermined hours in a meetinghouse.
Offer Career Workshops
Employment specialists or other stake members can be trained to offer the Career Workshop. The workshop is flexible, successful, and inexpensive to offer. It may be offered to individuals as frequently or as extensively as leaders find it useful. Topics covered in the workshop include choosing a career, preparing applications and resumes, developing job leads, interviewing and negotiating techniques, and developing other skills necessary to successfully find work, educational opportunities, or self-employment assistance.
Organize “Return and Report” Meetings
These meetings allow people looking for work, vocational training opportunities, or self-employment assistance to come together for support. People attending the meetings report on progress toward their goals, list plans they have made to achieve success, receive suggestions and/or training, and request additional help as needed. Other group members offer ideas and support one another emotionally. They may attend the group as long as they need help or feel that they can contribute and help others. The support and synergy of the group stimulates greater success and diminishes despair.
Present Classes on Career Planning, Vocational Training, or Education
Specialists can give classes about educational or vocational training programs and financial aid in priesthood, Relief Society, or youth meetings, as approved by priesthood leaders. Classes could include career self-reliance planning, selecting educational opportunities, and identifying financial assistance programs.
Offer Self-Employment Workshops
Specialists can post announcements about workshops on starting or strengthening a small business, or they can sponsor such workshops. Many members are self-employed or would like to explore the possibility of being self-employed. Workshops can cover such topics as developing ideas for a small business, preparing a business plan, identifying funding resources, or improving your small business. Experts can also be invited to attend and make presenters.
Provide Assistance Preparing Resumes, Applications, and Cover Letters
Specialists can help people with the content, format, and grammar of resumes, applications for employment, and cover letters. Assistance may be provided individually or in groups.
Stake leaders can consult with Employment Resource Services’ staff to further explain these options or to explore others.
