For Immediate Release:
July 20, 2021

Commissioners and NJ Courts kick-off first JOBS program job fair

OCEAN TOWNSHIP, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners and the New Jersey Courts kicked-off the first New Jersey Judiciary JOBS program job fair on Tuesday, July 20 at the Monmouth County Probation Office in Ocean Township. 

“My fellow Commissioners and I proud to be a part of this program, which benefits both probation clients and businesses,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “We asked employers with immediate openings to participate in the first JOBS program job fair today and we are grateful for the more than a dozen employers who participated.”

The JOBS program partners with local employers to provide job and training opportunities along with professional development for probation clients, supporting their desire to work and contribute to their families and the community. The program serves a dual purpose by giving them a second chance to rebuild their lives while enabling private companies, government agencies and non-profit organizations to enrich and support their local communities.

“We are hopeful that this job fair is the first of many,” said Commissioner Director Arnone. “If an employer with immediate openings is interested in participating in a future JOBS program job fair, they should contact Monmouth Vicinage Assistant Chief Probation Officer Caitlin Mejia at 732-358-8700, ext. 87313, or Caitlin.Mejia@njcourts.gov.”

The Monmouth County Division of Workforce Development helped to coordinate the JOBS program job fair and Commissioner Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley spoke about the services this Division offers for all Monmouth County residents and employers.

“The County’s Division of Workforce Development offers resources for both jobseekers and employers,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Kiley. “The Division offers trainings, career counselors and weekly seminars on Wednesdays that include such topics as resume writing, unemployment, and how to use social media for job searches. For businesses, the Division helps match employers with jobseekers and offers space for businesses to hold meetings.”

Businesses looking for employees or anyone looking for employment or job training, can call the Monmouth County Division of Workplace Development at 732-683-8850 ext. 6011 or go to www.visitmonmouth.com.

“In the words of social justice activist and author Bryan Stevenson, ‘We’re all more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.’ The New Jersey Judiciary’s JOBS program affords probation clients a second chance and an opportunity to build a future for themselves and their families through meaningful employment opportunities,” said Monmouth Vicinage Assignment Judge Lisa P. Thornton. “Reentry is very much a public safety issue and we are grateful to the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners and participating employers for partnering with us on this program that will benefit not only our clients, but local businesses and residents of the entire County.”

Probation client William Berry attended the job fair to share his experience with the JOBS program. Through the JOBS program, he interviewed for a position in the kitchen of an Asbury Park restaurant and was hired on the spot. His employer recognized his motivation and desire to build a career and committed to providing him with a scholarship to a culinary school in the fall.

“The JOBS program has allowed me to live for the here and now and move forward without looking back,” said William Berry.

How the program works:

• Businesses collaborate with a Probation Division representative to connect appropriate clients to employment opportunities and training, including forwarding resumes and consulting with employers during and after the interview process.

• To be referred for employment opportunities, clients must be in full compliance with their conditions of probation, abstaining from illicit substances, and committed to work.

• The JOBS initiative is a collaboration between the Judiciary and employers (private and public) to assist people involved in community supervision with an opportunity to secure meaningful employment. This public/private collaboration has value for the individual probationers but also helps to improve the quality of life in the communities in Monmouth County.

• Throughout this process, Probation Officers work closely with their clients on job readiness training and skill building for obtaining and keeping gainful employment.

For more information about the New Jersey Judiciary JOBS program, please contact Vicinage Chief Probation Officer Myra Carter at 732-358-8700, ext. 87358, or Myra.Carter@njcourts.gov.

# # #