Frequently Asked Questions for Job Seeker
What is the Summer Job Links?
The Summer Job Links is an employment program run by Polk Works funded by more than $1.2 million in stimulus funds under the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act. The program will provide valuable work experience for 300 young adults in local jobs starting June 15, which in turn, will have an immediate financial impact on the local economy. All participants will have an opportunity to earn $8 an hour and work up to 30 hours a week for six weeks.
How many young adults will participate in the Summer Job Links?
A total of 300 Polk County young adults will participate in this quality, meaningful, work experience throughout the summer.
How do I qualify?
Young adults ages 16-24 who live in Polk County who are economically disadvantaged are encouraged to apply for the program. Participants must be 16 years old by June 15, 2009 to qualify.
How do I apply?
Click here and complete the online application. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. After completing the application process, you will be contacted within two weeks regarding eligibility.
How can I apply online if I don’t have a computer or Internet access?
Computers with internet access are available at no cost at all Polk Works Young Leaders sites at:
500 E. Lake Howard Dr., Winter Haven, FL 33880
615 Ingraham Avenue, Haines City, FL 33844
315 Martin Luther King Blvd., Lake Wales, FL 33853
609 N. Ingraham Ave., Lakeland, FL 33801
Peaceful Believers Church 510 Charleston Avenue, Ft. Meade, FL 33841
How long is the program?
Participants ages 16-24 will participate in a six week work experience program.
How much do the jobs pay?
Participants of the Summer Job Links Program will earn $8 per hour.
How often would I work?
18-24 year old participants will work a maximum of 30 hours per week.
16-17 year old participants will work a maximum of 24 hours per week at a jobsite and 6 hours will be spent in the classroom. All time will be paid at $8 per hour.
When would I begin working and when does the program end?
What is the process for assigning participants to job sites?
Polk Works will take a number of factors into account: the job must provide meaningful work; the skills necessary for the job must be skills the participant has or can learn; and, the worksite location and transportation will be considered to make sure the participant is able to reliably get to and from the worksite.
Can I participate in the Summer Job Links if I am a Young Leaders, WIA, FSET or WT program participant?
First, check with your Young Leaders, WIA, FSET or WT counselor.
Young Leader and WIA Dislocated Workers: Please discuss the program with your Career Specialist. If you determine that the program is a good fit, then your Career Specialist will complete a Summer Job Links Referral. Remember the Summer Job Links serves individuals between the ages of 16-24 only.
FSET & WT customers: You meet low income criteria, however would still need to have a hard-to-serve barrier. NOTE: For participants that are the actual recipient of the FS or TANF benefits, participating in this program should not cancel your benefits.
If I’m a minor, what do you need from my parent or guardian?
If you are under the age of 18, a parent or guardian:
Must authorize your participation;
Is required to be present for both program overview meetings; and,
Is required to assist the minor with completion of the registration packet.
What if I have additional questions?
Call the Summer Job Links - Job Seekers Hotline at 863-508-1100 ext. 323.
What happens if I am not eligible for the Summer Job Links?
If you are determined ineligible, you will be provided with alternative referral options, which may include but are not limited to: a local community based organization, a training provider, or the closest Polk Works office for other job seeker services.