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First Step Staffing. An Atlanta-based Non-Profit Organization. Our mission: To help homeless men and women break the cycle of homelessness, by assisting them to develop a source of sustainable income that leads to financial independence. Facts about First Step. Opened in 2007
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First Step Staffing An Atlanta-based Non-Profit Organization. Our mission: To help homeless men and women break the cycle of homelessness, by assisting them to develop a source of sustainable income that leads to financial independence.
Facts about First Step • Opened in 2007 • Scope: Metropolitan Atlanta • Two signature programs – Staffing and Disability Benefits • Overview of Staffing • Earnings for clients: $1 million/year • Average # ofPeople Working per day: 75 • People placed per year: 300
Why temporary staffing rather than “real” jobs? • Attachment to immediate income while searching for better opportunities • $70 billion industry • Fastest growing segment of the workforce • Between 2008 – 2018, industry wages expected to grow 19% compared to 11% of all industries combined* and • Expected to gain 599,700 new jobs* • Over 50% of all employers use temporary staffing agencies to find good permanent workers * Bureau of Labor Statistics
More good reasons for temporary staffing… • Social Enterprise - fees generated cover at least 75% of an Alternative Staffing Organization’s (ASO) operating costs • Temporary assignments effectively build workers’ resumes, job skills, and self-confidence • Offer part-time work when needed • Offer a chance to “practice” working (and to make mistakes without losing a big opportunity)
Potential Barriers for Homeless People • Lack of Contact Information • Housing Stability • Lack of Documentation • Transportation • Criminal Background • Childcare • Substance Abuse • Domestic Violence
Addressing Barriers to Employment • Collaboration with partner agencies – “share the work” • Secure documentation • Arrange transportation • Run backgrounds and be clear about each employers’ requirements • Arrange childcare • Encourage continuing treatment for substance abuse or mental health issues • Computer/technical training
Top 10 Skills Employers Need • Communication Skills (listening, written, & speech) • Analytical/research skills • Computer/Technology Literacy • Flexibility/Adaptability/Managing multiple priorities • Interpersonal Abilities • Leadership/Management Skills • Multicultural Sensitivity/Awareness • Planning/Organizing • Problem solving/Reasoning/Creativity • Teamwork * Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D and Katharine Hansen, Ph.D
8 Traits Employers Really Want • Comfortable Confidence • Willingness to listen and learn • Adaptability • Flexibility • Self-Reliance • Teamwork • Dependability • Honesty * glassdoor.com
What employers don’t say… • First impressions make the difference! • Arrive early • Make eye contact • Shake hands firmly • Say your name slowly and clearly • Dress neatly and cleanly • Express an interest and an eagerness to learn • Ask for work when you are not busy • Don’t use your cell phone • Focus on the work • Keep relationships at work on the professional level • Differentiate yourself from other employees
What employers appreciate • A trusted partner who knows the employer’s business and matches the right people to their specific jobs with a minimum of turnover. • A partner who is responsive, flexible, and who makes the decision maker and the employer look good!
Thank you! Barbara Peters First Step Staffing www.firststepstaffing.com 404.577.3392 barbara@first-step.us