New Job Announcements as of August 11, 2014

Call Center Representative

The NYS Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) is looking for a Call Center Representative 1, salary grade 9, and salary range from $33,306 to $40,936 annually. This is a full-time permanent position. Contact Debra Neuls at (518) 474-7556 for more information. E-mail Cover Letter and Resumes here or mail to: Debra Neuls, NYS Higher Education Services Corporation, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12255.

Capital District YMCA job openings

The Capital District YMCA has opening for six positions. See the jobs and requirements listing here [pdf].

College of St. Rose job openings

Administrative Secretary – Part-time, Academic Year

The College of St. Rose has an Administrative Secretary position and Student Accounts Representative position available.

The Academic Support Center provides students with resources and tools to help them excel in their courses. This includes but is not limited to private tutoring, group study sessions, and the Writing Center. The Academic Support Center also provides a wide variety of services for students with disabilities. This position is responsible for professionally interacting with and assisting students, parents, and faculty in the Academic Support Center. The Administrative Secretary handles scheduling of appointments, processing documentation and performing other administrative tasks in support of the office operations. The position is held by two employees as a job share arrangement.

Requirements: An Associates Degree or commensurate experience, two years of experience in an office administrative support role support role in a customer service oriented environment, intermediate level computer skills using a Windows based operating system, specifically MS Word, Excel, Outlook and Internet, excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to interact and relate to various constituencies from diverse backgrounds, ability to work independently and multitask, strong organizational and time management skills, with accuracy and attention to details. Supervisory experience is preferred.

Salary: minimum $13.45/hour, depending upon experience

Application Instructions: In order to be considered for this position, you must submit your credentials online. Create a College of Saint Rose Employment Account at the College’s employment opportunities website. You will be able to upload the following documents, which are required for consideration: Cover letter, Salary history, Resume.

Student Accounts Representative

The primary purpose of this position is to provide customer service to students and other members of the College community who use the Bursar’s Office. In addition, this position is responsible for maintaining student accounts, processing payments and other campus deposits, and reconciling daily receipts.

Requirements: High School diploma required; Associate’s Degree preferred, strong interpersonal communication skills required, at least one year customer service experience required, prior experience in positions involving cash transactions is required, excellent math skills and analytical abilities required, intermediate level computer skills using a windows based operating system are required; Microsoft Word and Excel proficiency preferred, SunGuard Banner experience is preferred, prior experience in an educational institution is preferred.

Additional Information: Full year, Full time, Monday -Friday work schedule. Rate of Pay: minimum $13.45/hour

Application Instructions: In order to be considered for this position, you must submit your credentials online. Create a College of Saint Rose Employment Account at the College’s employment opportunities website. You will be able to upload the following documents, which are required for consideration: Cover letter, Resume.

Program Director Position – Schenectady Jewish Community Center (SJCC)

The Program Director oversees and directs agency program and operational functions, in keeping with the goals and objectives of the Robert and Dorothy Ludwig Schenectady Jewish Community Center (SJCC) located on the Golub Family Campus. He/she reports to the Executive Director of the SJCC and is a senior member of the JCC’s professional staff management team.

This will be a salaried position including evenings, weekend and holidays. Excellent benefits including retirement plan, medical and discounts on child care, fitness and other JCC services. Hours may change from time to time based on the needs of the JCC. Must be available to work on Sundays.

Qualifications: Minimum BA/BS in Management, Jewish Communal Service or other related degree. 5-7 years management experience supervising full-time department heads. Ability to work in and foster a large team environment. Knowledge of Jewish customs/traditions and non profit experience a plus. Ability to communicate effectively with others, both verbally and in writing. Ability to perform other related duties as needed, required or assigned. Excellent Computer skills: familiarity with Google Apps, Daxko Operations/Accounting and Microsoft Products including Excel is a big plus. Flexible and able to handle multiple projects at the same time; excellent time management skills. Detail oriented and well-organized, with the ability to plan projects, activities and schedules several months in advance. A positive, upbeat sprit, “can do” attitude and great sense of fun!

To Apply, send cover letter and resume by E-mail.

Employment Opportunities at Northeast Parent & Child Society

Therapeutic Support Worker

Northeast Parent & Child Society’s Therapeutic Foster Family Program (TFFP) invites applications for a full-time Therapeutic Support Worker in Queensbury, NY.

The Therapeutic Foster Family Program at Northeast Parent & Child Society provides foster and pre-adoptive foster homes for abused and neglected children from birth through age 21. Each foster parent receives intensive training and ongoing professional support to promote a positive, successful experience.

We seek individuals with experience working with children and families with high needs; must be able to be very flexible at working with a diverse population.

The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting Clinical Case Managers on cases by providing transportation, supervising family visits, providing one on one respite services with children and may include some skill building.

Skills/Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED required; some college or an Associate’s Degree preferred. Experience working with youth and families that have complex trauma is strongly preferred; Valid NYS Driver’s License required.

Work Schedule: 40 hours a week, flexible, some evenings and weekends.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continued until the position is filled.

To apply for this position please visit Northeast Parent and Child online.

Program Coordinator

Northeast Parent & Child Society, one of New York State’s most innovative human service agencies, invites application for a Program Coordinator working with our Intensive Aftercare Prevention Program and our Parent Effectiveness and Intervention Program located in Catskill, NY.

The Intensive Aftercare Prevention Program (IAPP) provides short-term, intensive services to Greene County families whose children are either at risk of being removed from their homes or are already in placement. The goals of the program are to prevent out-of-home placement for troubled children, provide a safe environment to return children already in placement, and prevent future out-of-home placement.

The Parent Effectiveness and Intervention Program (PEIP) is a service for Columbia County parents who are having difficulty managing their children’s behaviors in the home or community. Through use of the Active Parenting Now curriculum, PEIP integrates classroom learning and home-based parent education/ support to ensure parents learn and can effectively operationalize key parenting skills within their home.

Responsibilities include but not limited to: Coordinating referral, intake, assessment/evaluation, case conference, and discharge processes; Provide regular individual and team clinical and administrative supervision meetings, clinical troubleshooting and consultation, with staff and volunteers; Ensure the coordination of treatment planning and attend service plan review, case conference and care related meetings as needed; Responsible for management and budgeting needs of the program; Also responsible for compiling program data/statistics for agency and county reports regularly and as-needed.

Skills/Qualifications: Master’s degree in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, or related field. 3-5 years experience working with multi-problem families and children at risk of out-of-home placement.

Work Schedule: M-F; 8:30AM – 5PM with some flexibility required to account for client schedule. Ability to provide 24-hour on-call supervisory support for the Catskill IAPP & PEIP teams.

To apply for this position please visit Northeast Parent and Child online.

YOUTH POWER! Employment Opportunities

Long Island Regional Youth Partner:

The Regional Youth Partners are peer leaders that connect local youth groups, coordinate regional youth advocacy efforts and provide technical assistance on youth engagement and peer support.

This is a Full-time salary position in Amityville, NY. Salary – low to Mid 30’s commensurate on experience, plus benefits package including: health, dental and vision insurance and employee sponsored Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan, life insurance, sick, personal and vacation (1 week after six months of service) time, employee contribution to 403B (after one year of service) and access to Employee Assistance Program. Click here for the full LI RYP Job Posting.

Central Regional Youth Partner

The Regional Youth Partners are peer leaders that connect local youth groups, coordinate regional youth advocacy efforts and provide technical assistance on youth engagement and peer support. Applicant must reside in one of the 20 counties in the region. Preferred locations are Syracuse and Utica. This is a full-time salary position. Salary $30,000+ commensurate on experience, plus benefits package including: health, dental and vision insurance and employee sponsored Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan, life insurance, sick, personal and vacation (1 week after six months of service) time, employee contribution to 403B (after one year of service) and access to Employee Assistance Program. Click here to view the full Central RYP Job Posting.

Youth Engagement Consultant

This is a contract position through June, 2015 – Full-time flexible schedule, hourly (35 hours per week), $15 per hour, plus benefits package including: health, dental and vision insurance and employee sponsored Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan, life insurance, sick, personal and vacation (1 week after six months of service) time, and access to Employee Assistance Program. Click here for the full posting.

Youth Engagement Coordinator

Coordinates a team of young leaders who provide technical assistance to Counties and ensure that New York State Success is youth-guided. This is a part-time, hourly position in Albany or Rochester, New York paying $12-16 per hour commensurate on experience. Click here to view the full posting.

Reflection for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2014

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Who’s out
there?

Brothers and sisters: I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie; my conscience joins with the Holy Spirit in bearing me witness that I have great sorrow and constant anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh.

We are called to recognize and live in the power of God.

St. Paul was distraught because he saw the potential the Jesus offered His own people and the fact that His people, in large part, did not recognize the great gift of salvation He came to bring.

Jesus came walking out on the water. We often talk about the fact the Peter got out of the boat, and in faith came walking across the water toward Jesus. He would then falter in his faith and go sinking to the depths. It is a powerful image. We should recognize the fact that a lack of faith, a lack of recognition preceded that event. In the fourth watch of the night He went towards them, walking on the lake they were terrified. ‘It is a ghost’ they said, and cried out in fear. But at once Jesus called out to them saying, ‘Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.’ It was Peter who answered, ‘Lord,’ he said ‘if it is You, tell me to come to You across the water.’

The disciples in the boat were rightly terrified but Jesus called out to them. Why didn’t they recognize His voice? They had been with Him for some time now. They heard Him preaching. They saw Him healing. Yet, in their moment of fear they failed to recognize the voice they had heard so often. Peter strongly challenged the voice he should have recognized. He challenged that voice to call him out onto the water.

As faithful Christians we hear the voice of Jesus at least weekly. If we read scripture and pray regularly, we hear Him daily. We should be well trained to recognize Him no matter the circumstance. Yet somehow, when we are afraid or troubled, we close our ears to His voice. We may even, like Peter, say: ‘if it is You, tell me to come to You across my troubles.’ When times are good, we may fail to recognize that He is there, providing for our good. When we have an opportunity for living out the image of Christ in us, we may forget that His image is in us and His grace is there to lead us in the right direction.

Paul was troubled because his people failed to recognize Jesus at all. As His disciples, we should be troubled if we do not recognize Him in every aspect of our lives.

Jesus calls us out onto the water, to take that big step, the leap of faith that shows how closely we are bound to Him. Let us recognize Him, His voice, and His powerful presence in every aspect of our lives and so live faithfully as His disciples. He says: ‘Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.’

Reflection for the Solemnity of the Transfiguration

See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. — 1 John 3:1-2

Transfiguration IconA Solemnity Fighting Fear

Today we observe the Solemnity of the Transfiguration of our Lord. We read in the 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St. Matthew: Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother, John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, conversing with him.

Jesus chose this moment, before the great struggles, persecution, suffering, and death He was about to encounter, to reveal the blessing of His heavenly Father and His glory in Him. While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud cast a shadow over them, then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

In our time the Holy Church is facing greater and greater struggles. In the Middle East, North Korea, Africa, and elsewhere Christians are actively being persecuted and martyred. Some Christians in our country are losing jobs for their beliefs and face other forms of prejudice. When faced with all this – and we may be in ways subtle or not so subtle – recall this holy day and let us say in confidence that our God is bigger and His promises are more important than anything anyone can do to us. Trust in Him and have NO fear for His promise is that “we shall be like Him!“

Local Job Openings for the Week of August 3rd

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Public Health Associate position for the New York State Association of County Health Officials

Works under the supervision of the Executive Director and other managerial staff. Performs all duties in a professional and confidential manner.

Qualifications: Required: Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Public Health, Community Health Education, or related field. Strong writing and computer skills, especially in Microsoft Office Suite; able to work independently; attentive to accuracy and detail. Must have a current valid NY State driver’s license and provide own transportation.

Preferred: MPH with experience in grants administration and/or as an administrative assistant; experience/knowledge of the NY State Health Department and Local Health Department systems; social media experience.

Salary, maximum of $35,000, dependent on experience. Preferred start date: August 25, 2014 in Albany, New York

Submit resume, writing sample and references to Linda M. Wagner, NYSACHO Executive Director, via E-mail by August 8th.

Director of Development position in the City of Schenectady Department of Development

There is a full-time opening for a permanent Director of Development position in the Department of Development. The annual salary is $66,000. Applicants must be residents of the City of Schenectady and remain residents throughout employment. All interested parties should submit completed City of Schenectady Applications or resumes to: Kathy Finch, Personnel & Benefits Administrator, City Hall, Room 105, Schenectady NY 12305. Resumes can also be E-mailed. Completed applications/resumes must be received by 4PM August 18, 2014.

This position exists in the City Department of Development and involves responsibility for the initiation, coordination, formulation, review and direction of activities dealing with planning and development, commercial revitalization, zoning, property management, housing development and code compliance. The work is performed under general direction of the Mayor with wide leeway allowed for exercise of independent judgment in carrying out details of the work. General supervision is exercised over the work of subordinate departmental employees. The incumbent does related work as required.

The position requires comprehensive knowledge of the purposes, principles, terminology and practices employed in municipal and community planning, economic development and commercial revitalization; thorough knowledge of preparation of complex detailed and master plans for community and commercial development; good knowledge of current legislation in the urban planning and economic development field; good knowledge of zoning and subdivision practices; ability to plan and supervise the work of others; ability to speak before groups of people; ability to prepare complex records and reports.

Qualifications: Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Masters degree in Community or Municipal Planning, Sociology, Economics, Urban Geography, Public Administration or a related field and three years of experience in municipal, community or regional planning, one year of which shall have been at the supervisory level; OR Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered four year college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Community or Municipal Planning, Economics, Urban Geography, Public Administration or a related field and four years of experience in municipal, community or regional planning, one year of which shall have been at the supervisory level; OR Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor’s degree and six years of experience in municipal, community or regional planning, one year of which shall have been at the supervisory level; OR An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of the requirements above.

Seasonal Laborer positions in the City of Schenectady Waste Department

There are full-time openings for seasonal Laborer positions in the Waste Department. The hourly rate is $10.00. Click here for a copy of the job description and minimum qualifications [pdf]. Applicants must be residents of the City of Schenectady and remain residents throughout employment. All interested parties should submit completed City of Schenectady Applications or resumes to: Kathy Finch, Personnel & Benefits Administrator, City Hall, Room 105, Schenectady NY 12305. Resumes can also be E-mailed. Completed applications/resumes need to be received by 4PM August 11, 2014.

Albany County Civil Service Exam Announcements

New exam announcements have been posted on the Albany County Department of Civil Service website.

Reflection for the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2014

We Have a BIG God

We have a big
God

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We are called to recognize and live the power of God.

Reading the Old Testament we see the multitude of tremendous things God did for His people. When they were threatened He gave them victory. When they were small like David He blessed them and gave them the power to slay giants. He led them from slavery and captivity. He caused them to pass through the sea, and He fed them and gave them drink when there appeared to be none.

Reading those accounts we see the power of our God – able to create from nothing, to protect, to lead, to save; Who as Isaiah says feeds us and sustains us, even though we have nothing to offer in return.

All you who are thirsty, come to the water! You who have no money, come, receive grain and eat; Come, without paying and without cost, drink wine and milk!

This big and powerful image of God was ever before the people of Israel. Even so, the people of Israel turned away from God over and over. They sought after the things they thought would give them power, success, and happiness and forgot that He was the only One who could deliver all that and so much more.

Finally, in His greatest and most powerful act ever, the New Testament reveals and witnesses to the fact that God emptied Himself of everything, became man, taught us, healed the sick, raised the dead, and …taking the five loaves and the two fish… gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied…

He then picked up all our sinfulness, fears, and our very deaths and offered them in His body on the cross. In doing that we now enjoy freedom and security in His power and promises.

Our God is big, powerful, almighty, and yet people still turn away, and pull into themselves. They try to find a way to fill the voids in their lives, to solve the problems they encounter, and to seek joy without Him. We must be different!

Our bulletin art says it well: Don’t tell God how big your storm is; tell your storm how big your God is. In God we have the ability to triumph, to overcome, and to succeed. This does not mean earthly success or freedom from life’s strains and pressures. It does mean that when we encounter these things we can stare into them and confidently say – my God is bigger than you and His promises are more important than you. We are called to recognize exactly how big our God is and to place our trust in Him. Take this huge leap of faith and trust. It is very much worth taking!

Arts Opportunities, Scholarships, Programs, and Research Grants

From the New York State Alliance for Arts Education

Uncommon Approaches to the Common Core 2

August 12- 13, in Albany. Hear an inspiring keynote on inquiry-based learning from Barbara Stripling. Participate in experiential labs where you’ll learn how to create compelling lessons using cultural resources to meet the Common Core Learning Standards. Explore inquiry as a professional discipline. Network with colleagues in your region. And, to close the conference, hear from James B. Short, Director, Gottesman Center for Science Teaching and Learning at the American Museum of Natural History. Register today!

Summit on Transforming Education through Creative Practices

Move this World, a global non-profit that uses creative expression to address and transform conflict and bullying in communities worldwide, invites you to participate in its 5th Annual Global Summit in Transforming Education through Creative Practices! They are calling on a global network of educators, youth workers, thought leaders, creative arts therapists, students, artists and social change advocates to connect and collaborate in New York City, August 22 – 24.

Aesthetica Art Prize 2014

Entries close August 31, 2014.

The Aesthetica Art Prize 2014 is now open for entries, offering both budding and established artists the opportunity to showcase their work to an international audience and influential figures from the arts sector. Celebrating and nurturing outstanding contemporary art from across the world, the Art Prize welcomes all forms of art in the following categories:Photographic & Digital Art, Three Dimensional Design & Sculpture, Painting & Drawing and Video, Installation & Performance.

Prizes include a 12 week group show; up to £1000 in cash; publication in the Aesthetica Art Prize Anthology and editorial coverage in Aesthetica Magazine (readership of 140,000 worldwide); art supplies and art books; and Q&As on the Aesthetica Blog. There are two main categories to enter: Main Prize and Student Prize. There is a winner for each main category. Entry is £15 and permits the submission of two works into any one category.

Grammy Foundation Supports Music Research and Preservation Projects

Deadline: October 1, 2014 (Letters of Inquiry)

Funded by the Recording Academy, the Grammy Foundation’s annual grant program provides support for music archiving and preservation efforts and scientific research projects related to the impact of music on the human condition. The research projects grant program awards funding of up to $20,000 to organizations and individuals working to research the impact of music on the human condition. Examples include the study of the effects of music on mood, cognition, and healing; the medical and occupational well-being of music professionals; and the creative process underlying music. Priority will be given to projects with strong methodological design as well those designed to address an important research question.

Ucross Foundation’s Spring 2015 Artist Residencies

Deadline: October 1, 2014

Founded in 1981, the Ucross Foundation provides uninterrupted time, work space, and living accommodations in Sheridan, Wyoming, to competitively selected visual artists, writers, and composers. Nearly thirteen hundred individuals from every state in the U.S. as well as Germany, France, Scotland, England, Poland, Egypt, the Netherlands, Canada, and Thailand have spent time at Ucross since it first opened. Currently, the foundation is accepting applications for its 2015 Spring Residency program, which runs from late-February to mid-June.

YoungArts Applications for 2015 Open

Deadline: October 17, 2014

YoungArts identifies and nurtures emerging artists ages 15-18 (or in grades 10-12) in the visual, literary, design and performing arts. Winners in cinematic arts, dance, design, jazz, music, photography, theater, visual arts, voice, and writing are provided once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, significant access to scholarships and national recognition, including:

  • Up to $10,000 in monetary awards
  • Exclusive U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts nomination
  • Master classes with world-renowned artists
  • Access to scholarships, career opportunities and professional contacts
  • Opportunity for works to be viewed by top artists in their fields
  • All applicants to YoungArts have the opportunity to learn about college programs, scholarships, summer programs and festivals through participation in the YoungArts Student List Service.

Apply here.

Chamber Music Residency Partnership Program

Application Deadline: October 31, 2014

Chamber Music America’s Residency Partnership Program supports ensembles and presenters in building audiences for classical/contemporary, jazz, and world chamber music through residency projects. Funding is specifically aimed at activities that take place in community settings and that are not part of a regular concert series. These activities may include, but are not limited to, clinics, interactive classroom programs, and lecture/demonstrations in libraries, hospitals, senior centers, or similar venues. Projects must take place in the U.S. or its territories. The length of the residencies ranges from a minimum of three days to one year. Grants support up to 75 percent of expenses directly connected to the project. The balance must be drawn from other sources, such as cash from other grants, earned income, or an allocation from the organization’s general operating funds. For information on applying, please see their website.

Infographic on Arts Education

This one page document from the Indiana Youth Institute summarizes some valuable research and information on the value of arts education.

Website for Lesson Sharing

Share My Lesson is a free platform, developed by teachers for teachers, that gives access to high-quality teaching resources and provides an online community where teachers can collaborate with, encourage and inspire each other.