Re-entry Task Force to host virtual job fair

TROY, N.Y. » Rensselaer County District Mary Pat Donnelly announced recently that The Rensselaer County Re-entry Task Force will host a free virtual job fair & resource event on Wednesday, March 24 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The job fair, in partnership with the Capital Region Workforce Development Board and the Capital Region Career Centers is a monthly event focused on offering opportunities for job seekers to connect with businesses in an online format that is free to individuals searching for employment.

This month, the event will focus on individuals in the Capital Region who are justice-involved and those who are working with reentry services.

“The Rensselaer County Re-entry Task Force hosted quarterly in-person job fairs prior to the COVID-19 pandemic; unfortunately our last event occurred in January of 2020. When asked to partner with this team to put together an event specifically for justice-involved individuals, it was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up,” Kacie Hull, task force coordinator stated.

“When individuals are released from incarceration, there are several barriers they face, particularly when it comes to finding employment. In addition to having several employers and union/ apprenticeship opportunities at this event, we have also invited local community-based organizations to attend to promote their programs and services to employment seekers to try to eliminate those barriers. This will ensure that individuals will have more of an opportunity to not only find employment, but to maintain employment,” Hull explained.

Since its inception in 2007, the Task Force has created and maintained a system for Parole Re-entry that enhances community safety and promotes law-abiding lifestyles for, on average, 135 people returning from state incarceration to Rensselaer County each year.

For this event, job seekers can participate from their home on a computer, smartphone, or tablet. After logging in, participants will be able to see a digital floor

plan with separate booths for each employer and resource organization. After clicking on a booth, the job seeker will see the company profile, the job openings or services available and be able to meet live with a company representative.

To participate in the virtual hiring & resource event, job seekers must register online at http:// bit.ly/JobSeeker3- 24-21 prior to March 24.

For more information, job seekers or businesses may contact their local Capital Region Career Center for more information.

• City of Albany/Albany County Career Center – (518) 434-5723

• Rensselaer County Career Center – (518) 2702860

• Schenectady County Career Center – (518) 3442737