477 Employment & Training The 477 Employment & Training (E&T) department addresses problems of unemployment and under-employment, and the economic needs of Alaska Natives and American Indians residing in Southeast Alaska. The department administers the following programs: Burial Assistance, General Assistance, Job Placement (Work Experience & On-the-Job Training), Training Services, and Youth Employment Services. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and the subsequent precautionary measures taken by the Tribe and local communities, E&T staff successfully transitioned to working from home.
2020 Highlights
Keegahn William Martin Director
Increased staff development through seminars and webinars in the areas of professional business writing, non-violent crisis intervention and domestic violence training. Purchased commercial equipment to provide embroidery, engraving, and direct-togarment printing work experience opportunities for tribal citizens.
Burial Assistance Burial Assistance is an indigent burial program available only in the absence of other resources and provides financial assistance to tribal citizens to defray burial expenses. Provided 28 families with burial assistance.
General Assistance
Saigee Grace Hawkins Manager January - May 2020
General Assistance (GA) provides financial assistance to eligible clients for essential needs which include food, clothing, shelter and utilities. GA payments are not intended to pay bills, credit card debts or loans. GA is only to be used to pay verified actual/month expense amounts. Clients also receive career assessment testing, educational and training assistance, job-skills development, work experience and on-the-job training. Clients work with their assigned 477 caseworker to develop an Individual Self-Sufficiency Plan (ISP). Provided support to an average of 165 clients per month. There was significant fluctuation in the number of cases from month-to-month due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the highest at 247, and the lowest at 83. Contracted with Career Services Network, LLC, to provide weekly online webinars that focused on a variety of job-readiness classes, including, but not limited to, résumé writing, interview skills, dressing for success, and time management.
Job Placement & Training Services The Job Placement and Training Services programs offer assistance with education, vocational training and employment opportunities to eligible applicants who lack specific training or certification to be considered for employment. Through these services, clients receive career assessment testing, educational and training assistance, job skills development, work experience and on-the-job training. In 2020, there were no referrals to the Southeast Regional Resource Center for GED testing or the Juneau Job Center for basic office skills training as they exercised similar pandemic response protocols as the Tribe. Provided services to 37 clients; 19 graduated and 25 secured employment.
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