Joan Mershon Email & Phone Number

Portland, Oregon Area

Employment and Life skills are just that—SKILLS—and skills can be taught. Most of us can improve our abilities with a little information, some effort, and practice. We can help you to learn skills and acquire the know-how to successfully handle the experiences that make up our day to day process of living. Stop blindly guessing and take aim on your goals with the skills and information you need to succeed

* Develop, coordinate and provide direction for employment & life skills program * Supervise and direct employment specialists who provide direct service to clients seeking employment and/or education* Oversee trainers to ensure quality and consistency of client training in job search skills, interviewing, networking, alternative to employment, health, food management and tenant education classes* Researched local job opportunities and labor market information with local employers using the internet, cold calls and networking* Develop instructional programs and course materials* Certified Ready-to-Rent instructor* Certified Rent Well instructor

* Marketed training program graduates to local area employers and the apprenticeship community. * Attended regional, state and local meetings to promote training program and graduates * Researched local job opportunities and labor market information with local employers* Evaluated and interpreted applications and resumes for potential employment. Screened applicants in person and by phone for a variety of positions. * Provided direct training to over 300 clients in: Job search, Interviewing, Job retention, Labor Market & Trends, Applications, Resume writing, Career planning, Job advancement, Local labor laws, On-line applications, E-Resumes, Community Resources* Identified and referred clients to community resources appropriate to individual needs * Successfully negotiated improved methods of accessing local resources for clients

* Developed, coordinated and provided direction for employment & life skills program * Created agency policies regarding client employment and monitored compliance * Oversaw Life-skills Trainers to ensure quality and consistency of client training * Assessed client needs and developed an individualized plan to provide training and education in both employability and daily living skills * Provided direct training to over 500 clients in: Job search, Interviewing, Job retention, Labor Market & Trends, Applications, Resume writing, Career planning, Job advancement, Local labor laws, On-line applications, E-Resumes, Transportation, Housing, Interpersonal Skills, Community Resources & Responsibilities* Successfully negotiated between employer, student and program to achieve positive outcomes * Developed instructional programs, course materials, and presented classes

Treatment Alternatives to Street Crime (TASC) of Oregon* Assessed client needs and developed an individualized plan to provide training and education in both employability and life skills * Developed instructional programs, course materials, and presented classes * Supervised staff and volunteer instructors.* Provided direct training to over 500 clients in: Employability skills, Job search techniques, Resume preparation, Anger management, Stress management, Parenting skills, Time management, Money management * American Red Cross certified AIDS/HIV instructor

Urban & Regional Planning & Administration Of Justice

Activities and Societies: Graduate assistant to Center for Population Research and CensusPost-Graduate Studies - 41cr

Ba, Criminal Justice & Sociology