Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County Executive William R. Steinhaus has announced the Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board (DCWIB) will receive over $110,000 for the Transitional Employment Assistance Program (TEAP).   The TEAP program provides funding to local businesses and non-profit organizations to hire Dutchess County adults who are seeking employment and are currently receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).   The TEAP program provides money to fund up to 85% of the employee’s wages.

“This is a win-win situation for both businesses and job seekers,” said County Executive Steinhaus. “Businesses receive financial incentives to hire a pre-qualified employee and a job seeker has the opportunity to prove his or her self to an employer.”

The goal of this program is to provide transitional employment opportunities that prepare individuals for permanent employment and to provide education and training activities that will prepare individuals for unsubsidized employment.  Through the subsidy and training period employees will have the opportunity to realize the benefits of paid employment and the importance of work-related education.

Working with the Dutchess County Department of Social Services, the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board, employers can interview qualified applicants to fill vacant positions and receive up to an $8.00/hour subsidy for a minimum of three months.

“So many of the people we work with in Social Services just need a chance and that is what this program is all about,” said Dutchess County Commissioner of Social Services Robert Allers.   “It provides money for businesses to take a chance and its gives a job seeker a chance to prove themselves and potentially lead to a permanent position.”

The TEAP program is funded by the County of Dutchess and the American Recovery Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Program, which began in October 2009 and runs through September 2010.

For more information about the Transitional Employment Assistance Program, please contact Louise McLoughlin at Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce at (845) 454-1700 x1024.