Summer Youth Employment Program

2009

WHO WE ARE

The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is a special program funded by

New York State and operated by local groups to provide young people jobs

during the summer. 

WHAT WILL I RECEIVE

These jobs are designed to give you work experience; assist you in making career decisions now and in the future. You may also receive information on career choices and jobs of the future.  This information will help you in making decisions about your future plans.

WHERE WILL I WORK

The jobs may be with community agencies, parks departments, child care centers, senior centers and schools.

IS THIS LIKE A REAL JOB?

YES! JUST LIKE A REAL JOB YOU WILL RECEIVE THE FOLLOWING:

Orientation

All trainees will receive an orientation before or in the first days of the summer program. 

·         You will be introduced to your counselor and worksite supervisor

·         You will learn about your work assignments and what will be expected at the worksite

·         You will learn the highlights of this trainee manual

Supervision

At your worksite you will have a designated supervisor.  Your supervisor will be responsible to see that you are performing your assigned work and that you are developing good work habits.  Your supervisor will also be available to help you if you need any type of assistance.

Your supervisor will:

·         Orient you with your worksite rules, duties and time schedule

·         Demonstrate safe and correct work procedures that you will follow

·         Give you a tour of your work area and introduce you to co-workers

·         Evaluate your progress throughout the program

Remember, when problems arise go to your supervisor, no matter how small the problem may seem to you.  In the event you and your supervisor can not resolve the problem, you or your supervisor may notify your counselor of the problem.

Also remember, your supervisor could terminate you if you are disruptive, unproductive or do not follow the worksite rules.

Counseling

A counselor has been assigned to you.  Your counselor will be meeting with you on a regular basis to see how you are progressing.  Should you have any difficulty while working, please contact your counselor as soon as possible.

Who to Contact

There may be times when your counselor is not available. If you feel it is important to talk with someone immediately, call xxx – xxxx and ask to speak to the Summer Coordinator.

Emergencies

In case of emergency, such as an accident on the job, your counselor must be notified IMMEDIATELY.  In case of personal injury a compensation form must be completed as soon as possible.

Time Sheets

You will sign in and out on your time record on a daily basis recording the number of hours worked.  The time sheet will be kept in a secure place known by you and the supervisor. Your supervisor  will confirm the information.

Time sheets must be complete and signed at the end of every week so they can be picked up by the SYEP counselor. Your supervisor must also sign the time sheet.  If the time sheet is not ready for the Counselor pick up it will result in you receiving your check late.

Lunch Period

There is no paid lunch period on this program.  Your lunch period will be clearly defined as to when you may break for lunch and when you return from lunch.  Tardiness after lunch period must be explained. Continued tardiness can result in your termination.

Lateness

The hours determined by your supervisor at your initial meeting are the hours you are expected to be at work.  Your supervisor and co-workers will depend on you to be on time. Tardiness will not be tolerated.  If you are tardy, your first tardiness must be explained to your supervisor. If there is an acceptable reason your supervisor may let you make up the time.  Otherwise, your paycheck will be less due to the time you missed.  If lateness occurs again you must meet with the SYEP counselor. If tardiness persists you will be terminated from the program.

If you know that you will not be reporting on time due to a scheduled appointment, you should make arrangements with your supervisor.

Absences

Something may come up during the summer that you miss work.  It is your responsibility to let your worksite supervisor know as soon as possible that you will be absent.  If you cannot reach your supervisor, notify your counselor.  In the event of a planned absence you should let your supervisor and counselor know in advance.

Conduct

You are expected to conduct yourself, at al times, in a manner appropriate to your position o the job and as a member of the Summer Youth Employment Program.

Payroll

You will be paid bi-weekly at a rate of $7.15 per hour for only the hours worked. You will complete your time sheet and sign it. Your supervisor will review and also sign your time sheet for the actual hours worked during the pay period.

Paychecks

Paychecks are delivered at the job site by the counselor, except in special cases when other arrangements have been made.  Only you may accept the check and will have to sign for the check confirming you received it.  If you are not present to accept your check it is your responsibility to make arrangements with your counselor to pick up your check . If you are scheduled to work on a Friday afternoon and have received your check in the morning, you must work your normal day.

Terminations

Terminations from the Summer Program will occur when you constantly:

• Fail to be on time
• Have unexcused absences
• Fail to do the job properly
• Are disrespectful
• Are dishonest

Other grounds for termination include:

• Falsification of time sheets or other forms
• Endangering the health or lives of co-workers
• Stealing or receiving stolen property while on the job or program-related activities
• Using, selling or receiving any form of drugs, alcohol or narcotics while on the job or program-related activities
• Failure to return to job on Friday afternoon after receiving your paycheck, if scheduled to work.

Grievances

There is a formal process set up to handle complaints that you may have.  If you have a complaint or problem you should first contact your counselor.  If you are dissatisfied with the counselor’s decision you may appeal it to the Summer Program Director.