JOBS Program

What is Umpqua Community College Job Opportunity Basic Skills?

The Umpqua Community College Job Opportunity Basic Skills (JOBS) program is contracted by the Department of Human Services (DHS), to provide training and educational opportunities, for people who are eligible for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and Foodstamps. The purpose of the contract is to place clients in training and educational activities, so they can develop or enhance the necessary skills to find and maintain employment. 

Simulated Work Site

Participants in Simulated Work Site (SIMS) demonstrate work readiness in terms of attendance, appearance, and participation. Daily tasks range from completing employment-related workshops, participating in work simulation, and producing real world job orders that serve education, nonprofit and government agencies. The community outreach project module includes: Binding, bulk mailings, copying, collating, color printing, folding, binders and packets, and other services, as needed in the community.

Work Experience

The objective of the work experience program is to provide meaningful work experience for TANF particpants in the community. Currently, there are 214 sites that have been established in Douglas County. Participants benefit from hands-on training, networking, and sometimes employment. 

JOBS Plus

 JOBS Plus is a subsidized program administered by DHS. Individuals receiving TANF can be placed with private or public employers and receive a subsidy for wages paid. Employers determine the wage rate and pay the worker directly. JOBS Plus workers receive a paycheck in lieu of public benefits. There is no requirement that the employer hire the worker at the end of the JOBS Plus subsidy. Employers are reimbursed by DHS at the Oregon minimum wage plus employer wage taxes and workers' compensation costs. Employers are reimbursed for a maximum of 26 weeks.

Job Search

The JOBS program provides two weeks of job search classes for individuals receiving Oregon Food Stamp Employment and Training (OFSET) or TANF funds.  The clients receive coaching in seeking resolution to employment, provides attendance reports in accordance with Oregon’s work verification plan; councils clients on their employment search, posts Oregon Employment Department’s job information and other job information daily, makes recommendations to DHS case managers regarding client needs, provides customer service in One Stop Center (this is a public service), provides liaison services for clients to community resources, and provides work ethic counseling (timeliness, hygiene, appropriate dress, budgeting, relationships at work, etc.).

The JOBS program also contracts with partnering agencies, so client referrals can be made to the following: Umpqua Valley disabilities Network, Wildlife Safari, Family Development Center, Douglas County Health Department, and Adapt.

Links to local agencies and other sources

Worksource Oregon - A workforce partnership of public and private organizations striving to help people find employment, improve skills, develop careers; helping businesses find and retain quality employees.

Department of Human Services - administers a number of programs that help low-income families and individuals reach an maintain self-sufficiency. The division provides benefits and services including cash assistance, Food Stamps, case management and help finding employment. It also helps clients who have found work to keep their jobs and advance to better positions. In addition, DHS determines eligibility for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).

Mental Health Services of Douglas County - 24-hour crisis services available by calling 541-440-3532or 1-800-866-9780.

Oregon Employment Department - Job listings and more!

Personnel and Management Services of Douglas County - Contains a list of current job openings available through Douglas County. 

Umpqua Training & Employment - Describe services available to becoming more competitive in the local labor market.

America's Job Bank - Career guidance & educational opportunities. Some job listings also.

Careerbuilder.com - Offers help with your resume, online job fairs, and job search feature, etc.

Monster.com - This site has "personality", and allows you to search a database of may thousands of jobs, get your resume online, and receive career advice from their experts.

Job-hunt.org - A site that has received mor than one award!

OSHA - The mission of OSHA is to protect the health.

EEOC - Visit this site if you want to learn more about what is being done to eliminate racial and national origin discrimination in the hiring process.

For more information:
Carla Bee, Program Director
Phone: (541)440-7664
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it