FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:    Lynn Northrop, Lee County Human Services
                (941) 278-7886

 

LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS CAN BENEFIT FROM FREE JOB TRAINING

FORT MYERS, Fla. (December 27, 2001) – Lee County Human Services is looking for low-income, working individuals who would like to get free job training in medical office careers. The six-month training begins the end of April. Screening and testing must be done ahead of time. Telephone interviews begin January 7.

The program has won a National Association of Counties Achievement Award for employment and training. The training is available through the Lee Education & Employment Program (LEE) and is funded by a Community Services Block Grant. The federal grant gives low-income persons the opportunity to raise their incomes and enter a new career. The targeted applicant is usually working at a low-level service industry job. He or she must have a high school diploma or GED.

All applicants must pass the Test of Adult Basic Education. If they score below the 10th grade level in reading, language, or spelling, upgrading assistance can be provided to raise the score to a passing level. There is no math requirement. They’ll then be enrolled in Edison Community College’s Continuing Education Program in the Medical Office Skills Program. The grant is aimed at working households; therefore, all testing, upgrading and classes are in the evening.

The Medical Office Skills Program provides training in front office positions such as: admitting, insurance, clerical or medical records for hospitals, doctor's offices and medical billing companies. The class runs two nights a week from the end of April through November 2002.

The LEE program covers all costs for tuition, books, childcare (during class hours) and necessary car repair while in school, and for possibly 90 days after graduation. Maximum household incomes to participate are $22,062 (four-person household), $18,287 (three people) and $14,512 (two people). Starting wages on completing the program are $8.50-$9.00 per hour with benefits and can be more if the applicant has any medical or office background.

For more information contact Lynn Northrop (278-7887) at Lee County’s Department of Human Services.