FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Patricia Howell, Lee County Human Services
              (239) 278-7886

LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS CAN BENEFIT FROM FREE JOB TRAINING

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 22, 2003) - Lee County Human Services is looking for low-income, working individuals who would like to get free job training in medical office careers. The seven-month training begins the end of October. Screening and testing must be done ahead of time. Currently taking telephone applications.

The program has won a National Association of Counties 2001 Achievement Award for employment and training, as well as the Public Service Excellence Award 2002. The training is available for 15 people through the Lee Education & Employment Program (LEE) and is funded by a Community Service 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 are given the Test of Adult Basic Education. If they score below the 10th-grade level, up-grading assistance can be provided to raise the score to a passing level. They'll then be enrolled in Southwest Florida College Professional Development Center in the Medical Office Skills Program. The grant is aimed at working households therefore, all testing, upgrading, classes, and internships are in the evenings.

The Medical Office Skills Program provides training in front office (clerical) positions for hospitals, doctor's offices and medical billing and coding companies. The class runs two nights a week from the end of October through May 2004.

CSBG covers all costs for tuition, books, childcare, necessary car repair and emergency transportation while in school, and for possibly 90 days after graduation. Maximum household incomes to participate are $23,000 (four-person household), $19,075 (three people) and $15,150 (two people). Starting wages on completing the program are $9.00 to $11.00 per hour with benefits and can be more if the applicant has any previous medical background.

For more information contact Patricia Howell (278-7886) at Lee County's Department of Human Services.