Loretta
Workforce Challenge:
Loretta was unemployed for 8 months. Her life had taken a turn for the worse. It wasn’t long until she had a “wake up call” and aimed to get her life back on track. A friend had recommended SELACO WDB, America’s Job Center in Cerritos and Loretta went to seek assistance in finding a job. She said it was the best decision she had made in her job search process.
Workforce Solution:
SELACO WDB provided the funding needed for Loretta to take both the exam for the Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor (CATC) and obtain her CATC III certification, which were both necessary to reach her goal to become a substance abuse counselor. In the meantime, she was able to obtain a part-time position as a Residential Tech in a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Facility. It was not quite what she was looking for, but it was a job that sustained her until she could reach her goal.
Outcome & Benefits:
Finally, after many applications and worn out shoes from hitting the pavement, Loretta found her dream job through networking via Social Media. A friend gave her a referral after she posted on Facebook that she was looking for work.
Loretta explained what happened next, “Once I received my CATC III certificate, I became a person with status. I took the opportunity to call the supervisor at Tarzana Treatment Centers to ask for an interview for the Counselor III position that was open. He gladly set up the interview process and within a month I was hired for the position.”
Loretta advises: “Stick with the program, take all the free courses offered, communicate with your case managers and SELACO staff about concerns or accomplishments. Ask for help and follow the suggestions offered. Lastly, attend the Firestone “Power Lunch” Job Club regularly just like I did.”
Congratulation, Loretta!
