Jefferson County Alabama: Podcast for the People

Jefferson County environmental services is transitioning to a new more modern sewer billing software, much like other utilities use. In this podcast we explain the transition timeline, who it affects (not those who get their bills from BWWB), and what customers will be asked to do. If you want to receive your paper bill, you can, but if you opt in for the new billing system you will get a lot more detail on your bill, you billing history and ease of online payment. If you have questions, you can call ESD Monday - Friday at 205-325-5390. We've also created a special FAQ on our website with details. Click here. 

Our Veteran's Committee has an event this week for our employees that are Veterans and we took a few minutes to talk to an employee from each branch of service about how their service carries over into their position at the county. We have the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force all represented. And, the conversation gets a little lively when we talk about "the best" branch. Hint, you really need them all! Thank you to Akirashanti Byrd (Tax Collector Office), John Sepulveda (Deputy Director at Youth Detention), Darrick Williams (Chief Administrative Analyst, Human Resources), Don Carroll (Assistant County Attorney) and Alan Sconiers (Jefferson County Compliance Office)

The Board of Equalization is responsible for valuing fair and equitably all taxable real property in Jefferson County, to notify tax payers of valuation increases and to hear and decide protests and to defend established values in court. In this episode we talk with Maria Knight, Chairman of the Board of Equalization on "Why she Serves" in her role with Jefferson County and the importance of her department and position. 

For more information the Board of Equalization or any questions regarding your property log on to www.boe.jccal.org, email [email protected]  or call 205-325-5566 Mon-Fri from 8am to 5pm. 

The Jefferson County Commission recently approved over $1.4 million in federal dollars allocated to Jefferson State Community College and the Dannon Project for Occupational Training and Work Based Learning Programs with our Office of Workforce Development.

The programs, which also involve character and leadership development, are geared to train and engage students in occupational skills ranging from the broad fields of healthcare to information  technology. The occupational training programs also provide opportunities for students to earn national certifications such as welding technician to nursing assistant, and many others.

The goal of both organizations is to provide occupational skills training which leads to enrollment in further education or full time employment. Administrators began accepting applications on July 1, 2022 and will continue through June 30, 2023.

For the program year 2022, as required by the Workforce and Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA), Central Alabama Partnership for Training and Employment (CAPTE) submitted regional advertisements for request for proposals for out of school youth training programs. As a result, responses were received from  Jefferson State Community College  and The Dannon Project.
 
How to Apply:
For more information on how you can apply for Jefferson State Community College's
Work Based Learning and Occupational Training Programs contact Tamara Cheeks at [email protected] or  205) 856-6038.

**Special Thanks to Tamara Payne - Director of Career and Learning Services and
Leah Bigbee - Director of Center for Workforce Education at Jefferson State Community College for participating this enlightening podcast interview.

Jefferson County Podcast for the People -Episode 8 Jeff State Work Based Learning and Occupational Skills Training Programs equips students for job readiness opportunities - Learn How to Apply today!
Chiara Morrow -  Show Host/Producer - Public Relations Coordinator, Public Information Office - Jefferson County Commission 
Helen Hays - Director of Public Information, Public Information Office - Jefferson County Commission
www.jccal.org

Apply for the Jefferson County Skilled Worker position at www.jobsquest.org. The deadline to apply is August 12, 2022

Many of you participated in our Citizen Survey earlier this year. There was an open comment section on that survey and we wanted to respond to some of your comments and questions with actual information that might help. In this podcast we talk about the County website jccal.org, the number to the County Manager's office (205)731-2880, and online services list and How Do I? page. The comments were valuable feedback and the Office of Public Information is going to work to implement some of your suggestions in the coming year. 

Applications are now being accepted for the 2022 Water Reclamation Facility Operator Apprentice Program at Jefferson County. You can apply online at www.jobsquest.org, call for more information at 205-325-5249, or email [email protected]. Program benefits include: paid on the job training; advanced pay structure based on certification completion; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; paid books and training material; lab exposure; excellent growth opportunities; eligible for medical, dental, and vision benefits. Application deadline is June 15th!

The Jefferson County Commission will not discriminate against apprenticeship applicants or apprentices based on RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEX (INCLUDING PREGNANCY AND GENDER IDENTITY), SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENETIC INFORMATION, OR BECAUSE THEY ARE AN INDIVIDUAL WITH A DISABILITY OR A PERSON 40 YEARS OLD OR OLDER.

Jefferson County Commission will take affirmative action to provide equal opportunity in apprenticeship and will operate the apprenticeship program as required under Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 30.

It's been almost a year since Jefferson County launched its COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program. We talk with Nathan Salter in Workforce Development about what assistance has been provided, what funding is still available and about ERAP 2, which is coming down the road. As a reminder, details can be found on our website at: erap.jccal.org and if you have questions, you can contact one of our partner agencies at Birmingham Urban League at 205-326-0162, Neighborhood Housing Services of Birmingham at 205-328-4292, or Bridge Ministries at 205-930-0309. 

This is a quick 5 minute listen on a new STEM internship program the County is starting. Applications will open on March 21 on jobsquest.org. If you are a college student and interested in a career in IT or Civil Engineering, this maybe for you. These are paid internship positions that will start this June. 

Why can't the county fix my drainage issue? Why hasn't the County paved my road? Why doesn't the county pave the Interstate?  Here is a look at what the County can and can't do vs. cities with the Confidential Assistant to the County Manager Justin Smith. Justin has been with the County for more than 10 years. We break down some of the common questions we get, what departments fall under the County vs. State and what organizations sound like they are County related, but aren't. It's a quick 20 minutes.