FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions on JVS Services
What does JVS’s training cost?
With the exception of Career Coaching, all JVS services are available at no cost to you. Learn more about the funding JVS receives from the government, foundations, Bay Area companies and individuals.
Who gets help from JVS?
JVS job seekers come from all walks of life — entry to executive-level. We focus our training programs on industries where we have training expertise and strong employer partners, such as healthcare, skilled trades, and technology.
Am I eligible for JVS programs?
The following criteria determine eligibility to participate in the Job Search Accelerator or in Skills Training Programs from JVS:
- Adults, ages 18 and older, who require assistance with career counseling, job training, placement, and/or job retention services to achieve and retain gainful employment.
- Resident within the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Free from alcohol or other substance abuse. An individual with a current substance abuse problem may be initially ineligible and may be referred to treatment services.
- If taking prescribed medication, the client must be independent in medication management or receiving assistance from another service provider. JVS staff do not assist with medication management.
- The client must be eligible for employment in accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, which states employers should only hire American citizens and those who are authorized to work in the United States.
- Depending on the program, client may need to be eligible for subsidized services from various agencies, such as: The California Employment Development Department (EDD), the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), Mayor’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD), Human Services Agency (HSA), and the Department of Labor (DOL).
- The client must be motivated to achieve and retain employment and willingness to work with JVS staff.
Our Job Search Skills Workshops and Career Coaching are open to anyone who is interested in attending without the above criteria.
Where do I start?
A great place to start is our Welcome Session – You can now watch our Welcome Session online here.
How is JVS Jewish? Do I need to be Jewish to get help from JVS?
JVS (Jewish Vocational Service) is grounded in Jewish values to repair the world (in Hebrew, “tikkun olam”) starting with our own Bay Area community by helping people to build skills, find work and transform their lives. You do not have to be Jewish to get help from JVS. We celebrate diversity and welcome job seekers from all cultural and religious backgrounds.
What is underemployed?
The definition of underemployed is someone who lost their job during or after the recent recession and have obtained only episodic, short-term, or part-time employment but have not yet reconnected with a full-time job commensurate with the individual’s level of education, skills, and previous wage or salary earned prior to the individual’s loss of permanent employment.
Will someone work with me one-on-one?
Some of our programs include one-on-one support following a group program. Our research has found that JVS job seekers are most successful when working with a supportive group of other job seekers led by a trained facilitator/instructor.
Does JVS offer resume or cover letter writing services?
No, we do not write resumes or cover letters for our job seekers.
Is JVS a placement agency?
No. A placement agency would find and guarantee jobs for their clients. While many of our programs include temporary, paid work experience, our job seekers secure lasting employment through their own efforts (and with our help!)
I applied for Job Search Accelerator or a Skills Training Program, now what?
JVS’s Job Search Accelerator and Skills Training Programs may have a waiting list. When space becomes available, clients are enrolled in services based on the date of intake or date of completed application. If you are placed on a waiting list, the Program Coordinator of the services you are requesting will keep you regularly informed of your status on the waiting list and will also provide you with an estimated time of enrollment.
How do I give feedback on JVS’s services?
We rely on feedback to shape our services. Should a problem or misunderstanding arise, please discuss it with your JVS point person as soon as possible. If you don’t have a JVS point person or don’t know who it is, please email [email protected]. If you would like to file a formal grievance, please click here. If you are unclear if you’d like to file a formal grievance, please email [email protected].
Where is JVS located?
JVS programming could take place in-person or remotely through Zoom.
Unless otherwise noted, all JVS services take place at our main office in the financial district of San Francisco – 548 Market Street PMB 37733 San Francisco, CA 94104. We are walking distance to the Montgomery Street BART station.
I’m running late for my class. Should I still come?
Please be on time for scheduled appointments, workshops and/or classes. Job seekers who are more than 15 minutes late to a workshop or appointment may not be admitted. If you’re running late, please email your JVS point person as soon as possible. If you are unsure who your JVS point person is or do not have one, please email [email protected] or call 415-391-3600 and leave a voicemail with your name, the type of appointment, workshop, or call you are late for, and the best contact number to return your call.