Youth & Young Adult Services

The Youth & Young Adult Programs are available for those under the age of 25 (if you meet certain criteria).  Our school year program runs the calendar year, while our summer program runs from July to August.  Please find specific descriptions of the programs below.  

Interested in applying for the 2023 Summer Youth Employment Program?!

The application period is from March 6 - May 26. 

We now have an electronic application! Scan the QR Code below to apply for the 2023 Summer Youth Employment Program.  (The paper application link is in green below the QR code).

The paper application for the Summer Youth program can be found by clicking on the green wording:   Youth Employment Program Application

The application process does NOT secure a position in the SYEP.  Applicants must qualify for the program and be ready and able to work in any geographic location within Jefferson County.  Each applicant must also attend a mandatory Orientation session, which will be scheduled in May and June.  Applicants will be notified of the date, time and location of the Orientation.  

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During this Orientation, the applicant is required to bring in: original working papers, current photo ID, social security card or birth certificate and proof of your qualification into the SYEP (Medicaid insurance card, proof of receiving public assistance and/or proof of income).  The WorkPlace staff will notify applicants of what documentation is required for Orientation Day. Please be sure to answer phone calls or return messages (voicemail) from WorkPlace staff in a timely manner.  

Scroll further down this page to find more information on how to obtain your original working papers. 

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Workers will also participate with an event held at Westcott's Beach and a team building event prior to the first day of work. More details will be provided to those who will participate in the SYEP. 

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Applications can be submitted by fax (315-786-3679 or 315-786-7665), email (ebrown@co.jefferson.ny.us), regular mail or in person via our outdoor mailbox (1000 Coffeen Street). 

This program is separate from the Summer Youth Employment Program.  Young adults between ages 16-24 may apply for this program. 

The application for this program can be found here:   Youth Employment Program Application 

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The WIOA Work Experience Program provides temporary job placement and subsidized income for a period of time.  Many participants have gone on to work in unsubsidized employment and will remain at the worksite that they have been placed in!  Applicants must qualify for this program by answering "Yes" to one of the questions below:.

1. Is the applicant a high school dropout?
2. Has the applicant ever been detained, arrested, or have any involvement with the criminal justice system?
3. Is the applicant homeless?
4. Has the applicant ever been in the foster care system and/or aged out of the system?
5. Is the applicant pregnant and/or already has a child/children?
6. Does the applicant have a documented learning, emotional or physical disability?

NOT SURE WHAT CAREER OR MAJOR TO CHOOSE?

Click on the links below to learn more about your personality and career interests!

https://sunyjefferson.emsicc.com/assessment?region=Watertown,%20NY&radius= - Jefferson Community College's Career Coach provides a real time assessment of career options based on your level of interest in specific functions.

http://whoami.typefocus.com/ - Personality is what makes you unique! The better you know yourself, the better choices you will make in regards to your career.

https://career.missouri.edu/career-interest-game/ - This is an activity that is designed to help you match your interests and skills with similar careers.

NEED YOUR WORKING PAPERS?

If you are under age 18, you need working papers in order to have a job in New York State.  Please contact the guidance office of the school district that you live in to schedule an appointment to fill out an application and provide documentation to the guidance counselor.  You will also need to have a physical or provide proof that you have had a physical within the last year. 

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For ages 14 & 15, BLUE working papers are required.  For ages 16 & 17, GREEN working papers are required.  For ages 16 & 17 who are not in school, PEACH or TAN working papers are required.

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Below is a list of the school districts in Jefferson County.  Please visit the links next to the school district for further information on guidance counselors.

Alexandria - https://www.alexandriacentral.org/departments/counseling/index

Belleville Henderson - https://www.bhpanthers.org/domain/98

Carthage High School - https://hs.carthagecsd.org/information/school_counseling / Middle School: https://ms.carthagecsd.org/en-US/counseling-guidance-page-cd63bee8

General Brown - https://www.gblions.org/domain/54

Indian River High School - https://sites.google.com/ircsd.org/irhscounseling/ / Middle School: https://sites.google.com/ircsd.org/irmsguidance/home

LaFargeville - https://sites.google.com/lafargevilleapps.org/lcscounselingcenter

Lyme - https://www.lymecsd.org/Page/744

Sackets Harbor - https://www.sacketspatriots.org/departments/school_counseling_office

South Jeff - https://www.spartanpride.org/districtpage.cfm?pageid=1759

Thousand Islands - https://www.1000islandsschools.org/departments/guidance

Watertown High School - https://sites.google.com/watertowncsd.org/watertownhighschoolschoolcouns/the-counseling-office / Case Middle School -  https://case.watertowncsd.org/academics/school-counseling-department

IHC - https://www.ihcschool.org/

                             NEED TO GET A PHOTO ID?

The Jefferson County Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office is located at 175 Arsenal St. in Watertown. Many transactions, such as applying for a driver's permit, can be done online. However, some transactions must be completed in person and/or by a parent/guardian. 

There are two types of photo ID's that will apply to you:

1) Non-Driver ID: This form of identification will provide proof of your identity, but will not allow you to operate a vehicle. You must apply in person at the DMV office for this ID.

2) Driver's Permit / License: This form of identification will provide proof of your identity and will allow you to operate a vehicle. 

There is a fee in applying for your ID; however, the fee may be waived if you receive public assistance. The cost of the fee varies based on your age and what type of ID you are applying for. 

If you are under age 21 and seeking a Non-Driver ID, a parent / guardian will need to fill out a form (MV-45) provided at the DMV office that will verify your identity. This form must be signed at the DMV office. The parent / guardian must also present 6 "points" of proof of their identity (see: ID-44 form). The applicant will also need to provide proof of date of birth and Social Security card.

For age 16 and under seeking a Non-Driver ID, a parent / guardian can apply for a Non-Driver ID for their child. The parent / guardian must complete a form (MV-45) from the DMV and provide their child's Social Security card and proof of date of birth.

You MUST have a photo ID in order to be employed! If you have any questions about the Non-Driver ID process, more information can be found at this link - New York DMV | Get a non-driver ID card (ny.gov) 

If you are seeking your Driver's Permit / Driver's License, please follow this link (New York DMV | How to get a learner permit (ny.gov) for more information. 

YOUR FIRST BANK ACCOUNT & DIRECT DEPOSIT!

Are you ready to open a bank account?! While there are many institutions to choose from and different types of accounts (checking account, savings account), the information below will provide some direction in choosing a bank or credit union and what type of account works best for you!

A Checking Account is mainly for frequent use (grocery shopping, regular purchases, paying monthly bills, etc.). A Savings Account is for a longer term purpose, such as a down payment for a home. 

To set up an account, you may visit any bank / credit union and speak to a representative.  Depending on which institution you select, the institution may allow you to set up an account online through their website.  Be advised that most institutions will require you to have a small amount of money (usually no more than $25.00) placed in your account in order to complete the process.  You also may receive a free gift for signing up!

Some of the banking institutions in Jefferson County include, but are not limited to, the following:  Northern Federal Credit Union, Community Bank, Carthage Federal Savings & Loan, Watertown Savings Bank, AmeriCU Credit Union and KeyBank. 

Many jobs will require you to sign up for Direct Deposit to receive your paycheck. Direct deposit is the deposit of your money electronically into your bank account, instead of a paper check. Signing up for direct deposit is very easy and is of no cost to you!  Also, you may receive your paycheck sooner with direct deposit than with a paper check! To register for direct deposit, you will need the Account Number from your personal bank account and the Routing Number from your banking institution. You will provide this information to your employer. 

Most, if not all, banks / credit unions now have an app that can be downloaded to your phone so you can monitor your funds and transactions. It is important to monitor your account for any suspicious activity. If you are a victim of fraud, please contact your banking institution to report!

For questions or more information on our programs, please contact:

     Ethan Brown, Youth Employment Coordinator
     ebrown@co.jefferson.ny.us
      Phone:  315-786-3671

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Account Name: WorkPlaceYouth