The Employment Services Center (ESC) applies a unique approach to creating safer communities and reducing offender recidivism by helping prepare individuals who are under probation supervision to join, rejoin and remain in the workforce. Through collaborative efforts with the New York State Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives (DPCA), the New York State Department of Labor (DOL), local not-for-profit agencies and local employers, the ESC has developed and implemented an employment readiness and retention program called Ready, Set, Work! This five-week intensive program helps participants to: properly complete employment applications, enhance interview skills, overcome barriers, implement job search strategies, retain employment and develop marketable skills.

Once the individual has completed Ready, Set, Work!, the ESC will assist in the process of finding and retaining employment, refining the skills learned in Ready, Set, Work!. The overall goal is not merely finding a job but securing a meaningful and rewarding vocation.

Relationships with local employers are developed and maintained to help place and retain good employees.  Barriers and challenges are overcome and community safety is enhanced. The ESC is available to all probationers for resume building, leads on potential employers and various other employment related assistance. 

For further information on Albany County Probation’s Employment Services Center, please contact Kimberly Pelletier, Senior Probation Officer/Probationer Employment Liaison (Kimberly.Pelletier@albanycountyny.gov) or Maurice Rucker, Assistant Community Program Educator (Maurice.Rucker@albanycountyny.gov) or call (518) 487-5196.