Employers needed in Kings County for subsidized workers
CVBT
July 11, 2018
• Program takes care of workers comp and other expenses
• “The participants that have been sent my way want to work and are willing to learn”
Public and non-profit agencies in Kings County that need more workers but don’t have the money might be able to get help
from a subsidized workforce of individuals who have been affected by recent natural disasters.
The program is also open to private firms that have positions available that are specifically for clean-up and repair of a public
or private non-profit facility. It’s being managed by Proteus Inc., a Hanford-based private non-profit community-based organization has received
$185,868 in funding for it from La Cooperativa de Campesina .
Currently, Proteus is partnering with the city of Hanford’s public works department and has placed 20 workers within the
department. “Having the extra help to address work duties is helpful beyond words,” says Tim Breashers, parks and grounds superintendent
with Kings County Public Works. “The participants that have been sent my way want to work and are willing to learn.”
Proteus will handle payroll functions and cover workers compensation costs. Prevailing wages are paid to all participants. Other agencies participating in the program include Kings County public works, Corcoran public works, and Lemoore public works.
“I would like to emphasize that Proteus recruits the participants, handles all the paperwork and payroll functions,” says Araceli
Ochoa of Proteus. “This is a fantastic opportunity to assist individuals to connect with work and at the same time help
improve our local communities. All the worksites are required to be in Kings County.”
Low-income individuals who live in Kings County and who are temporarily or permanently laid off work as a consequence of a
natural disaster are eligible as are self-employed individuals who became unemployed or significantly underemployed as a
result of the disaster.
Kings County has been recognized as an area that is at risk for a flood post drought. This program is designed to provide
temporary employment for those residents who have been unemployed due to the disaster or long-term unemployed as a
result of previous disasters, as well as provide relief for local organizations to assist in clean-up and/or repair of the site, a
Proteus spokesman explains in an email to CVBT.
Each worker will have a worksite agreement for up to six months or $14,000, whichever comes first, he adds. The program is set to end September 30, “however Proteus is hopeful for an extension.” Additional worksites are needed in order to achieve program goals and help local residents. For more information contact
Petra Solano at (559) 582-9253.
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