Veterans Career Network Opportunities

Veterans, get assistance from human resource professionals every Thursday from 10:30—12 noon at the Stratton VA Medical Center, 113 Holland Ave, Room 603C, Albany, NY 12208

Upcoming presentations by Century Solar Supply/Questar III on November 6th and Upstate Transit of Saratoga on November 20th. For more information call 518-626-5150. Drop-ins are welcome.

VeteransCareer

November 2014 Newsletter – Becoming Saints

Ok, the newsletter is two days late. Remember, it did take time for some to become saints…

November calls us to reflect on the lives of the saints and to pray for all those journeying toward the beatific vision. Join us in prayer for the faithful departed throughout November. Beyond remembering, we are called to become saints ourselves. Check out our newsletter and discover how to become a saint. Be an active part of the church this November because giving thanks to and praising God is not just a one-day-a-year event.

You may view and download a copy of our November 2014 Newsletter right here.

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Reflection for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time 2014

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Living the model
Church

But we were gentle among you, like a nurse taking care of her children. For you remember our labor and toil, brethren; we worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you, while we preached to you the gospel of God. And we also thank God constantly for this.

What is the model Church? Paul’s letter to the Church at Thessalonica gives us some clues of what it means to live the model Church, to be part of it, to live lives as models of Jesus’ call to discipleship.

This weekend also presents us with a vision of what will happen for those who have modeled discipleship in the model Church – they will become saints.

A model is an ideal. It may be a model practice, a model process – it is the best way of going about something so to reach success. In business we might see model sales practices or model accountability processes.

So what does it mean to be model Christians in the model Church? As mentioned, Paul gave us some clues.

To live model lives of discipleship in the model Church we must allow the Gospel to make an impact on our lives as it did on the Thessalonians. They received and lived the Gospel faithfully and Paul had praised them for it. If we take up their model practices we will live faithfully, labor diligently, and remain steadfast in the love of the Lord. We will be fully convicted of the absolute truth of Jesus’ way of life. We will imitate the lives of the saints. We will receive and proclaim God’s way of life – the Gospel – even in the face of much suffering and opposition because our true joy is in the Holy Spirit and the promise of everlasting life (something we particularly remember all of November). The model Church proclaims and teaches all these things, is godly in its conduct, and has its sole focus on leading people to God’s truth, in no way ‘watering it down.’

Paul himself lived a model life – calling non-believers to the faith, being gentle in teaching those new to the faith, working hard, not making a burden of himself, and boldly proclaiming the Gospel – never being ashamed of it; fully trusting in the Holy Spirit.

God has placed opportunity all around us. We meet people and are called to model Christ to them, to share the true faith, and to welcome them into faith. We are to work hard and even suffer by being counter-cultural – saying no to the sin of ‘everything goes.’ True and eternal freedom comes through Jesus, and faithfulness to Him. Model discipleship in the model Church, sainthood, calls us to live and work in such a way as to advance the cause of the gospel in our lives and the lives of others. We receive the word of God… accept it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God. And, we put it to work.

Reflection for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time 2014

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We must do
justice!

Thus says the LORD: “You shall not molest or oppress an alien, for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt. You shall not wrong any widow or orphan. If ever you wrong them and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry. If you lend money to one of your poor neighbors among my people, you shall not act like an extortioner toward him by demanding interest from him. If you take your neighbor’s cloak as a pledge, you shall return it to him before sunset; for this cloak of his is the only covering he has for his body. What else has he to sleep in? If he cries out to me, I will hear him; for I am compassionate.”

When we think of the Old Testament, what is the first thought that comes to mind? For some it is the personalities – Adam, Even, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Ruth, Esther, Isaiah and the prophets. For some, it is the journeys – the exodus and journey to the Promised Land, the exiles, and the returns to Jerusalem.

For others, the Old Testament is filled with judgment, war, betrayal, and hard laws. Some point to the many slaughters that took place and even question how God could condone such things.

Regardless of perspective, what most fail to recognize is that the Old Testament is replete with God’s call to justice. He continually called His people to do justice to their own and to those who were foreigners. His prophets continually called the rulers and people to recall justice and put aside injustice. Micah spoke to the rulers and priests saying: Hear, you heads of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel! Is it not for you to know justice?

A really quick reference review indicates 212 biblical verses about justice; another 22 refer to acting justly.

Jesus came to offer humanity the fullness of God’s promise, to complete the law of the Old Testament. He came not to act as an opponent of the law. His goal was not to prevent its fulfillment. Rather, He revered it, loved it, obeyed it, and brought it to fruition. He fulfilled God’s call to perfect obedience and in obedience He acted with perfect justice. He calls us to live the very same justice. “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind… You shall love your neighbor as yourself. The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.”

As followers of Jesus Christ, we recognize His command as perfect. Like Him, we must know and do justice. To do justice we must first and foremost recognize the inherent human dignity of each person and do nothing to diminish it, to steal it, or hurt it. By actions and work our parish family builds human dignity. As we do here, we must do every day in our homes, work, and leisure.

Job Opportunities for the Week of October 20, 2014

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The Schenectady County Office of Facilities has a full-time opportunity available for a Plumber.

Salary: The 2014 salary is $47,843 (grade 15, step 1).

Minimum Qualifications: Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and four (4) years of experience as a journeyman plumber. At the time of appointment, must possess a certificate of competency (Licensed Master Plumber) issued by the appropriate examining Board of Plumbers and must also possess a valid New York State Driver’s License and must maintain such license throughout duration of appointment. Permanent appointment to positions in the County is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.

Application: Civil Service applications will be accepted from applicants who meet the minimum qualifications. CSEA bargaining unit members within the department will be given preference in appointment, based on seniority.

Submit applications to the County Personnel Department, County Building 2nd Floor by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2014.

Fostering Hope Development Coordinator – Fostering Hope Foundation

Fostering Hope Foundation is seeking a part-time capital development coordinator for its new site in the Capital Region. A full job description is available on-line.

Fostering Hope is a nonprofit family foundation dedicated to the mission of affirming and supporting foster parents in their task of caring for neglected and abused children. Our goal is to improve the outcomes of youth in foster care, and our vision is to improve foster care nationally. Fostering Hope assists in integrating volunteers from the faith community into the lives of foster families in order to provide the stability, normal developmental experiences, and community connections that every child needs to thrive. This engagement also creates public interest in the foster care system and in improving the quality of foster care.

Job Description: We are seeking a dynamic, experienced individual who will be instrumental in maintaining and growing capital resources for our incubator site in New York’s Capital Region. This person will have expertise in fundraising and capital development in support of nonprofit organizations. He or she will be based in the offices of Welfare Research, Inc. in Albany, N.Y., will collaborate with the local Fostering Hope Program Coordinator, and receive training and support from Fostering Hope’s headquarters.

Responsibilities: Prepare an annual development plan, revenue budget, and timeline; Utilize a variety of methods (e.g., civic group affiliations, fundraising campaigns, church relationships, granting foundation relationships) to build revenue for the program; Research granting foundations and write effective grant proposals and reports; Build relationships in the community to raise awareness of the Fostering Hope program; Provide monthly reports reflecting financial donations and expenses; and Establish and maintain donor management system.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree or higher; Excellent communication and relational skills; At least 3-5 years of successful experience in fundraising; Demonstrated ability to prepare and execute development plans; Experience with donor tracking software; Working knowledge of budgeting and accounting procedures; and Familiarity with capital development strategies and techniques, such major gift cultivation and solicitation, grant writing and reporting, events, etc. Experience with Benevon system a plus.

Location: Albany, NY
Position Type: Part Time leading to Full-Time
Compensation: Commensurate with experience

Resumes and cover letters may be E-mailed or mailed to: Welfare Research Institute (WRI), 14 Columbia Circle, Suite 104, Albany, NY 12203.

Employment Opportunities at Northeast Parent & Child Society

We encourage applications from historically under-represented groups as well as individuals who have experience working with diverse populations; women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply.

This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity to become part of a dynamic, diverse, friendly and passionate team.

As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer, Northeast Parent and Child Society, Inc. will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran or disability status or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.

Protecting children, preserving families, and strengthening communities since 1888

Receptionist – Northeast Parent & Child Society

The receptionist will provide assistance to the Administration Offices, including greeting and assisting visitors, making and directing phone calls and communicating information to all Agency staff.

Skills/Qualifications: H.S diploma, G.E.D required with at least one year of experience with reception, general office support functions. Applicants must possess excellent customer service skills.

Work schedule: 12pm-8pm. Schedule may change, flexibility required.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

To learn more about and apply for this position please visit us on-line.

Recruiter (Home Finder) – Northeast Parent & Child Society

The Foster Family Program (TFFP) at Northeast Parent & Child Society invites applications for a full-time Recruiter (Home Finder) for its office in the Johnstown area.

The Foster Family Program at Northeast Parent & Child Society provides foster and pre-adoptive foster homes for abused and neglected children from birth through age 21. Each foster parent receives intensive training and ongoing professional support to promote a positive, successful experience. The Recruiter (Home Finder) is responsible for recruiting, training and assisting Foster Parents in receiving placements.

Skills/Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in social work or human services with 3 – 5 years’ experience working in social services required. Experience with training desired. Must be very flexible, have a high level of engagement and assessment skills, and have demonstrated positive experience working with diverse populations; marketing skills a plus

Work Schedule: 40 hours a week (flexible schedule), some weekends and evenings required.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

To learn more about and apply for this position please visit us on-line.

Clinical Case Manager – Northeast Parent & Child Society

Northeast Parent & Child Society, one of New York State’s most innovative human service agencies, invites application for a Clinical Case Manager with IAPP in our Johnstown, NY office.

The Intensive Aftercare Prevention Program (IAPP) provides six to nine months of intensive services to families whose children are either at risk of being removed from their homes or are already in placement. The goals of the program are to prevent out-of-home placement for troubled children, provide a safe environment to return children already in placement, and prevent future out-of-home placement.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Develop treatment plans to assist youth succeed with current issues. Develop a psychosocial assessment. Connect with the youth’s family to monitor progress and support the family’s effort to keep the youth safe. Ensure the coordination of services with service providers and collaterals involved with the youth and his/her family. Complete paperwork properly and within agency, county and state guidelines. Ability and willingness to do the job as changes arise.

Education / Experience: Bachelor’s degree in social work, sociology, criminal justice, psychology, human services or related field. Experience working with at-risk youth and families. Home and community based experience a plus.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 8:30AM – 5PM. Some evening hours depending on client need and schedule. On-call rotation for evenings, weekends and holidays.

To learn more about and apply for this position please visit us on-line.

Albany County Department of Civil Service Opportunities

Please be aware that new exam announcements, including Correction Officer, have been posted on the Albany County Department of Civil Service website.

Capital District Educational Opportunity Center – Coordinator for Insitutional Advancement (EOC-NTP-77)

Applications are being accepted for the Coordinator for Insitutional Advancement on the Non-teaching Professional staff at the Capital District Educational Opportunity center, which provides vocational and academic training to economically and educationally disadvantaged adults.

Minimum qualifications: Master’s Degree and four years’ relevant experience. Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Power Point and Access required. Education and/or experience must directly relate to the areas of marketing, public relations, communications, recruitment, grant writing, planning and research, and/or development. Familiarity with SCT Banner highly desirable; Experience in developing and managing surveys and research projects desirable; Experience working with educationally and economically disadvantaged population or post- secondary education highly desirable.

Duties and or Responsibilities: The Coordinator of Institutional Advancement (CIA) reports to the Vice President/Executive Director (VP/ED) of the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC, center), a division of Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC, college) and is responsible for all aspects of the center’s activities relative to marketing, public relations, communications, recruitment, enrollment development, EOC web site and social network development and maintenance, special events, government and alumni relations, resource development, grants, fundraising, and community relations. The CIA performs the following duties: Works closely with the VP/ED on development of policies and strategies for each of the assigned areas. Meets annually established goals for areas of responsibility. Develops, recommends and implements policies and procedures as needed. Recommends and works in conjunction with other staff on matters for improving systems and/or increasing center effectiveness. Manages the center’s external and internal marketing, public relations and communications, media, and recruitment activities. Coordinates, interfaces, and works closely with EOC and college departments and staff on matters relevant to assigned areas of responsibility. Coordinates, researches, writes and distributes marketing materials, publications, news releases, communications, reports, remarks, Power Point presentations, correspondence, newsletters, brochures, solicitation materials, and other institutional documents and materials as may be determined to support the EOC and its various departments. Coordinates and prepares updates to the EOC’s Web and social media sites. Coordinates and updates EOC information as maintained in external websites and materials. Works with college marketing department to pitch positive stories regarding the EOC to the media and solicit publicity by securing interviews and arranging for public appearances. Acts as liaison with media on behalf of EOC in coordination with the college. Oversees the EOC’s relationship with its advertising agency of record and other vendors as necessary. Provides leadership and strategies to support the areas of admissions and recruitment, business development and government relations. Develops recruitment plans and materials that meet EOC enrollment needs. Interfaces with EOC staff and departments to identify and coordinate promotional, recruitment, and marketing opportunities and materials. Supervises EOC recruitment staff. Researches, pursues, and writes grants. Oversees and coordinates grants as assigned. Coordinates submissions of all grants initiated by other Center staff. Serves as the center’s liaison with the college’s director of grants. Identifies, researches, analyzes, and evaluates prospective fund raising opportunities and gift donors. Oversees, coordinates, develops, recommends, and implements all center activities related to fund raising, solicitation, and gift giving. Serves as EOC liaison to the Hudson Valley Community College Foundation in planning and implementing fund raising and donation activities that benefit the EOC. Oversees EOC’s operational planning process and assists the VP/ED in formation of updated plans; Researches, develops, conducts, implements, analyzes, and/or reports internally and/or externally on information, research, studies, and/or statistics relevant to the EOC. Assesses the performance and effectiveness of center programs and services including: enrollment, attrition, retention, completion, academic progress, placement and other pertinent statistical information. Assesses the needs of the community for courses, programs, and educational services for incorporation into the Center’s programming and recommends additions, modifications or deletions based on information gathered. Coordinates, plans, oversees, and implements EOC special events. Acts as liaison to the EOC retirees, alumni, and community partners. Identifies and cultivates potential volunteers for the EOC. Supervises and evaluates staff as directed; Represents the VP/ED as directed; Performs other duties as assigned.

The Salary Range is available upon request.

Cover letter and current resume clearly labeled with the code EOC-NTP-77 must be received or postmarked on or before October 31, 2014. To access employment information please visit our website.

Please Respond To: Office of Human Resources, Hudson Valley Community College, 80 Vandenburgh Avenue, Troy, New York 12180. Fax: (518) 629-4874.

Reflection for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time and Heritage Sunday

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What is it we
worship?

Knowing their malice, Jesus said, “Why are you testing me, you hypocrites? Show me the coin that pays the census tax.” Then they handed him the Roman coin. He said to them, “Whose image is this and whose inscription?” They replied, “Caesar’s.” At that he said to them, “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.”

Today our Holy Church calls us to recall and honor the heritage of our members and of all people. It is a celebration of who we are as people — the gifts God has given us. More importantly, the Church calls us to properly order what is most important in our lives.

Whether our ancestors came to this country as immigrants, as indentured servants or involuntarily as slaves – we are called to honor their heritage and innate human dignity. We are to remember the struggles they faced and the battles they fought to grasp the freedom, honor, and dignity they and we are all entitled to. Where we come from is important because it is a part of who we are. Each culture and heritage enriches our common life and we share in each other’s heritage as members of God’s family.

The early Church recognized the gifts the faithful brought to the Church. Most importantly, it recognized that in Jesus Christ we all have equal membership in the one family of faith regardless of background. Heritage is a gift to be shared in the one family of faith. Thus, St. Paul reminded the Church at Galatia: There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.

While we honor each person’s heritage, we must remember that in Jesus we are equal members in His family and that we are called to properly order what we worship.

What does that mean? It means that while we honor heritage and the gifts of each nation we must not make heritage or nation an object of worship.

Jesus is reminding the Pharisees of this proper ordering. Our first and foremost obligation is to give to God what is God’s. When we let anything interfere with the proper ordering of our relationship with Him – politics, national affinity, or heritage – when we quibble over this or that being most important, we lose touch with that which must come first in our lives.

Jesus’ response to His questioners offers us a guide to properly ordering our worship. The Roman coin – Caesar’s – referred to him as a god. Jesus reminded them (and us) that we cannot give worship to both God and Caesar. We have to choose our focus of worship and properly order our priorities. We should chose only God as the sole focus of our devotion and worship. By placing Him first we clearly proclaim that He alone is our God.

Attention Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Brownies

PNCC Scouting

The Polish National Catholic Church has an active Scouting program and the Church’s youth and adults may earn awards as follows:

pncc_love pncc_country God and Community Award pncc_bishop

  • Cub Scouts and Brownies: Love of God – The Love of God Emblem program is for Cub Scouts and Brownies in Grades 2 through 5.
  • Boy Scouts: God and Country – The God and Country Program is for Scouts from the age of 11 to 21 and focuses on Christian spirit and faith, fellowship, church participation and fellowship, church service and Christianity in action.
  • Girl Scouts: God and Community
  • Adult Members: Bishop Thaddeus F. Zielinski Award

For more information and detailed award program requirements please contact:

Polish National Catholic Church Committee on Scouting
Mr. Richard Daum
11 Everette Place
Wayne, NJ 07470
E-mail

Girl Scout Camp Open House

A Girl Scout camp open house will take place on Saturday, October 26th from 9:30am till 12:30pm at Camp Woodhaven in Galway, New York. For more information and directions, please contact the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York by E-mail.

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