AFSCME District Council 36 holds first job fair

On Saturday, July 27, AFSCME District Council 36 held its first job fair to recruit qualified people to fill the more than 1,000 open positions within the County of Los Angeles Probation Department.

Job seekers in attendance were able to fill out job applications on the spot, taking the first step toward a promising career. Attendees were also able to speak to current probation workers to get insight into what it takes to work in the probation department.

AFSCME Local 685, which represents employees in the probation department, has been dealing with massive understaffing. “The severe understaffing in our juvenile halls has caused tremendous issues for our existing staff and the minors we supervise,” said Jonathan Byrd, the 2nd vice president and chief steward for Local 685. “Classes and other activities sometimes are cancelled due to the lack of staffing, while our officers are subject to holdovers when there is no relief staff.”

While the staffing shortage is a huge challenge for probation workers, for people looking for a rewarding career, it is a chance to do rewarding work that empowers and inspires young lives. Which is why it was important for AFSCME District Council 36 to host the job fair and bring attention to the probation department. “The job fair is an excellent way to recruit new officers and help with staffing shortages,” said Stacy Ford, president of AFSCME Local 685.

AFSCME District Council 36 will continue to host job fairs to help fill open positions in local municipalities and to help its members that are dealing with understaffing.