MALONE — Franklin County’s Summer Employment Program starts next month, and the nonprofit organization that runs it is seeking two kinds of people: youths interested in developing their job skills and employers interested in training the next generation.

The program will operate from July 10 through Aug. 19 and will serve 14- through 20-year-olds in both the northern and southern ends of the county. They will work approximately 35 hours per week and receive $14.20 an hour in compensation. Participants can also expect to acquire work experience, career exploration information, references, and skills in doing a job, keeping a job and being ready for the workforce.

Catholic Charities is running the program under sub-contract with the Franklin County Department of Social Services.

Work site supervisors are indispensable to this program, and Catholic Charities is requesting applications from employers who wish to take part: private businesses as well as public or nonprofit agencies. Program applications are brief, to the point and should take less than 10 minutes to complete, Catholic Charities says.

Catholic Charities will match youth to work sites by considering both the participant’s and the work site’s needs and requirements. Applicants will be evaluated on a competitive basis and will be assessed through the interview process. Income guidelines apply; eligibility is 200% of poverty guidelines.

Each youth will be assigned a program counselor who will provide support to both the youth and the work site supervisor.

Catholic Charities is responsible for ensuring the program functions within the guidelines set by New York State Department of Labor rules and regulations as well as TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) legislation. A youth may not be a substitute for a regular employee. Participating work sites should have appropriate safety measures in place to address COVID-19 pandemic. No site will be risk free, but the work site should follow all state Department of Health rules, regulations and protocols. The program will pay participant wages, fringe benefits and worker’s compensation insurance.

Employers interested in participating should call Catholic Charities in Malone at 518-483-1460. All applications must be submitted by Thursday, June 22.

Young people interested in participating can pick up applications at schools and youth-serving agencies throughout Franklin County, or at Catholic Charities, St. Andre Outreach Center, 12 Homestead Park, Malone. They can also request an application by email or mail by contacting Catholic Charities at 518-483-1460.

After completing the application with required parent/guardian signatures, a youth needs to schedule an interview by calling Catholic Charities at 518-483-1460. Interviews will begin immediately. Positions will be filled quickly.

Hours to reach Catholic Charities by phone are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to noon Fridays.