07/29 - New Resource for Lackawanna County Nonprofit Agencies and Job Seekers

Job applicants and nonprofit employers in Lackawanna County can now meet on-line at www.LackawannaInfo.org, an interactive Web site launched by The University of Scranton's Nonprofit Resource Center.

A new feature added to the Web site this summer lets nonprofit agencies registered with Lackawanna County's Voluntary Action Center post job opportunities on the site.

"Human resource staffing is an area of concern for local nonprofit agencies," said Barbara Thomas Parkman, director, The University of Scranton Nonprofit Resource Center. "At their request, we added the Career Opportunities page to the Web site."

The site provides links for job seekers to research specific job vacancies and employers.

"Increased competition has forced area nonprofits to use innovative tools like the Web to reach more prospective employees," said Ms. Parkman.

According to Don Broderick, executive director, the ARC of Lackawanna County, nonprofit agencies use a variety of staff recruitment tools, including traditional classified ads, television and radio announcements, and even financial incentives for staff members who refer their family or friends for employment.

"The internet connects agencies to new populations - those in other communities or in other career fields who find the Web a quick and convenient way to research jobs," said Mr. Broderick.

Currently LackawannaInfo.org has 24 jobs listed ranging from entry-level and part-time positions to full-time professional positions requiring graduate degrees.

The University of Scranton's Nonprofit Resource Center partnered with the Voluntary Action Center and the university's Royal Technology Group to launch www.LackawannaInfo.org in December to improve communication among area non-profit organizations and their constituents. Project funding came from the Scranton Area Foundation, Margaret Briggs Foundation, United Way of Lackawanna County, Lackawanna County Department of Human Services, and the university.

The site includes an interactive database of contact and mission information on all Lackawanna County nonprofit agencies registered with the Voluntary Action Center, as well as a calendar of events and links to volunteer opportunities and volunteer resources, such as the university's Collegiate Volunteers Office.

The university's Royal Technology Group provided the technical assistance needed to create the Web site and hosts the site.

For additional information contact The University of Scranton Nonprofit Resource Center at 570-941-4050, or by email at parkmanb2@scranton.edu.