The Erie County Department of Social Services annually recruits organizations and businesses to participate in the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP).
Having a variety of worksites is critical to the success of the program. Organizations/businesses will host youth for 16 to 20 hours per week.
The goal of the program is to provide youth with a meaningful work experience. The program helps youth acquire job skills that can be used to improve school performance, prepare for future employment and explore career pathways.
Youth participants are paid through the SYEP community agency and are compensated at least New York State minimum wage. Youth participants are covered under the SYEP community agency's Workers Compensation.
If you are interested in hosting a youth this summer, submit a completed worksite application and worksite agreement to:
Erie County Department of Social Services
Comprehensive Employment Division
290 Main St. - 10th floor
Buffalo, NY 14202
Please contact Michael Lavey at (716) 858-1068 or e-mail Michael.Lavey@erie.gov for additional information.
Organizations/businesses must:
- Adopt a sexual harassment policy in compliance with NYS requirements;
- Maintain a minimum ration of 1 supervisor to 10 youth workers;
- Not displace any current employee;
- Attend a mandatory orientation to review program rules and expectations;
Provider worksites will be contacted by the SYEP community agency to finalize the arrangement.
The health and safety of SYEP participants is essential. All workplace settings must comply with health and safety regulations and adhere to state and federal guidance. All SYEP placements must comply with current Center for Disease Control and New York State Department of Health COVID-19 guidelines and ensure a safe work environment for participants.
Please be advised that this program is contingent upon availability of New York State funds appropriated for the Summer Youth Employment Program.
Open the door to opportunities. Host a youth this summer.