A Riverside tenant who has been unemployed for seven years has found a new job within a week of the social landlord introducing a jobs guidance officer in its Dovecot office.

As part of its objective to help make tenants more prosperous by tackling financial exclusion and worklessness, Riverside has teamed up with Liverpool City Council to develop a 12-month pilot called Streets Ahead. As such, Riverside has welcomed a Guidance Officer from JET Service (Jobs, Education and Training) to its office on East Prescot Road.

Carlene Walsh will be based at the office five days a week, working closely with the housing and neighbourhood warden teams to promote jobs and training, targeting those most in need of employment support.

Carlene will be dedicated to engaging with local residents offering information, advice and guidance on jobs and the opportunity to register with JET. She will also be working from community venues holding job surgeries and will deliver a range of engagement activities.

Tenants and residents will be able to get help with writing CVs, interview techniques and skills and completing application forms. They can also have free use of computers, postage, a fax machine and telephone in relation to jobs or training.

Brian Green, who has been unemployed for nearly seven years, found a job as a mini-bus driver less than a week after Carlene started at Riverside’s office.

He said: "When I met Carlene in Riverside’s reception she told me about Streets Ahead and took me to her office to register me with JET and do an internet job search. She found a job as a mini bus driver, called the employer, sent over the CV she helped me with and arranged for me to have an interview the following day. I got a phone call on the Friday asking me to start work on the Monday. She also arranged for me to get a month’s bus pass to get me to and from work.

“After being unemployed for nearly seven years I can't believe how quick Carlene has worked her magic. If it wasn't for Carlene I would still be unemployed but now thanks to her we are going to have a fabulous Christmas. I really appreciate what she has done for me and my family.”

Yvonne Makin, Senior Neighbourhood Manager added: “Carlene is a welcome addition to the team. We’re already seeing positive results - the fact that one resident secured employment within the space of a week is very encouraging.”

For more information call in to see JET Officer Carlene Walsh at Riverside’s office on East Prescot Road or phone 0845 111 0000 or 0345 111 0000 to make an appointment.