SIT STUDENT MATERIALS

 

Materials and information from Classes January 23 & 24, 2025

Transportation Training short presentation

Transportation in Brattleboro full booklet 1.13.2025

SIT Bus Service Short Schedule_from Moover 01-06-25

Transportation Training Map

Transportation Training Map – Unmarked

Understanding US Workplaces – Employment Services Presentation

Trusted Employment Resources

Government Employment Services Provider: Vermont Department of Labor

Vermont Department of Labor (VDOL) helps job seekers access employment, education, training, and support to succeed in the labor market. Visit https://labor.vermont.gov or the downtown office at 28 Vernon St Suite 410, Brattleboro, VT 05301. Online services include resume trainings, job search. In person facilities include computers and technical support for job search.

Trusted Online Job Search Sites

• Vermont Job Link – VDOL site: https://www.vermontjoblink.com
• Vermont.gov – Government jobs: https://careers.vermont.gov
• School Spring – Education Jobs: https://www.schoolspring.com
• Town of Brattleboro: https://secure4.saashr.com/ta/6155296.careers?CareersSearch
• Indeed: Indeed.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/

Other Resources for Job Seeking Refugees

• Career One Stop: Official government national web site on careers and jobs including training and skills or credential requirements for any career https://www.careeronestop.org/
• USAHello: USAHello provides immigrant communities with educational information and resources for education, work, immigration and more. https://usahello.org/about-us/
• Upwardly Global: Provides advice on careers and jobseeking to immigrants in the U.S. https://www.upwardlyglobal.org/

Avoiding Job Scams and Identity Theft

In order to apply for a job, you should not be asked for private and sensitive information like your Social Security Number and Date of Birth. However, some employment applications include this information because employers like the option to do things like criminal or credit checks. Once a job offer has been made, you must complete a W2 tax form and provide I9 eligible paperwork relating to your immigration and work authorization. If the job is a “gig” job where you are not a regular employee, they should ask for a W9 tax form to ensure you receive the correct tax documents in 2026 to file taxes, as needed.

More on Job Scams from a trusted source, the Vermont Department of Labor:

• Be wary of any employer offering employment without an interview, either in person or by phone.
• Be wary of employers who can be contacted only by email, and who don’t or won’t provide a mailing address and telephone number.
• Be wary of any employer who charges a fee to either employ you, or find employment for you. Charging a fee is prohibited under the Vermont JobLink Employer Use Policy. If an employer attempts to charge a fee for a job that was listed on Vermont JobLink, please contact your local American Job Center.
• Do not provide your Social Security number or any other sensitive information to an employer unless the employer has made a commitment to hire you, and doing so is part of the actual hiring orientation.
• Research the employer to ensure authenticity.
• Avoid vague job offers. If the employer is not willing to specifically describe the position, during the interview, be very careful. Be sure to get specific salary, benefits, and other pertinent information if you are offered a job.

It may seem difficult and tedious to spend the time verifying that an employer is legitimate, or taking the time to work with trusted staff or volunteers to ensure your application and hiring process are safe and legal. But the consequences can be serious, from being liable for unpaid taxes to identity theft.

Identity theft is very serious and the process to recover from an identity theft difficult, so it’s critical to avoid compromising your personal data. More on identity theft and what to do from a trusted source, the Federal Trade Commission:

With your SSN and DOB someone can steal your identity which typically allows them to:

• Make withdrawals from your bank account.
• Run up debts that you will be responsible for including taking out credit cards in your name or signing contracts on your behalf.
• Work under your name and identity, creating a record that links you to income which makes you ineligible for scholarships and liable for unpaid taxes.
• Conduct illegal activities that may incur fines, or even conduct illegal activity, that is linked back to your identity. This is the most worrisome situation given your immigration status and the legal resources that may be required to clear such a situation.

TENT Partnership for Refugees

SIT has partnered with TENT, a national non-profit that connects refugees with professionals from over 400 major companies through mentorships. This program provides an opportunity for refugee students to receive career guidance from industry professionals who align with their career goals. The application period is not open yet but we will let you know when you can apply.

Find more information here: https://www.tent.org/ 

Watch the information session recording here:

View the slides here: Tent Mentorship Programs_US