Taking on the responsibility of a job is a big step. Earning money is exciting for youth and they may forget schoolwork. As a parent, you will need to help them balance school work and a job. To help a youth get work experience or earn some money before they are ready to take on the responsibility of a job, encourage them to baby-sit, do yard work or odd jobs, or volunteer. (See Volunteering.) Remember that any work they do, paying or non-paying, can help build a work record that will help them get future jobs.

Getting Ready

Before a youth applies for a job, have him/her make a list of work experience, volunteer activities, odd jobs, and of adults who can give them recommendations. S/he will need a Social Security Card and a photo identification. To get a Social Security Card, they can call (315)789-0809 or (800)772-1213. A driver's license, or a picture school identification will be accepted as a photo identification. If s/he doesn't have either of these, go to the nearest Motor Vehicle Office to get a non-driver picture identification.

If a youth is under age 18, s/he will need to get working papers/work permit. S/he can get the forms at their local high school. A physical will be required. The youth should check with the school to see if the school will do this or if s/he has to go to a private doctor.

Wages and Hours

Minimum wage is $5.15 per hour (visit www.labor.state.ny.us for more information). Some employers pay higher than minimum wage or may pay a shift differential (for example: persons working at night may get more per hour than those that work days). In some jobs like restaurants, employers can pay less than minimum wage. It is important that the youth ask about pay before taking the job. Youth are also limited as to the number of hours they can work based upon their age, day of the week, and school year vs. summer.

The following chart tells you what the limits are.

Once a youth gets a job, s/he will have to fill out a form for the Federal and State governments called a W-4 form. The employer can assist in completing this form. At the end of the year, s/he will have to fill out a form for income tax. In most cases, a youth will get a refund of all or part of the money withheld. Forms can be picked up at the library. (See Libraries.) Also, see Education for a listing of vocational training programs.

Getting Leads

Here are some of the best ways to learn about job openings. First, have the youth tell everyone that s/he is looking for a job. Most people get leads for jobs by word of mouth. Youth may use other resources, such as the classified section of the newspaper, bulletin boards at schools, libraries, community centers, businesses or government offices, help wanted signs, or the Red Cross Volunteer Directory. There are several industries that typically hire young people, including fast food restaurants, car washes, movie theaters and stores.

Once a teen has identified a lead, encourage him/her to contact the employment office of the company or the manager (if there's no separate employment office) to inquire about the job. Have him/her take to their job interview all the papers needed (Social Security Card, picture identification, and work permit, if s/he is under 18).

Getting Help

As a parent or a person working with youth, you can assist by: sharing job leads, letting friends and colleagues know that a youth is looking for a job, helping complete a job application form, assisting in writing a resume, and practicing standard interview questions. It is also helpful to share with youth your experiences in seeking and maintaining employment. Youth model what they see. If a youth sees you as a responsible and conscientious worker, the youth will be more likely to be successfully employed.

The American Red Cross offers a one day certificate Babysitting Course for youth 11-14 years of age. The course is given in several locations. There is a cost of $25.00 ($30.00 after July 2004). Call (585)394-2260 or (315)789-1522 for more information.

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