FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Barbara Goins, Lee County Human Services, L.E.E. Program
               (239)-278-7887

JOB TRAINING AVAILABLE THROUGH COUNTY PROGRAM

Lee County Human Services is looking for low-income, working individuals who would like to get free job training in medical office skills.

The 7-month program starts October 19, 2004, and will graduate in May 2005. Screening and testing must be done ahead of time, so application must take place as soon as possible. Telephone interviews will be accepted July 19 - October 15. The class is filled on a first-come, first-served basis and fills up quickly.

The program won a 2001 National Association of Counties Achievement Award for employment and training and was the only county program in the United States to win a 2002 Public Service Excellence Award.

This training is available through the Lee Education and Employment Program and is funded by a Community Services Block Grant. The federal grant gives low-income persons the opportunity to raise their income and enter a new career at the front desk of a medical facility, in medical records, or in insurance billing.

All applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and pass a basic exam in reading, language and spelling.

Since all applicants are from working households, the classes are held at night, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday nights at the Professional Development Center at Southwest Florida College. The Medical Office skills (certificate) Program includes keyboarding and computer applications, medical terminology, medical office procedures, basic billing and coding, Medical Manager software, HIPAA training and CPA certification. The L.E.E. program covers all costs for tuition, books and childcare (during class hours), and assists with job placement.