what is more than words?
We are a nonprofit job training program where you’ll learn important job skills and get paid to develop and implement plans for your future. You'll work here for 6-12 months and then graduate into the Career Services Program, where you can get support for an additional two years and beyond.
what will i be doing?
At More Than Words you will have two jobs: a Business Job and a YOU Job. In the Business Job you will receive training and learn job skills. In your YOU Job, you will be paid to work on yourself.
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Manage Online Inventory and Ship Orders
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Go Out on Trucks to Source Donations
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Sort and Market Clothing
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Work in a Retail Bookstore
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Host Events and Give Tours
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Do Workshops about Life Skills
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Have Paid Time to Work on Your Own Goals
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Meet with Staff for Support and to Plan for Your Future
will i get paid?
Yes, for both working in the business AND working on yourself. You’ll start by getting paid $15/hr, and will have an opportunity to earn raises by getting promoted. Associates earn $16/hour, Partners earn $17/hour, Senior Partners earn $18/hour.
frequently asked questions
Who works at More than Words?
Youth who are 16-24 and involved with the Department of Children and Families, Department of Youth Services, Department of Transitional Assistance, Department of Mental Health, or Juvenile and adult justice systems. Youth who are a good fit for More Than Words may also be experiencing homelessness, out of school, or parenting. Mission fit youth could also be at-risk for system involvement.
What is the Business Job?
In the Business Job you will receive training to process and ship online book and clothing orders all over the world, manage a cash register and provide excellent customer service, plan and run events, and go with our staff to pick-up book and clothing donations in our trucks. As you gain more experience, you’ll learn to facilitate meetings, run shifts, lead your peers, and train new co-workers.
What is the YOU Job?
In your YOU Job, you will be paid to work on yourself. You will be supported in your education plan or to create an education plan, learn about life essentials like finding housing, keeping a budget, and opening a bank account. You will participate in community building activities and workshops about employment, education and self-efficacy.
What is the hiring process?
Once you submit an application, a member of the admissions team will be in touch within 14 days. An initial virtual conversation or phone call will occur to learn more about you, how we can support you, readiness for the job training program and ensuring you are mission fit.
After speaking with you, we will speak with two adult members from your life to learn more about you and your background.
After speaking with these people, you will be scheduled for two in person interviews at More Than Words with a Youth Development Manager. If you are under 18, you will be asked to complete a work permit and bring the work permit back before your start date with your additional paperwork.
What happens after I complete More Than Words?
While you are working at MTW, we’ll help you map a plan for your future. After you graduate More Than Words you’ll move into our Career Services Program, where you’ll continue to get support for two more years to continue your education and build a career.
Career Services Managers will help you pursue the right education path for you. This could include finishing high school, high school equivalency, getting a trade certification, or pursuing post-secondary education. Career Services Managers will also support you in finding your next job and help identify and pursue a career pathway. MTW will continue to support graduates after the initial two years and will always be a resource for young people.
Can I get support for housing, court, and DCF advocacy while at More Than Words??
Yes! Our Advocacy and Community Engagement (ACE) team is built to support these needs. During the hiring process, the admissions team highlights potential areas of need to be addressed throughout a young person’s time at More Than Words. The ACE team supports young adults with attending court dates, finding housing, and advocating to DCF. In addition, our young parents program supports young parents with any needs that might arise related to being a young parent at More Than Words including but not limited to childcare, housing and benefits.
How many hours can I work?
Young adults work 15-30 hours per week. MTW is open 7 days a week and schedules are made bi-weekly.
Can I visit first?
Absolutely! Whether you’re a young person interested in a job or someone interested in referring a young adult, we’d love to have you for a visit and tour. Please contact us at jobs@MTWyouth.org to set up a visit or learn about upcoming open houses.
I have more questions. How can I reach you?
Please contact us at jobs@MTWyouth.org