Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Who’s Eligible?
Youth between the ages of 14-20 years old* currently enrolled in middle or high school/TASC (GED) program that live within the City of Rochester or Monroe County.

County residents residing outside the City of Rochester must meet the 2022-2023 Poverty Guidelines.

Youth regardless of residency and/or household income will compete for employment opportunities offered through the RochesterWorks Summer Youth Employment Program and the City of Rochester Summer of Opportunity Program. No youth is guaranteed a job!

*Please note:
This program is not for college students. 
Age is determined by a youth’s age as of May 31, 2024

What is Roc Your Job?
Ro
c Your Job is an initiative of Monroe County and RochesterWorks, supported by funding from New York State.  It is an extension of the Summer Youth Employment Program and open to Rochester and Monroe County teens ages 14 – 20.  Priority is given to low- and moderate-income families (under 200% Federal Poverty Rate)

When are Roc Your Job positions available?
Positions are available January 2, 2024 – June 30, 2024.

How do I apply for Roc Your Job?
There is one application for the Summer Program and the Roc Your Job Program.  Complete the online application and indicate which program you are selecting.

What Jobs are Available?
Youth who are offered employment through these programs will work in recreation centers, community-based organizations, colleges, or private and public organizations throughout the community. View a list of programs and worksites from previous years here.

Can I apply even though I don’t have an updated Work Permit?
Yes. The first step is to complete the online application.  If the applicant does not have a work permit, they must upload all other required documents. The SYEP and SOOP team will place the file on hold until the work permit is received.  Once the applicant submits the work permit, their file will be reviewed based on where we are in the approval process.
A current Work Permit will be required prior to job placement. No exceptions!
Note: You must have an updated physical in order to get a work permit, so please apply early.

Can I apply even if I am going to summer school/TASC (GED)?
Yes, but available working hours/opportunities may be limited.

Should I apply even if I don’t have 90% attendance at my school or program? Yes, however, employers know that a student’s school attendance is an indication of your attendance on the job. Make every effort to attend school every day!

Do I have to go through Job Readiness Training if I went through one last year?
If you are between 14-15 years old, you will receive job readiness training if hired through the program.

Can I sign up for the same job I did last year?
There is no guarantee that the job you worked last year will be available. Youth and parents should not call employers prior to being hired. This may jeopardize the program. The process is competitive and no jobs are guaranteed.

Can I apply if I am not in middle school, high school, or a TASC/GED program (i.e. I am a college student)?
No. College students should visit a RochesterWorks Career Center.

I turn 14 after May 31, 2023, can I still apply?
Unfortunately, the cutoff date for youth to be eligible to apply is May 31, 2023. Youth that are younger are encouraged to apply to next year’s program.