Fort Riley  Military and Family Support Center

Welcome to Fort Riley and the Junction City-Manhattan area. Fort Riley is the largest competitive employer in the area. When preparing for employment, it is extremely important that you document your skills, create a good resume and rehearse for an interview.

Statistics in the local areas as of March 2022:

• The average unemployment rate in the State of Kansas is 2.6%.
• Minimum Wage is $7.25 per hour.
• Median Wages 18.13 per hour and 37.710
• Starting salaries for clerical positions range from $12.42 to $19.06 per hour, depending on job experience. The average pay is $18.25 per hour.

Good prospects include: Production, sales, welders and computer technicians. Fair prospects include: Laborers, clerical, construction workers and food service workers. Poor prospects include: Administrative and managerial. The Federal Government and Kansas State University are the primary employers in the area. Federal positions are currently affected by Military Spouse Preference, EO13473; therefore, employment prospects are somewhat better for spouses in the Federal Sector.

Fort Riley has a high demand for Child Care Providers both in the centers and at FCC providers homes. These positions are Non-appropriated Fund positions with average starting salaries $15.00. Positions with the Appropriated Fund positions salaries vary in accordance with your skills, knowledge, and abilities.

Resources - Employment Opportunity Links:

• Civilian Personnel Advisory Center
• Non-Appropriated Fund Positions
• https://www.kansasworks.com/

Please remember the importance of hand carrying all your employment records and documents with you. For job-hunting purposes you will need the following:

Resumes:

• Transcripts Certificates and Licenses.
• SF50s (Notification of Personnel Action)
• DA FORM 3434 (NAF Notification of Personnel Action)

Finding employment is one of the most difficult challenges family members face being in a military lifestyle. As a result, the Fort Riley Employment Readiness Program was established by Army Community Service to provide employment assistance to members of the Army Family in the Fort Riley area. We're here to assist you any way we can. The Employment Readiness Program provides services to spouses and I.D card holding family members of relocating Active Duty soldiers, retired military, reserve component, and DOD civilian employees. Also, it provides assistance to transitioning soldiers and civilians who are participating in the Transition Assistance Program

The program is not an employment agency, but rather a job search assistance resource with information and referral services to local employment, educational, and training opportunities for eligible job seekers. We assist clients in overcoming the difficulties associated with finding employment through education, training opportunities, job search assistance, career planning, resume review, and development assistance.

ERP is located at Bldg. 7264 Normandy Drive.  We welcome appointments and walk-ins during the business hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Thursday and from 8:00 a.m. thru 4:30 on Fridays. The open appointments cover topics such as: resume styles and review, cover letters, career counseling, job search and eligibility for specialized programs.

If you are interested in setting up an appointment please call 785-239-9435.

Classes/Briefings

Employment Orientation Brief:

Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00p.m. No pre-registration required. Information Fair: 2:45p.m -4:00p.m.  No pre-registration required.  Location: Riley's Community Center, 446 Seitz Drive

Military Spouse Employment Forum:

2^nd Tuesday of the month from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Location: Victory Center, 7285 Normandy Drive. Space is limited! Call (785) 239-9435 to register.

Being a member of the Armed Services, you understand that moving is part of military life. Moving your home and family is never easy, but planning ahead can go a long way toward  easing the changes ahead. Make a smooth move a reality by visiting the Relocation Readiness Office (785) 239-5739.

The Lending Closet Offers: We know that the dates you PCS don't necessarily always line up with the dates your household goods PCS. With a valid DoD ID card, items such as pots and pans, coffee makers, kitchen utensils, dinnerware and silverware, irons and ironing boards, strollers, car seats, pack ‘n plays, basic kitchen items and more can be borrowed for up to 45 days.

Employment Readiness Program provides services to spouses and I.D card holding family members of relocating Active Duty soldiers, retired military, reserve component, and DOD civilian employees. Also, it provides assistance to transitioning soldiers and civilians who are participating in the Army Career & Alumni Program who are seeking job information.

Army Family Team Building (AFTB) empowers you, through self-development and leadership skills, basic Army knowledge and resources that you will need to be a successful Army Family. Classes are offered at graduated levels to best meet your personal and professional needs. Why just survive your military experience when you can THRIVE?

AFTB (Level I) Military 101

You will learn about the Army life and how to maneuver through daily challenges by discovering how to decipher Army acronyms, understand command structure, utilize Community Resources, attain better financial readiness and understand the goal and impact of the Army mission on daily life.

AFTB (Level II) Personal Growth and Resiliency

Learn how to improve your personal relationships, communication and stress management skills. Discover team dynamics, how to solve problems and resolve personal conflict. You will also learn all about Army traditions and customs!

AFTB (Level III) Leadership Development and Skills

Expand your leadership skills, effective communication techniques and mentorship skills by taking the training modules. They also learn about the different leadership styles, how to run an effective meeting, how to manage group conflict and how to coach and mentor others.

Command Spouse Training Seminar

During this seminar you will gain information about the Army and the role of the command spouse. We will discuss the options you have for cultivating your role and discuss some of the concerns and issues you may encounter. The goal of this seminar is to help prepare you for the challenging and rewarding role of a command spouse.

Resilient Spouse Academy

The RSA seeks to create a network of trained spouses who feel well prepared and motivated to truly make a difference in the lives of our individual Soldiers and their Families.  RSA is based on the tenant that resilience starts at home and in a networked community that cares; RSA is strengthening that network. The academy includes MRT skills, Suicide Intervention, as well as understanding, recognizing and responding domestic violence, substance abuse, sexual assault and financial difficulties.

Spouse Resiliency Training (Master Resiliency Training Skills)

This fun and interactive seminar enhances your ability to grow, builds resilience, enhances performance and thrive in the face of military life’s challenges! This course provides resilience and performance enhancement training that teaches things such as problem solving, how to think optimistically, and helps develop the ability to understand the thoughts, emotions and behaviors of self and others.

Pre-Ball Military Etiquette

Learn what to expect at a Military ball from start to finish. This class will explain the entire program of events, proper etiquette and what not to wear. Available upon request for individual units/FRGs with class content tailored to each individual ball. Class length 45min-1hr

FRG/Unit briefs available upon request: all sections within the AFTB program can be taught individually and tailored to meet your needs.

MyCAA - For information on MyCAA and Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, visit Military OneSource.

For collecting unemployment benefits, contact Kansas Department of Labor, 401 SW Topeka Boulevard, Topeka, Kansas 66603-3182 or telephone at 785-296-5000.

Fort Riley is the largest competitive employer in the area. The Federal Government and Kansas State University are other primary employers. Unemployment Rate 2.6%. Median Household Income $45,683.

Community Resources

At KSWORKS.com you will find the most up to date currently available positions throughout Kansas without the hassle of recruiters and out of state listings. Scroll down to view the most recent job postings, or you can do a quick search by keyword and area, or just click show all jobs to see all positions currently posted.

Junction City and Manhattan have a Kansas Workforce Center available. The Center houses special software for job hunting and software to help you with your interviews. Heartland Works offers two programs for the Military spouse Dislocated Workers Program and WIAA. Both programs are Income based and may provide training funds for high demand positions in the area. Heartland Works can be found in the Junction City or Manhattan workforce centers.

MyCAA - For information on MyCAA and Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, visit Military OneSource.

Military OneSource provides comprehensive education and career guidance, support and resources to military spouses pursuing employment or an advanced degree. Read fresh content related to career exploration; education, training and licensing; and employment readiness and career connections. Check out tips and strategies for military spouses that help match your interests, skills and goals with a degree or occupation that's compatible with your mobile military life.