Salem Hospitality Job Push Promises $800 Bonus Plan

SALEM, MA — A part-time job with one of Salem's rejuvenated hospitality businesses could be worth an extra $800 by the end of the fall for those who stick it out.

The incentive program is part of an effort from the city of Salem and MassHire North Shore Career Center to fill jobs in resurgent restaurants, hotels, attractions and small businesses during the summer months heading into what the city expects to be a return of a very busy Halloween season for 2021 after the coronavirus crisis caused a quiet 2020.

"Salem hospitality is world-renowned," MassHire North Shore Director Mary Sarris said. "Please take this wondering opportunity to join its reopening, receive great incentives, and enjoy employment opportunities during this exciting economic recovery.

"Many wonderful companies are hiring and want you to be part of their team."

Under the program, those hired before July 23 — and who retain the job for a minimum of 15 hours per week for six weeks — will earn a $400 VISA gift card. Those staying past Halloween will receive another $400 gift card.

"Nearly two-thirds of residents who became unemployed last spring when the pandemic started are now employed again," Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll said. "Salem is vibrant and busy, with rapidly increasing levels of economic activity. The Hospitality Employee Incentive Program is intended to connect and inspire people to rejoin our local workforce and keep our economy growing."

This program is funded with Cares Act funds provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The program is limited to the first 150 people to enroll and can prove their employment status. Those who obtained a new job in the industry between June 1 and July 23 are eligible and can enroll here.

Verification will be required and enrollment ends Aug. 20.

For more information, contact MassHire at 978-825-7000 or stop by the offices at 70 Washington Street Monday through Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)