The rising number of layoffs and job loss in the county has led the staff of Minnesota Workforce Center to remind adults, youth and disabled workers along with employers that it is a valuable resource tailored to individual needs.
“We are a Workforce Center and not an unemployment office,” said Susan Fraik, a career counselor at the Workforce Center office located at Rainy River Community College.
As of February, the unemployment rate in Koochiching County was at 11.2 percent, compared to state average of 8.1 percent, according to Sheila Demenge, Employment and Economic Development representative. She expects the number may rise in March when more recent closings are included.
Emotional stress and worry are a natural part of the job-searching process, said Demenge, adding that counselors help people understand that this is normal. They assist in navigating through financial concerns.
“Move on and be positive in looking for work and make a good impression on the next employer,” she added.
The Stimulus Package has put a lot of money into the Dislocated Worker program with extensions to benefits and services, according to Workforce staff. Eligible workers can use an “On the Job Training” program that pays partial wages to entice prospective employers to train less-experienced workers.
To qualify as a dislocated worker, a person must have been laid off or lost an eliminated position through no fault of their own. This could happen because of closings, downsizing, or a buyout. A self-employed person can qualify if they can no longer remain in business because of adverse economic conditions or due to a natural disaster.
Many job seekers come in to just look at the job listings posted on the board, and she said they often know that they need help, but are unsure what to ask. Talking with a counselor to explain their situation can provide assistance with resources and referrals.
“If you’ve worked in the same job for a long time or in some other continuous employment and are not familiar with the job service process, it has really changed a lot over the years,” said Demenge.
She said that people do not always know what to say or ask about basic services, such as filing for unemployment insurance, conducting job searches, resume writing, or making career assessments which are available to anyone.
“Our job is to try to figure out how we can help, and who we can help,” she said.
The “assisted self-service” model uses professional staff and technology to meet the demands of the changing and evolving work force. It supplies free use of telephones, fax machines and copy machines as long as it is related to job search.
Computer terminals and assistance to find local, state and national job-hunting Web sites is available. The staff will even create an e-mail account for clients to send and receive applications and resumes.
“Looking for a job is a full-time job in itself, and the resources are here for them,” said Demenge.
The Workforce library also has employment and career outlook forecasts and information on labor market trends. Staff provides workshops on skills assessments and interests testing, resume and cover letter writing, and interviewing and career development classes on computer software and office skills.
Dislocated workers also qualify for tuition and books associated with retraining. However, the programs are not just for the unemployed. People can update skills to move up in their current company or to prepare for a transition.
The staff can help people find financial resources or update skills, enroll in a training or certificate program, or even pursue a degree. There may also be travel funds available to train, interview or relocate for a job out of town.
Workforce business support services can help with retention planning, and discuss trends to explore employee turnover issues. They look for solutions related to sustained growth and productivity. There are programs where Unemployment Insurance may pay partial wages as an option to keep people working.
Demenge said that if an employer expects there are going to be layoffs, they should contact Workforce to help transition those workers. Staff will come to the company and talk to groups before they leave to get them familiar with unemployment, training and job services.
The Job Bank, or minnesotaworks.net is an online self-service system that is designed to give job seekers and employers online access to manage job postings, internships and apprenticeships.It is connected to state and national job banks through jobcentral.com, and Demenge said the high traffic sites get fast results.
“Local businesses use the Job Bank and minnesotaworks.net, and that is where we try to bring businesses and job seekers together, and find resources and bring together to serve both of their needs,” said Demenge.
Fraik noted that the Economic Stimulus package has more money available to youth employment. Private businesses now qualify as summer youth job sites along with nonprofits. The qualifying age range was extended from 14 to 21, to ages 14 through 24.
“If a business out there wants a temporary worker, they can contact the Workforce Center to see if we have quality people that meet the eligibility requirements based on income, at-risk youth, disability and age,” said Fraik.
Workers over age 55 should look into the supplemental income opportunities of the Senior Community Service Employment Program.
Job seekers with disabilities may be interested in the Vocational Rehabilitation Program. Eligibility is determined by a physical or mental condition that is an obstacle to employment. Counselors assist the disabled with education, training and job placement, and ongoing support as needed.
Workforce offers assisting technology for the sight, speech and hearing impaired. If someone speaks English as a second language, the staff has several types of voice, computer and phone technology to send and receive job-related information.
There is also assistance for veterans but they must come in and meet with the Workforce veterans counselor.
The Workforce Center invites businesses and job seekers alike to attend Job Fair 2009 on April 23, from noon to 3:00 p.m. at the Rainy River Community College gymnasium. For more information call 283-9427.
