Dislocated Worker Services

Being laid off from your job is one of the most traumatic events you can experience in life. However, you do not need to go through this transition alone. Working with your employer, there are services and resources that can be brought to you, on site at your company and prior to your layoff date.

If you have lost your job because of a business or plant closing, major layoff, or if you have lost your farm or business due to economic conditions, or are a spouse of a dislocated worker or military spouse who lost their job (PCS), you may be able to get help through the Dislocated Worker Program.  This program is for people who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own, regardless of their occupation, level of experience, or education.  In order to receive services under the program, you must meet with a Workforce Services Specialist, who must certify that you are eligible for these services.  Our goal is to assist you in making a smooth transition back into the workforce as soon as possible.  Take time to call or visit one of our Career Centers.
Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notifications (WARN) help ensure advance notice in cases of qualified plant closings and mass layoffs. The U.S. Department of Labor has issued compliance assistance materials to help workers and employers understand their rights and responsibilities under the provisions of WARN.
Rapid Response Services are early intervention services and resources that assist both employers and employees affected by layoffs or plant closures.  These services and resources are part of a program called Rapid Response, which provides customized services and resources with a goal of getting you back to work as soon as possible and minimize the disruptions on your life that a layoff will cause.  It provides access to user-friendly resources and information to help transition affected workers into reemployment quickly.   Click here to view scheduled Rapid Response Events.

How does Rapid Response Work?

What is a Rapid Response Team?

Staff of the career center and  partner agencies lead the Rapid Response efforts. 
  • The first step is a meeting with the employer to discuss resources and services available to help manage the layoff and to identify employees' specific needs. (Includes union/employee representatives if appropriate).
  • The next step - develop a plan of action for delivering needed services to the workers and set a meeting date for the Rapid Response Team to assist the employees.
The Rapid Response Team is comprised of representatives of key community, local, regional and state agencies that provide resources and services to assist businesses and laid-off workers. The Rapid Response Team works with the employer to provide the assistance and services needed for the affected workers. 
 This may be accomplished in two ways:
  • through informational meetings with groups of employees, during which each member of the team discusses available services
  • through workshops, group activities and other one-on-one services provided at the career center on items such as resume writing, interviewing and employability skills, and/or other training that may also be provided to assist workers.

What services are discussed at a Rapid Response meeting?

Referrals are also made to:

  • Job Search and Job Placement Assistance
  • Job Counseling and Labor Market Information
  • Job Search Workshops, Interviewing Techniques, Resume Writing and Review Assistance
  • Access to Internet for Job Search and Posting Resumes
  • Unemployment Insurance
  • Veterans Assistance Information
  • Trade Adjustment Assistance Information (if applicable)
  • Trade Readjustment Benefits Information (if applicable)
  • Out-of-Area Job Search Assistance
  • Career and Aptitude Assessment
  • Other Available Partners and Services to Assist During Transition

Trade Related Layoffs & Plant Closings

With many American jobs being lost due to foreign trade and the phenomenon commonly known as "offshoring," the federal government provides additional services to workers whose jobs are lost due to foreign trade or shifts in production out of the United States. While not all job loss due to foreign competition meets the requirements of the Trade Act, the Rapid Response team will work with your company to provide information on Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and the benefits you can receive if your company is certified as trade-affected. Your company, the Rapid Response team, or the workers themselves can file a trade petition with the United States Department of Labor. For more information on the Trade Act Program and its benefits.