Employer Engagement Analyst, South Central Workforce Council
Your employer downsized your division. The plant you worked for your entire life closed, or maybe your skills are no longer in demand. In short, you’ve lost your job through no fault of you own. You could be called a “dislocated worker.”
To be considered “dislocated” by the U.S. Department of Labor, you must meet one of the following scenarios:
Additional requirements include U.S. citizenship or legally entitled to work in the U.S., receiving or eligible for unemployment benefits, and registered for Selective Service unless you received an exception (men born on or after January 1, 1960).
Dislocated Worker services are funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act that was signed into law in 2014 and took effect in 2015. Services are designed to help people get back to work as quickly as possible. If approved as a “dislocated worker,” you will receive help from trained workforce professionals. This includes career planning, resume assistance, job search support, and practice interviewing. Some people may also be eligible for tuition assistance for training, and/or unemployment benefits beyond the usual 26 weeks while retraining for a new career. Dislocated workers can also receive assistance with transportation costs, purchase of work tools, and childcare.
To find out more about the Dislocated Worker program and other services for job seekers of all ages, visit your local WorkSource office or worksourcewa.com.