Workforce Solutions COVID-19 Resource Newsletter

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QUARTERLY COVID-19 RESPONSE NEWSLETTER 


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A Message from the CEO

Good afternoon subscribers,

In response to the onset of COVID-19 last quarter, Workforce Solutions (WFS) strategically shifted operations to provide virtual delivery of services to our customers in Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties. 

Currently, our primary methods of service delivery remain virtual, with exceptions based upon need. As cases in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) remain high, we will persist in our efforts to ensure the safety of our staff and clientele by following the latest government mandates, in-depth sanitizing of our offices, and social distancing measures. 

In spite of the adverse times we face, WFS is committed to helping our community persevere so we all come out of this better than before. Training opportunities are accessible to those who have been laid-off and are receiving unemployment insurance benefits from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). WFS is collaborating with local city officials and economic development corporations to establish training/certificate programs that meet local demands.

We will continue to monitor the situation locally and correspond with state officials for guidance on when we can resume normal operations once more. For daily updates on WFS events, opportunities, and more, I encourage you to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Sincerely, 

Francisco Almaraz

CEO, Workforce Solutions


HAPPENING TOMORROW - REGISTER TODAY!

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Business Recovery: Safety First

Are you reopening your business amid the pandemic but struggling to keep up with the latest government guidelines and best practices?

Workforce Solutions is partnering with the UTRGV Small Business Development Center to help employers/business owners reopen safely and successfully. Join us tomorrow for the Business Recovery: Safety First webinar to get answers from subject matter experts in business recovery.

REGISTER: wfsolutions.org/businessrecovery
ADDITIONAL INFO: Please contact Armando Benavides at 956.483.0934.

vjf15

Virtual Job Fair #15

We invite you to join us for our RGV Virtual Job Fair #15 hosted on Zoom tomorrow, August 6, 2020, from 2 to 3 PM (CT)! This is your chance to connect with local recruiters virtually, risk-free!  

EMPLOYERS:
• Link Staffing
• AppleOne
• Express Employment Professionals
• MMC Group and more!

REGISTER: https://bit.ly/rgv-vjf

OTHER WAYS TO REGISTER:
- Visit WFSolutions.org to chat live with a representative.
- Call your nearest Workforce Solutions Center.


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Rapid Skills Enhancement Opportunities

Job seekers that have been displaced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic are eligible for free training opportunities!

The Texas Workforce Commission’s latest action in support of the Texas workforce will be implemented through partnerships with two Massive Open Online Course providers at the state level to provide skills enhancement opportunities to hundreds of thousands of unemployed workers in Texas. If you're currently receiving Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits during COVID-19, you will have access to virtual skills enhancement opportunities.

To learn more and sign up, send your name, phone number, and email address to: skillsenhancement@twc.texas.gov

Click here for full press release.


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Tuition Assistance for Educational Trainings

Tuition assistance for select educational trainings is now available to eligible applicants. Did you know that WFS supports training programs for Target Occupations? 

Choose from a list of trainings for many of the target occupations available right here in the Rio Grande Valley. Earn your certificate in as little as three months and start earning the money you deserve!

To learn more and find out if you qualify, please connect with the Workforce Solutions office nearest to you. To schedule an appointment, please click the "Schedule Appointment" button at the top of the page or call (956) 687-1121. Visit the Eligible Training Provider System here or click here. You can also send an e-mail to info@wfsolutions.org for more information on any program.


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Start a Career in the Medical Field

To help meet the demand placed on our healthcare sector, WFS has partnered with Edinburg Economic Development Corporation and DHR Health to establish new training opportunities for the Rio Grande Valley.

Opportunity Expansion and Certificate programs are available for careers such as Medical Assistants and Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. Health Sciences Institute at Renaissance (HSIR) students benefit by training and learning in DHR Health's world-class facilities. Students will receive hands-on training in a real-world environment that will best prepare them for their careers.

Upon completion of the programs, graduates are eligible to sit for certification and have the opportunity to seek employment throughout the RGV at any healthcare facility, including DHR Health. 

Contact your nearest Workforce Solutions office for more information.


RRS

Are You Anticipating Layoffs Due to COVID-19?

Is your business anticipating layoffs? COVID 19 has had a dramatic impact on the economy with many businesses facing potential layoffs.

 The Rapid Response Program assists employers facing layoffs via specialized workshops covering topics such as “How to Apply for Unemployment Insurance,” “Job Searching,” “ Resume Writing,” and more. The program also provides information on alternatives to layoffs, such as shared work programs and/or layoff aversion, and has the capacity to offer training to affected employees.

To schedule a Rapid Response Workshop or for additional information please contact Joshua Vasquez, Rapid Response Coordinator, at (956) 683-3738 or via e-mail at joshua@wfsolutions.org.

For more information about the Dislocated Worker Programs, please visit the Texas Workforce Commission website at: http://www.twc.state.tx.us/svcs/jtpa/rapid-response.html.


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Enrich Your Business; Hire A Veteran! 

WFS is seeking employers who are interested in adding more veterans to their staff. 

Veterans possess qualities such as outstanding leadership and great work ethic. Hiring an unemployed veteran means you can qualify for a number of tax incentives. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), Returning Heroes Tax Credit and Wounded Warriors Tax Credit can provide your company with annual incentives of up to $9,600.

To learn more and participate in our upcoming veteran-oriented hiring events, employers can email armando@wfsolutions.org.


JSS

Job Search Made Simple

Your employment is our top priority! Although career centers are operating at limited capacity, Workforce Professionals remain available to help you with your job search online. 

For the convenience of job seekers in the RGV, a list of available jobs has been made available at wfsolutions.org/available-jobs to connect skilled workers with great employers.

Utilize the convenient filters to sort jobs by city, pay rate, industry and more. To view more Texas jobs, visit WorkInTexas.com

If you are an employer who would like to have your openings added to this page, please email our Business Services Team at info@wfsolutions.org.


rgvop

Daily Job Postings on Facebook

Like and follow RGV Operation Get Hired (RGVOP) for weekly hot jobs lists, daily job postings, training opportunities, virtual hiring events and more!

RGVOP is dedicated to promoting the hundreds of jobs available in the Rio Grande Valley area. Our goal is to connect job seekers with businesses, and get as many Texans back into the workforce.

 


Copyright © 2019 - 2020 Workforce Solutions - Lower Rio Grande Valley, All rights reserved. Workforce Solutions is one of 28 Texas Workforce Development Boards serving Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy counties. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IS THE LAW

Lower Rio Grande Valley Workforce Development Board dba Workforce Solutions is an equal opportunity employer/program and auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. TTY/TDD via RELAY Texas service at 711 or (TDD) 1-800-735-2989/1-800-735-2988 (voice).

Our mailing address is:

3101 W. Business 83 :: McAllen, TX 78501