To insert your company logo on this slide From the Insert Menu Select “Picture” Locate your logo file Click OK To resize the logo Click anywhere inside the logo. The boxes that appear outside the logo are known as “resize handles.” Use these to resize the object. If you hold down the shift key before using the resize handles, you will maintain the proportions of the object you wish to resize. Crossroads Workforce Center Employment Assistance Services

WELCOME ! Just laid off or about to experience a layoff? Are you underemployed or unemployed? Need your GED or basic literacy skills? Want to prepare for a new career? Need to learn basic computer skills? There’s help available…

The Crossroads Workforce Center offers access to these services and more… Partners involved in the One Stop: Illinois Department of Employment Security and veterans assistance CEFS adult and youth services Dislocated Worker Services Office of Rehabilitation Services

Resource Room Everyone has access to services listed below… What services are available to help me with the job search or improving my job skills? What services are available to help me with the job search or improving my job skills?

Resource Library Interviewing Resume writing Job search techniques Salary negotiating Electronic resumes Fastest growing jobs Company profiles Job-keeping skills Small business development Career change Employment trends Self-improvement Civil service employment Temporary agencies Manufacturer’s directories GED preparation Labor market information Business to Business directory Book, audio & video topics:

State-of-the-Art Computer Lab Featuring: Computers and color printers Illinois workNet Internet access for job search assistance and career exploration Illinois Skills Match Copier and fax machine Learn computer skills and keyboarding Basic education skills in math and reading Current software releases including: Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access Telephone availability for job search purposes

Job Search Assistance Job search assistance includes those services designed to help teach people job search techniques which will allow them to become employable despite changing economic cycles. They include: Career exploration counseling Interview and resume assistance Job seeking skill workshops Help in planning how to get back to work or prepare for a better job

Resume Writing Assistance Winway Resume writing program Sample resumes and cover letters Resume critiques Internet resource sites Directions for posting resumes online (Local Listings, Employon, Monster, etc )

Job Seeking Skill Workshops Provides assistance with: Discovering your transferable job skills Surviving the stress of job seeking and unemployment Accurate completion of job application forms Resume writing Interviewing tips Returning to school – Can I do it? Who will hire me at my age?

Career Exploration Counseling Explore your: Interests and values Job skills, abilities and strengths, goals Attitudes and priorities Allows you to identify accomplishments and concerns associated with looking for work

Training Resources Career planning and placement statistics Illinois workNet College catalogs and applications Training program descriptions Financial Aid information and application packets Mavis Beacon typing tutorial Horizon’s career exploration program GED study guides Skills bank: reading & math skills enhancement

Additional services that may be available to customers who qualify… These may include: Vocational – Occupational - Certificate or Degree Seeking Training programs Skills upgrading or customized training Job readiness training On the Job Training

Trade Adjustment Assistance Income support: The TAA program provides income support (TRA weekly benefits) for eligible workers who are enrolled in approved training programs OR who have received a waiver from the requirement to be in training. Job retraining : TAA provides for up to 104 weeks of job retraining. Retraining must be occupational, remedial or on-the job (OJT) or a combination of these. Job search allowance : Job search allowances are provided by TAA to workers who want to search for work outside of their commuting area if it is determined there are no opportunities for reemployment within the local area. Relocation assistance : TAA provides monetary assistance for relocation to engage in new employment. This allowance covers nearly all of the costs of relocation for the worker, his/her family, household goods and other items in addition to income support.

Trade Adjustment Assistance cont’d. Alternative TAA: A program for older workers which provides a subsidy program for workers at least 50 years old who become reemployed at wages below what they were making at their job of dislocation. If ATAA (wage subsidy) is chosen, relocation benefits are available but TRA benefits, retraining, and job search allowances are not. HCTC: The main benefit of the HCTC (health care tax credit) is a tax credit equal to 65% of the premium payments for qualified health coverage for the eligible worker and his/her family. If determined eligible and you are interested, please call the HCTC toll free number or visit the IRS Website at and enter HCTC in the search box. The Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) can provide health coverage that is qualified under HCTC. Further information can be obtained by calling the toll free number or on the website at

IMPORTANT DEADLINES!! The worker must meet all TRA eligibility criteria within 8 weeks of the certification date OR within 16 weeks of the most recent qualifying separation. Failure to meet this deadline may result in loss of TRA (weekly benefits).

Actions required Immediately File a claim for Unemployment Insurance. File a TRA claim. Schedule an appointment with a DWS case manager to determine eligibility for services.

What Should I Do Next? ** File a claim for Unemployment Benefits AND TRA** ********************************* 1.Use Resource Room to job search 2.Register for a user account on Illinois workNet 3.Register with Illinois Skills Match 4.Explore careers and training options 5.Make an appointment with a career advisor to determine if you qualify for additional services and education opportunities. 6.Register to attend Job Seeking Skills Workshops to enhance job search skills

Equal Opportunity Program “It is the policy of LWA 23, the Dislocated Workers Program and CEFS Economic Opportunity operation not to discriminate against any individual on the basis of age, gender, race, racial origin, or religion. LWA 23, the Dislocated Workers Program and CEFS are equal opportunity employers/programs and auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. While utilizing the services of the program, if you feel that you have been discriminated against in any way, you are encouraged to file a complaint to the LWA’s EEO officer. Posted in our lobby are the non- discrimination policies and the grievance procedures, including the name and contact information for the area EEO officer. We encourage you to review that information.”