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Losing a job can be one of the most traumatic events in a person's life. Job loss can shatter self-esteem, cause economic hardship, and add a great deal of stress to an already hectic life. The Minnesota Teamsters Service Bureau provides understanding and knowledgeable assistance to workers and their families during this difficult time. Of utmost concern to the Service Bureau is recognizing the worth of the individual and the importance of preserving a worker's dignity following the loss of a job. Services are available to persons who are laid off because of plant closings, downsizing or mass layoffs. Government grants provide funding for the dislocated worker projects; neither the applicant nor the prospective employer is charged a fee for services provided through these projects. Minnesota Teamsters Service Bureau specializes in providing a range of training, education, and supportive services to assist dislocated workers obtain reemployment. The
Minnesota Teamsters Service Bureau Dislocated Worker Projects include
the following services:
Orientation/Intake: At or near the time of layoff, Service Bureau staff meet with workers to acquaint them with the variety of options available. These sessions provide opportunities for immediate questions to be answered, individual job loss issues to be addressed, and start the necessary paperwork for enrollment. In cooperation with the Employee Management Committee, these and other sessions are scheduled according to the needs of each workforce. Individual Service Strategy (ISS): Each project participant will be scheduled for an individual appointment with our professional staff to develop his/her ISS plan. The ISS is a specific action plan, developed by the participant and counselor that sets goals and charts a path to career development and job search activities. It is a working tool that is modified or updated as the individual's needs change. Career or Employment Development Workshops: These workshops provide essential information for an individual to understand his/her own vocational and employment development process. The vocational component is designed to assess career aptitudes, interests and skills, and participants receive practical assistance with employability development planning. The employment component offers the tools needed to target job goals, complete applications, prepare resumes and cover letters, use the telephone and Internet, and handle job interviews. Emphasis is placed on how to generate job leads through networking and informational interviews. SEARCH: SEARCH provides personal career exploration and job search assistance for workers who are unsure about their career goals or who need help finding information. Workers can meet with staff on Wednesdays from 9:00 am -12:00 noon at the Service Bureau. Instruction and assistance with searching school programs or companies, finding job leads, and using the Internet are all common topics for this informal, drop-in service. Adult Continuing Education: Sometimes workers need to upgrade their reading, writing, math or study skills --or complete their high school education by earning their GED. Staff will work with participants to ensure they have the resources necessary to meet these goals. Contextual Learning Project: This demonstration project will train and place dislocated workers with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and/or Low Basic Skills (LBS) into positions within hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The contextual learning strategies used will condense the normal training time required and will address the needs of LEP/LBS workers who have been laid off through no fault of their own. Programs include:
To become a participant, call Karla at 612-676-3700. Customized Training: Dislocated Worker Projects can sponsor vocational training designed specifically for a group of dislocated workers. The training is usually shorter in length, industry-specific and is targeted to meet the demands of potential new employers. Training Programs: Dislocated Worker Projects can pay for tuition, books and supplies for an approved training course. Participants work closely with counselors to assess training needs, fund appropriate training programs and help research the availability of outside financial aid to complement project funding as needed. On-the-job Training: Through Dislocated Worker Projects, employers may receive reimbursement for part of a worker's wages during a designated training period for a regular full-time or part-time job. Reimbursement may be contracted only through our Employment Department. Resource Library and Internet Lab: A fully equipped career planning & job search area is available to all clients during regular business hours. Complete with four computer work stations with Internet access, up-to- date business software, laser printer, and a math and reading tutorial, this quiet work area contains telephones, school program descriptions and schedules, company information, job leads, and a variety of information on resumes, career exploration, job search, and starting a business. A full orientation and Internet training is provided to all clients. Life Management Forum Workshops: These workshops are designed to cover a key topic within one of the following categories: job search, career management, life management and training. Often making use of outside speakers from companies, associations, educational facilities and community agencies, Life Management Forum Workshops provide a friendly, upbeat setting so participants can learn how to successfully evaluate and manage their own lives. Resume Development: Resume workshop consists of a thorough explanation of creating a resume, and how, when and why to use it. Participants work with specialized staff to develop a professional resume that can be modified or updated as needed. One-to-one meetings are also available. Support Services: The Service Bureau provides information and referrals to individuals for personal, family and financial problems. It may also provide some payments for daycare, mileage and special needs associated with participation in program activities. All inquiries and requests are treated with respect and dignity and are kept confidential. Clinical Social Worker: A clinical social worker is available to meet with individuals or families to help solve personal problems, talk about emotional issues or deal with general concerns related to job loss. Appointments are made through a Family Services Specialist. For more information contact:
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