Dislocated Worker Program
The City of Minneapolis Dislocated Worker Program serves people who have lost their job through no fault of their own. We connect residents to services which will enable laid off workers to return to work quickly at the highest skill and wage level possible.
If you've been laid off (didn’t quit or weren’t fired), are eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits, and are unlikely to return to your previous occupation or industry, you may be eligible to receive services. Contact one of the City of Minneapolis Dislocated Worker Program service providers to discuss your individual situation.
Our knowledgeable, professional staff is committed to guiding you through the entire process. Services which are free and tailored to individual needs may include career counseling, skill updating, retraining, education, and job search assistance. Career counseling can include exploration of new opportunities in Minneapolis’ many growth sectors, including health care, education, and the green economy. Education can include tuition-free courses to fill a knowledge gap or build new skills.
A member of our dedicated team will help you identify the steps you want to take, assist you in removing any barriers along the way, and support you until you have found a rewarding new career.
How to apply
Workers who have been laid-off can contact a Minneapolis Dislocated Worker Program service provider from this list to find out if they are eligible. Let the agency staff know that you have been or will be laid off and are interested in the Minneapolis Dislocated Worker program.
In addition, if you believe you lost your job or had your work hours or wages reduced due to federal trade activity, you could be eligible for federal assistance through the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program. If that sounds like your circumstance, let the Dislocated Worker provider staff know that you might be eligible for the TAA program. TAA benefits are available to workers who lose their jobs, hours or income as a result of increased foreign trade activity. Program staff will guide you through the TAA application process and help connect you with these additional benefits.
Other useful resources for Dislocated Workers
- Apply for Unemployment Insurance -The Minnesota Unemployment Insurance (UI) Program provides a temporary partial wage replacement to those Minnesota workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own.
- Search MinnesotaWorks.net, the State of Minnesota’s FREE online jobs database and other employment websites. View thousands of job listings from private employers statewide. Upload your resume and apply for jobs online. Manage and track your job search efforts.
- iseek! Minnesota's comprehensive career, education, and job resource.
- Tools, such as careeronestop are available to help job seekers, students, businesses, and career professionals, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
- Use the Job Skills Transfer Assessment Tool (JobStat) to find occupations that are a good match for you based on your work experience. Find out how your skills, knowledge and abilities can transfer to these careers and where your gaps might be.
- Search for a job or career fair in your area.
- Looking for a place that offers free Internet access, computers, software, and perhaps assistance and instruction? Community Technology Centers (CTCs) and free technology services are offered by local public libraries, some government agencies, and many community-based organizations.
- Bridge to Benefits an online screening tool designed to help families and individuals understand if they are eligible for eight public work support programs and two income tax credits
- Resume and interview online coaching/career advice resource available through metro public libraries
- Resources from University of Minnesota Extension for families who are experiencing, avoiding or recovering from tough times.
- Information about COBRA continuation health coverage
For more information contact Catherine Christian at (612) 673-6230.
Last updated May. 24, 2012