CareerSource Florida Announces New Workforce Outreach Campaign, Help is Here

Tallahassee, Fla.– In support of Governor Ron DeSantis’ mobilization of resources to help Floridians and businesses affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19, CareerSource Florida has launched the Help is Here workforce outreach campaign. Every day, the CareerSource Florida network connects businesses to Floridians and talented Floridians to jobs through employment, recruiting, hiring and training services. The 24 local workforce development boards can connect Floridians who have lost their jobs with the businesses that are hiring now. To help protect customers and staff, all locations are offering assistance by phone, email, virtually or, in some areas, in career centers by appointment following social distancing guidelines.

Help is Here is CareerSource Florida’s focused public and business outreach effort to:

• Provide an immediate response to connect job seekers and businesses to critical resources needed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic
• Connect Floridians to the CareerSource Florida network’s local offices for customized, personalized help
• Develop innovative solutions to generate job recovery and retention and business continuity, driving economic recovery

“Job loss or major business impacts are devastating under any circumstance and people need sound advice, the most current information and a source of hope during a challenging time,” said CareerSource Florida Board Chairman Kevin Doyle. “We know people need help now and the state’s Reemployment Assistance program may be the first step on the path to economic recovery. The CareerSource Florida network can assist with this and other workforce needs such as finding a new job, training and more.”

The CareerSource Florida network is providing additional support to Floridians applying for Reemployment Assistance, which is available through the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, by providing access to new paper applications for the state program. Floridians now have four ways to apply for Reemployment Assistance: DEO’s online Connect system; a fillable .pdf available online that can be completed electronically, printed and mailed to DEO; by submitting a printed application that has been completed by hand and mailed to DEO; and via phone with help through a Reemployment Assistance Call Center.

“For both businesses and employees who are experiencing impacts as a result of COVID-19, we can help connect you to local, state and federal resources that can be the bridge to economic recovery,” said Florida Workforce Development Association President and CareerSource Flagler Volusia President and CEO Robin King. “We are reaching out to be sure businesses and local residents are aware of the employment and training programs and opportunities that are currently available.”

While some businesses have been forced to downsize operations, many industries are ramping up quickly to hire Floridians. Business services available through the CareerSource Florida network include recruiting employees, screening resumes or applications, and other help with hiring, such as conducting virtual job fairs.

For employers that can retain employees through the downturn, CareerSource Florida can support business continuity through grants that help employers train and upskill existing employees.

“We remain committed to serving career seekers, businesses and the community while navigating this unprecedented time,” said CareerSource Central Florida President and CEO Pamela Nabors. “Like our peer workforce development organizations, statewide CareerSource Central Florida staff are available to provide information and consultation on resumes, job search, recruitment and other workforce services.”

The CareerSource Florida network’s state and local leaders are inspired by how adaptable Florida’s business community and workforce continue to be. Even during this challenging time, Floridians have exhibited innovation, creativity and flexibility that will sustain our communities during this significant disruption and into the future.

“Florida’s business leaders are hoping for a swift and steep economic recovery when the current situation improves,” said CareerSource Florida President and CEO Michelle Dennard. “The CareerSource Florida network will be here at that time as well, preparing Florida workers for new opportunities, and helping businesses quickly find the talent they need to continue to grow and thrive in Florida.”

For both businesses and job seekers experiencing layoffs as a result of COVID-19, the CareerSource Florida network can help connect to state and federal assistance programs.

“Our staff is working remotely and available by phone, email and virtual career services on our website,” said CareerSource Palm Beach County Interim President and CEO Julia Dattolo. “We remain in direct contact with state and local officials and continue to keep our community partners up to date with information about business services, relief loans and more.”

For more information on Help is Here and to find the employment, reemployment and training resources in your community, visit careersourceflorida.com/helpishere.