County offers free help for dislocated workers looking for jobs

El Dorado County Connections - One Stop has free services to help people who need a job.

"We can help anyone who is having trouble finding a job," said Jenny Wilson, Program Supervisor with Connections - One Stop. "We want to help people who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. This includes dislocated workers, such as people who have been affected by a lay-off or business downsizing. Displaced homemakers and self-employed individuals may also qualify for services."

Through the County's Dislocated Worker Program, unemployed and underemployed residents can receive free assistance, including help with job searches and paid on-the-job training, money for vocational or technical school tuition, or for specialized certifications, and more.

The Dislocated Worker Program can assist individuals in all occupations, from blue collar workers to high level executives. Applicants do not need to be low income to qualify, however certain restrictions may apply. Up to $8,000 in benefits is available to each person accepted into the program.

Free orientation sessions about the program are open to the public every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at Connections - One Stop, located at 3047 Briw Road in Placerville. Pre-registration is not required. "We encourage anyone who is interested to come and see what we can offer them," said Wilson. "Our goal is to help people upgrade their current work skills, make connections and find a great job."

Normal office hours of Connections - One Stop in Placerville are Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Connections One - Stop also has an office in South Lake Tahoe at 3368 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, open Monday - Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information call (530) 642-4850 in Placerville or (530) 573-4330 in South Lake Tahoe, or visit www.edcgov.us/humanservices. Connections - One Stop is a service of the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency and a proud member of America's Job Center of California.