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Workforce Resources in Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Workforce Solutions is committed to providing services to our community in these difficult times. View our Safe Service page to learn more about how we strive to prioritize safety at our centers. 

Protecting the health and safety of our staff and customers is our priority at this time. We are observing the situation as it unfolds and responding accordingly. While masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage visitors to wear them. Please refer back to this page or our social media pages for more updates.

ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF SERVICE DELIVERY ARE AVAILABLE. Call us at (888) 261-3286 for assistance from a workforce professional. Prefer to email a center near you? See below for center emails by location:

E-Mail:                                       Phone:

 WFSSTARR@wfsolutions.org                  (956) 487-9100

WFSWILLACY@wfsolutions.org              (956) 689-3412

WFSEDINBURG@wfsolutions.org           (956) 380-0008

WFSMISSION@wfsolutions.org              (956) 519-4300

WFSWESLACO@wfsolutions.org            (956) 969-6100

EMPLOYER RESOURCES

If you are a business facing a layoff or closure as a result of COVID-19, we can offer proactive, business-focused intervention and layoff aversion support at no cost*. Call us at (888) 261-3286 for more assistance.
*We currently cannot offer direct financial assistance or legal counsel to employers.

ASSISTANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

 Additional Resources:

Workforce Solutions and UTRGV Small Business Development Center bring you the Business Recovery: Safety First webinar - It's time for businesses to once again open their doors, this time emphasizing the safety of staff and customers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This webinar will help businesses learn about the most recent government guidelines, and highlight best practices to reopen safely and successfully. Get the answers from subject matter experts in business recovery. View the recorded webinar on our YouTube Page.

TWC Employer Work Refusal Documentation Form: If you offered any of your employees a chance to return to work and they refused, TWC needs to know. Please report each individual who refused to return to work on TWC's online Employer Work Refusal Documentation form.

Pharr EDC CARES Loan/Grants - "This program will provide forgivable loans in an amount between $2,500 and $5,000 for businesses who can demonstrate direct negative impacts on their business." 

City of McAllen CARES Loan/Grants - "This program is designed to help fund businesses or programs that creatively address a need to create, enhance, restore, or protect their McAllen-based small business." 

- If you are an employer seeking to hire qualified candidates with disabilities, we also encourage you to ask for a Vocational Rehabilitation Business Relations Coordinator in your area to help with candidate referrals, accommodation, or technical assistance related to hiring individuals with disabilities. Contact our offices for assistance.

- The Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses.

- Small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards.

• For a top-line overview of the program CLICK HERE
• If you’re a lender, more information can be found HERE
• If you’re a borrower, more information can be found HERE
• The application for borrowers can be found HERE 

Click here learn 4 ways the coronavirus law pays small businesses to keep workers

Coronavirus Information & Resources for Texas Employers Office of the Commissioner Representing Employers 

The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation has resources detailing how to apply for various programs available for small businesses. Visit here.

The Rapid Response Program – NO COST TO EMPLOYERS

Is your business anticipating layoffs? COVID 19 has had a dramatic impact on the economy with many businesses facing potential layoffs. The Rapid Response Program assists employers facing layoffs via specialized workshops covering topics such as “How to Apply for Unemployment Insurance,” “Job Searching,” “ Resume Writing,” and more. The program also provides information on alternatives to layoffs, such as shared work programs and/or layoff aversion, and has the capacity to offer training to affected employees.

To schedule a Rapid Response Workshop or for additional information please contact Joshua Vasquez, Rapid Response Coordinator, at (956) 683-3738 or via e-mail at joshua@wfsolutions.org.

For more information about the Dislocated Worker Programs, please visit the Texas Workforce Commission website at: http://www.twc.state.tx.us/svcs/jtpa/rapid-response.html.

JOB SEEKER RESOURCES

If you are a worker whose employment has been disrupted by economic changes caused by COVID-19 concerns, we can assist you in finding new work or training for a higher-skilled role in related industries.

Call us at (888) 261-3286 to speak with a representative about available support. Job seekers can also like and follow RGV Operation Get Hired or Workforce Solutions on Facebook for live updates and more.

Unemployment Benefits Services
If you are seeking Unemployment Benefits Services, please visit the Texas Workforce Commission website. Have questions about the process? Visit the Unemployment Benefits Services Frequently Asked Questions page. For Unemployment Benefit FAQ, click here. 

Governor Abbott has waived the one-week waiting period for benefits and work search requirements for Unemployment Insurance. Filing for unemployment benefits? Watch this report to find out who qualifies.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and $600 in Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Available for Eligible Workers

Job Searching
We understand the impact COVID-19 has made on our workforce. RGV job seekers can search for jobs on WorkInTexas.com, the state’s job search website. Due to high volume, we ask that you be patient if the website is not being responsive.

Create an account to get started.

Watch our online tutorials for help registering for an account. Click here to view the video playlist on YouTube.

We are maintaining a job list of immediate openings as part of our response to economic changes related to COVID-19.

Check out RGV Operation Get Hired on Facebook for Hot Jobs in the RGV, then go to WorkInTexas.com to learn more and apply for a job.

More Job Seeker Resources
2-1-1 Texas can assist you in accessing basic needs. Click here or dial 2-1-1, or 877-541-7905.

 

CHILD CARE RESOURCES

UPDATE 5/19/20: Effective June 1, TWC will reinstate the requirement for parents receiving financial assistance to pay for a portion of their costs. As children return to their centers, parents will resume paying their share of child care costs.TWC also continues to pay providers when children are absent and is paying a 25% enhanced reimbursement rate over and above what they regularly receive. If parents are unable to meet this financial obligation, costs may be waived. FULL RELEASE CAN BE FOUND HERE.

Additional COVID-19 Child Care Resources for Child Care Providers and Parents is found on The Texas Workforce Commission website, click here.

DISABILITY RESOURCES

If you have a physical, mental, or cognitive impairment or disability that makes employment hard for you, you may be eligible for services to help you prepare for, obtain, maintain or advance in employment. Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services assists individuals with any disability in partnership with Workforce Solutions.

Information on the continuation of Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services to individuals with disabilities during the pandemic:

• Individuals needing employment assistance, including those with disabilities, can visit their nearest Workforce Solutions office where our employment specialists will coordinate referrals or services with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) staff. 
• You may also reach out to VR directly for assistance, and may use the directory found here to find the office closest to them. An email address is also available for customers who would like assistance connecting to the right office: vr.office.locator@twc.state.tx.us
• VR serves individuals with disabilities, including those who are blind, deaf or hearing impaired, who need VR services to obtain or retain employment.  
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, VR staff are available remotely to assist customers. Here is a one-page message to customers on this. A Message to Texas Workforce Solutions-Vocational Rehabilitation Services Customers

COMMUNITY WIFI HOTSPOTS

More COVID-19 Resources

 Below are several recommended websites that you can rely on for the most current and accurate information:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • www.cdc.gov
  • Groups at Higher Risk for Severe Illness – Center for Disease Control and Prevention Update

• Office of the Texas Governor
  • https://gov.texas.gov/coronavirus

• • Governor Abbot Requests Major Disaster Declaration from White House

• Hidalgo County
  • https://www.hidalgocounty.us/coronavirusupdates

• Willacy County
  • http://www.co.willacy.tx.us/

• Starr County
  • https://www.starrcounty.org/coronavirus-global-cases

• World Health Organization
  • www.who.org

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration
  • www.osha.gov

• Texas Workforce Commission
  • Texas Workforce Commission's Coronavirus Information & Resources for Texas Employers (pdf)

• Food and Drug Administration
  • Unauthorized Fraudulent Coronavirus Tests Update

For up-to-date information about Workforce Solutions locations and programs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.