WorkForce Center Programs

Crookston
1-888-GET-JOBS or 281-6020

Manager

Carolyn Toupin

Job Seeker Services

Your local WorkForce Center offers the following job seeker assistance:

• Workshops
• Resource Room
  • Internet access for job search puposes,
  • Resume writing coaching,
  • MinnesotaWorks.net, an internet-based self-service system where member employers and job seekers can find each other.
• Referral to Community Resources,
• the new WorkForce Center Orientation for new Unemployment Insurance claimants,
• Answers to general Unemployment Insurance questions (for specific information about your claim, see the link below),
• And more!

Susan Peterson

Unemployment Insurance (UI) 

This program is funded by an employer-paid tax to cover job seeking expenses for the unemployed or underemployed.  Eligibility is based on program requirements under Minnesota reemployment law.  To apply for a new claim, to reactivate an existing claim, or more information, click here or call
1-877-898-9090.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit

By hiring people in targeted groups, employers can qualify for a tax credit of up to $2,400 per employee..

Jaci Brekken

Dislocated Worker Program 

Dislocated Workers have been laid off through no fault of their own because of a plant/business closure or downsizing.  This program allows Dislocated Workers to receive assessment, counseling, career exploration, training and job placement assistance necessary to reenter the workforce.  Participants can be retrained either in a college setting or on the job.

Loralee Taylor

Workforce Investment Act (WIA) 

Formerly known as JTPA, this program prepares youth and adults in need of training for entry or reentry into the workforce, an opportunity for Classroom and On-the-Job Training, or Work Experience.  Eligibility is based on meeting federally-established income guidelines.

JaNan Erickson

Welfare-to-Work Programs 

Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)

The Minnesota Family Investment Program takes the place of AFDC and FGA cash assistance programs.  The MFIP program expects, supports, and rewards work.  Through a series of workshops and self-help resources, job seekers begin their path to independence.  Transitional benefits of child care, medical assistance and support services are available to qualifying individuals.

Fern Johnson

Food Stamp Employment & Training (FSET)

FSET helps participants improve job seeking skills in preparation for employment.  This program provides services to those receiving food stamps while on a job search or involved in other activities associated with preparing for work.   FSET participants work closely with a job placement consultant to prepare them for employment through counseling, job referral , job search training, and supportive services.  After employment is found, the food stamp allotment ceases or is reduced.

Fern Johnson
Jimmy Rodriguez

Veterans Services 

As required by law, WorkForce Center provides business services to employers and priority job referrals to qualified veterans and training opportunities to all eligible veterans.

Alan Luoto

Rehabilitation Services (RS) 

Rehabilitation Counselors are able to coordinate or provide resources to meet most unique/special needs and provide support to make the job transition period as smooth as possible for all individuals involved:  employers, supervisors, co-workers, and new employees.  Historically employers have found that persons with disabilities are excellent employees--hard-working, qualified and reliable.  RS takes pride in facilitating the "right match" between employer and employee.

Tom Anderson	Regional Area Manager
Bonnie Herrin	Customer Service Specialist
Jody Jensen	Technician
Linda Olson	Representative
Chris Rosaasen	Counselor
Deb Huot	Job Placement Coordinator

Experience Works! 

Older workers, age 55 and older, represent a continually growing segment of the population in Northwest Minnesota.  This has been a largely untapped resource for the business community.  This program provides a way for qualified, experienced workers to receive assessment for their skills, counseling, job referrals, work training, and employment in the private sector.

Migrant Programs 

This program is designed to help migrant and seasonal farm workers and the Spanish-speaking community obtain employment and/or training.  Also provided are bilingual services to all registered job applicants and employers in the community.

Jimmy Rodriguez

State Services for the Blind (SSB) 

Employment services are available that seek to develop skilled workers and match them with jobs.  Job training, supportive services relating to job accommodation and rehabilitation engineering is available.

Gina Bergeron

1-218-333-8206

Resource Area

The WorkForce Center Resource Area recently introduced MinnesotaWorks.net, a self-service Internet website where job seekers can search for job opportunities and post an online résumé. Other Internet job search tools and computer software are available at WorkForce Center to enhance one's efforts to find suitable employment. Also available is a library of written and video resources for both job seekers and employers which may be checked out for a week at a time.

Irene Ybarra

1-218-281-6020

Testing Services

WorkForce Center provides testing services for job seeker and employer alike.  For instance:

• Choices 2009 - a computerized skills, interest, and abilities test tool which processes a report of probable occupational matches and colleges that offer training in those fields.
• Minnesota WorkForce Center Typing Test.

Irene Ybarra

Business Services

The Northwestern Minnesota Workforce Centers endeavor to market services and products to area employers.  For more information call Jaci Brekken at 1-888-GET-JOBS or e-mail to:

Jaclyn Brekken

Website Issues

Carl Unbehaun

Other

Employers may use WorkForce Center facilities for employment interviews and testing.   For general questions, to sign up for a workshop, or to schedule space, contact:

Irene Ybarra

Crookston WFC Homepage