How to apply for the Dislocated Worker Program in Dakota County:
First, you need to fill out a Dislocated Worker Program Questionnaire.  They are available online here, or at one of our two WorkForce Centers in Dakota County.

The Questionnaire is available online in the following formats:

• Dakota County Dislocated Worker Questionnaire in Microsoft Word
  You can download the Word version, type it out, print it and turn it in to the Minnesota WorkForce Center in Burnsville or West Saint Paul.

• Dakota County Dislocated Worker Questionnaire as an Adobe PDF
  You can download the PDF version, print it, fill it out in writing and turn it in to the Minnesota WorkForce Center in Burnsville or West Saint Paul.

See below for more information, or you can download the information sheet as an Adobe PDF

Dakota County Dislocated Worker Program Information

What is the Dislocated Worker Program?
The Dislocated Worker Program is an employment program.  The goal of the program is to help people obtain employment in positions comparable to their customary work.  Fees are not charged for services.

Who is eligible?
The Dislocated Worker Program is offered to people who are permanently separated from employment.  It includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Unemployed due to mass layoffs and business closings.

• Unemployed due to no fault of their own and have a long term attachment to the labor force.

• Former self-employed people who went out of business due to economic conditions or natural disaster.

What is the process for obtaining these services?
The first step is to fill out an eligibility questionnaire, which is also available online on this webpage.  The second step is to turn it into one the WorkForce Centers in Burnsville or West Saint Paul.  Next someone will contact you regarding your eligibility, if you are eligible you will be registered for an orientation session.

The orientation consists of an eligibility determination, an outline of additional information about the program, starting the enrollment process by filling out required paperwork and initial assessments, which includes an assessment in math and reading.

Within a few days a referral is made for assignment to a counselor.  The counselor will then schedule an individual appointment with you.

Program Services Available After Program Enrollment:
Assessment and Planning Services:  Each participant works on a one-to-one basis with a counselor.  An assessment is made of the individual’s qualifications and job goals.  Labor market trends are examined.  The employment potential for possible training programs is assessed.  Then, based on program resources, an individual employment plan is established.

Training:  Training may be provided to update skills in the individual’s employment field.  Basic education may be provided to improve reading, writing, math and English skills, or to earn a GED.  Training is typically of a short duration, but not always, and funds are limited.  Training must be pre-approved by a Dislocated Worker Program Counselor in order to be reimbursed.

Support Services:  LIMITED financial assistance is available to assist program participants with living expenses during program participation.  It is usually a one-time payment.

Note:   If you need additional assistance, such as an interpreter, you must fill out and call, mail or drop off the Special Needs Request Form (click here to download) at the WorkForce Center right away. Also, you need to come to a session that is two weeks from now to give us time to set up the additional assistance.

Additional Guidelines:

• If you use a post office box, you need to provide proof of your permanent physical address.
• If you are currently involved in a labor dispute, you eligibility cannot be reviewed until the dispute is settled.
• You are not eligible if you are currently receiving Worker’s Compensation, disability benefits or financial assistance through MFIP, Diversionary Work Program or General Assistance programs.

Last Updated 04/15/2009 06:49 PM

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