Work Services

WorkSource California

Introduction

WorkSource centers assist both job seekers and businesses. Work Source California has a network of over 50 locations across the Los Angeles region.

Services are free and each center offers job listings, information about local education and training providers, up-to-date economic and labor market information, skill assessments, and assistance with filing claims for unemployment insurance.

WorkSource centers assist businesses in finding and keeping workers, by matching qualified workers with business that have jobs that need to be filled. WorkSource centers also engage in customized training programs to assist both workers and employers by recruiting, training and placing worker with employers who have agreed to hire applicants once training is completed.

WorkSource Employment Resource Centers

At the WorkSource Resource Centers you will find current job listings, computers with internet job search access, labor market information, CalJOBS registration, civil service opportunities, and information on employment agencies and executive search firms.

The resource centers provide free use of telephone and fax service for contacting potential employers and forwarding job letters and resumes. They offer free use of copy machines for duplicating job leads, resumes, and cover letters and labor market information.

Once you have checked in, you can either “surf the center” on your own or ask for assistance from the staff.

Career Counseling Services

Most WorkSource centers offer an orientation once a week, to familiarize job seekers with their services. After the orientation you can make an appointment for an assessment and determination of eligibility. You may qualify for special services if you fall into one or more of the following categories: long-term unemployed, low-income, have collected unemployment or have been laid off from an industry that you are not likely to return to. Special services are also available for Older Workers, Dislocated Workers and Workers with Disabilities.

You and your counselor will develop a plan to achieve your career goal. Pre-employment preparation with your counselor can include employment skills assessment, application completion, resume development and interview strategies. Most WorkSource centers offer a regular calendar of workshops (computer classes, resume writing, interviewing skills, etc.). Beyond this, your counselor can help you develop a plan to get more extensive training to prepare you for work.

Universal Access

Under the Workforce Investment Act, WorkSource centers are mandated to provide universal services, which means everybody including the disabled. In the Los Angeles region the Employ-Ability Partnership assists the WorkSource centers and their staff in providing quality services to people with disabilities.

There have been numerous changes made at WorkSource centers to overcome the limits that previously existed for the disabled. These innovations include the introduction of assistive technology in the resource centers to help people with mobility issues, hearing, and visual impairments. Centers have access to the empowerment team, a group of professions who assist the center on disability issues as well as a website and hot line to answer question you might bring to the center. WorkSource staff complete web based courses and attend live trainings to become certified to provide services to the disabled, including a class on HIV/AIDS.

To get more information on WorkSource services for the disabled, click here to visit the Employ-ABILITY partnership Web site. WorkSource staff receive HIV/AIDS sensitivity training and should understand the importance of confidentiality. All information shared about HIV status or disability has to be held in confidence.

WorkSource Training Services

If you don’t know what direction to take your job search, WorkSource staff can provide skills assessments, technology training, and help you locate training oppertunities available in the community. You can also see Department of Rehabilitation counselors on sight at some centers.

How to Find a WorkSource Center

To locate the WorkSource center nearest you, call 800.For.AJob (800.367.2562) or call your local city hall. Generally, WorkSource Centers are open during regular business hours, but some have extended and/or limited hours.

If you have questions about APLA, becoming a client or about any of the services we offer, call us at 213.201.1600 during normal business hours or send an e-mail. We are happy to help.

The Get Help section of this Web site includes:

• Eligibility Requirements for Programs & Services
• Programs & Services
• Registration Forms