Quarterly Newsletter  |  January -  March, 2020

Open For Business

Workforce Solutions (WFS) is prepared to help job seekers find employment, guide job seekers who recently lost their job to Unemployment Benefits, and provide guidance to local employers who are seeking information on Unemployment Benefit Claims. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, WFS has shifted our delivery of services online and over the phone to continue assisting the Rio Grande Valley during these unprecedented times.

Staying Connected with Job Seekers

Job Seekers stay up-to-date with information by visiting the RGV Operation Get Hired Facebook (FB)page powered by Workforce Solutions. Facebook has been a tremendous and effective method of job seeker outreach. The RGV Operation Get Hired followers have increased to 40,453 Facebook Likes, an increase of 500 new followers in one week (March 27- April 4).

Workforce Solutions staff stay connected with customers through a newly integrated Live Chatcomponent that was deployed on March 25^th. Live Chat allows all customers, including employers, to connect with a Workforce Solutions specialist and provide workforce services or information.

Staying Connected with Employers

Supporting the business community is critical. WFS staff are working closely with local businesses in various fronts. These include:

Working with businesses, economic development corporations, the Small Business Administration (SBA), University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Small Business Development Center and area chambers of commerce to disseminate information on CARES Act, Paycheck Protection Program, Rapid Response and Unemployment Benefit Claims resources available through the Texas Workforce Commission to approximately 527 local employers.

Webinars and Conference Calls:

WFS Business Relations Representatives work diligently with employers to meet the current demand for labor. WFS staff provide a consultative approach to assisting employers in considering various approaches to recruiting. This includes conducting interviews via phone calls, receiving email resumes, and conducting virtual interviews (e.g. Interview Stream). 

Staying Connected through Technology WFS is working diligently to secure the wellbeing and safety of community and WFS staff. As such, efforts are underway to transition entirely to teleworking (board and contractor staff). The work includes re-assessing WFS’ internal technology infrastructure. Several strategies have been implemented to make teleworking available while maintaining the organization’s commitment to securing information, including personal identifiable information.

Website Enhancements Created COVID-19 Resources webpage to provide employers and job seekers direct links to the Texas Workforce Commission resources.  In efforts to maintain a continuity of services to both job seekers and employers, WFS deployed a Live Chat component. Job seekers and employers can connect with a WFS specialist and provide workforce services and/or information. This system was deployed March 25, 2020; approximately 649 Live Chats were recorded, of which 47% (305/649) were unemployment claims related.

Message from WFS Chief Executive Officer

Workforce Solutions remains steadfast to ensuring our customers, employers, and community stakeholders have a continuity of services. It is more important now than ever to come together as a community and help one another.  Count on Workforce Solutions and our staff to be available to answer questions and help with providing information and resources you need. Together We Are the Solution!

Sincerely,

Francisco Almaraz

Find a New Job! RGV job seekers can visit our Jobs Now page to view available jobs across all industries! WFS will feature in-demand job openings for employers in need of applicants during the COVID-19 pandemic. To apply for any of these featured jobs, register online at WorkInTexas.com to view more hiring opportunities in the RGV or contact us either online or over the phone to have our representatives assist you.

At RGV Operation Get Hired, you can also stay up to date on the latest news regarding our new RGV Virtual Job Fair Series! Job Fair #1 is scheduled for Thursday, April 23, 2020, and will feature over 10 employers.  Keep up with the page for frequent job postings from local employers hiring now! Need an immediate list of available jobs here in the RGV? Visit us online at wfsolutions.org/available-jobs.

Copyright © 2019 - 2020 Workforce Solutions - Lower Rio Grande Valley, All rights reserved. Workforce Solutions is one of 28 Texas Workforce Development Boards serving Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy counties. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IS THE LAW

Lower Rio Grande Valley Workforce Development Board dba Workforce Solutions is an equal opportunity employer/program and auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. TTY/TDD via RELAY Texas service at 711 or (TDD) 1-800-735-2989/1-800-735-2988 (voice).

Our mailing address is:

3101 W. Business 83 :: McAllen, TX 78501