The last remaining Missouri Job Center that was closed due to COVID-19 reopened to the public this week to help displaced workers find meaningful employment. The Warrenton Job Center opened Wednesday, Sept. 16.
All Missouri Job Centers closed to the public in March when Gov. Mike Parson closed state office buildings due to COVID-19. Reopening Missouri Job Centers in a safe and responsible manner has been an important part of the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development’s Return Strong initiative to help Missourians skill up and get back to work.
The Capital City Job Center in Jefferson City closed in May 2019 after being hit by a tornado. The center reopened earlier this week, with a grand reopening event planned for Friday, Sept. 18.
Although Missouri Job Centers are open, it’s important that customers call before visiting. Some will continue to operate by appointment only, and Job Centers may close down unexpectedly due to COVID-19 exposure. Centers open for in-person services will adhere to social distancing and other protocols for the safety of staff and visitors. Job Centers will follow local health guidelines, including mandatory mask ordinances in cities and counties with the restrictions. Job seekers and displaced workers can still access services by phone at 1-888-728-5627, or online at jobs.mo.gov.
Displaced workers may be eligible to receive free training vouchers of up to $4,000 to skill up or retrain. Job Center staff are prepared to assist those receiving unemployment benefits with their required weekly job search activities, as well as with training opportunities, career services, and resume writing.
Throughout September, the MDHEWD is celebrating Workforce Development Month by raising awareness for its many job training and career advancement initiatives. In addition to opening the remaining closed Job Centers, this month the department launched the state’s new Missouri Apprentice Connect portal, will host virtual job fairs, and host the annual Chief Local Elected Officials Summit.
Learn more about Return Strong at jobs.mo.gov/return-strong. Find all of Missouri’s full-service Job Centers at https://jobs.mo.gov/job-centers.
About the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development: The department works to empower Missourians with the skills and education needed for success. More information about MDHEWD can be found at https://dhewd.mo.gov or on Facebook and Twitter @MoDHEWD.