Beginning Monday, March 15, most Missouri Job Centers will transition from appointment-only visits to a full re-opening, with walk-ins welcome.
The new policy only applies to Job Centers that meet three main criteria for re-opening. Centers must be located in counties where COVID-19 positivity rates are below 8.5 percent, they must have adequate staffing to provide services, and must be able to meet the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development’s internal Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response Plan guidelines.
Decisions on whether Job Centers meet the re-opening requirements will be made on a case-by-case basis. Decisions will be made Monday of each week and announced to impacted Job Center staff with a notice of one week prior to status change from “Appointment Only” to “Open.”
Anyone planning to visit a Job Center should call ahead each week to make sure that center is open for walk-ins or to schedule an appointment.
One year ago, all the Missouri Job Centers temporarily closed to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Since then, the Missouri Office of Workforce Development (OWD) has worked closely with Job Center staff to ensure that all reemployment services could be delivered online or over the phone. Job Centers reopened to in-person services last summer, but implemented precautions out of concern for the health of staff and visitors.
“The patience shown by job seekers and Job Center staff played a vital role as we converted our services to virtual formats last year.” said Dr. Mardy Leathers, director of workforce development. “Although we have been open for several months, we’re excited to welcome back walk-in visitors as we implement full, in-person services.”
Missouri Job Centers will also continue to offer reemployment services online or by telephone. Those services include resume and interview preparation, assistance with job searching, and support for unemployment claims. The Job Centers also offer training assistance to those that qualify.
Job seekers and employers can find their local Missouri Job Center and access resources online at jobs.mo.gov.
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.