Rapid Response Services
What is Rapid Response?
When a company has to lay off employees because of a closing or downsizing, it is difficult for both the employer and the affected workers. The Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) has designed a system, to help -- Rapid Response.
Rapid Response is an early intervention service that assists both employers and employees affected by layoffs or plant closures. It provides access to user-friendly resources and information to help transition affected workers into reemployment.
How does Rapid Response work?
Staff of MDES's Office of Grant Management leads the state's Rapid Response efforts. The first step is an on-site meeting with the employer to discuss resources and services available to help manage the layoff and to identify employees' specific needs. (Includes union/employee representatives if appropriate).
The next step - develop a plan of action for delivering needed services and mobilize the Rapid Response Team.
What is the Rapid Response Team?
The Rapid Response Team is comprised of representatives of key local and state agencies that provide resources and services to assist businesses and laid-off workers.
| MDES staff leads the Team that includes: |
|---|
| Community and Junior Colleges |
| Local Workforce Investment Areas |
| WIN Job Center/Mississippi Department of Employment Security |
What does the Rapid Response Team do?
The Rapid Response Team works with the employer to provide the assistance and services needed for the affected workers.
| This may be accomplished in two ways: |
|---|
| One, through informational meetings called orientation sessions with groups of employees, during which each member of the Team discusses available services; |
| Two, through workshops on resume writing, employability skills, and/or other training that may also be provided. |
What services are available to help laid-off Workers?
| The Rapid Response Team provides information on: |
|---|
| Job Placement Assistance |
| Job Counseling |
| Job Search Workshops |
| Labor Market Information |
| Resume Writing Assistance |
| Access to Internet for Job Search and Posting Resumes |
| Interviewing Techniques |
| Veterans Assistance Information |
| Occupational Retraining |
| Job Search and Job Placement Assistance |
| Trade Adjustment Assistance Information |
| Trade Readjustment Benefits Information |
| Out-of-Area Job Search Assistance |
| Remedial Education |
| On-the-Job Training |
| Career and Aptitude Assessment |
| Children's Health Insurance Program |
| Confidential Financial Counseling |
| Starting a business |
| Unemployment Insurance |
| Rehabilitation Services |
What can Employers expect from Rapid Response?
| Employers can Expect: |
|---|
| Quick response to transition planning needs |
| Assistance in conducting an orderly layoff |
| Free pre-layoff services for employees |
| Information on Worker Adjustment & Retraining Notification (WARN) and Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) requirements |
| Improvement in workers' morale and productivity |
| Maintain good corporate image |
Where can Employers or Laid-off Workers get more information about Rapid Response?
For more information contact MDES’ Office of Grant Management at 601-321-6000.
For Services and Resources for Laid-off Workers, click here.
To find a WIN Job Center near you, and click here.
For PDF copies of the following documents, click the links below:
Rapid Response Resource Book
Rapid Response Action Checklist
MDES Website Instructions
UI 501 Unemployment Application
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