Rapid Response is a free, publicly-funded service that works to connect employers to programs to minimize or prevent potential layoffs and to connect recently or soon-to-be laid off workers to the various public services available to them to help navigate job loss, including unemployment insurance benefits, health care coverage, training and education resources, career counseling services, and more. Rapid Response services were created as a part of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and as this service is funded at the federal level, there is no cost for either employers or employees to utilize them.
Rapid Response: Helping Employers and Employees Facing Layoffs
The modern economy is rapidly-changing which often leaves employers considering layoffs in order to reduce costs and remain viable. For those employers looking for alternative solutions to layoffs, Rapid Response staff can help connect employers to such options as:
Reduce the hours of any number of employees by 20-40% instead of laying them off. They will be able to receive unemployment insurance benefits for their reduced hours resulting in minimal income loss.
Connect your existing employees to the education and training they need to fulfill the jobs you are creating as they move out of the jobs you are reducing.
Get reimbursed for up to half the wages of employees who are learning aspects of their new positions.
Get connected to business support resources such as Paycheck Protection Plan Loans and state and local grants.
If the programs above do not meet the employer needs and/or the decision to lay off employees is already final, we will provide tailored presentations to the affected workers to cover the various benefits and services they are eligible for and we will explain the process of enrollment. These presentations will be held at a mutually-agreed upon time and are at no cost to any of the parties involved.
These presentations are generally an hour to an hour and a half, and are led by staff from Unemployment Insurance, Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, Employment Services, and Skills and Training.
We understand that losing a job and planning next steps during this transition can be overwhelming for many people, and we work to make sure the information is accessible to all employees, regardless of background.
The services we will discuss include:
A reminder that these services are all provided at no cost to either the employer or employees. We will work to tailor the presentation to the specific needs of your laid off employees so that all of the information shared is as relevant as possible.
To schedule a Rapid Response session (either via Zoom or in person) tailored to your business and your employees, please submit this form: CWP Rapid Response Information & Submission Form.
Our local Rapid Response partners: Oregon Employment Department, Clackamas Community College, Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, WorkSource Clackamas, and Higher Education Coordination Committee.
Amy Oakley, Senior Business Services Manager
amy.oakley@clackamasworkforce.org
Samir Randolph, Business Service Manager
samir.randolph@clackamasworkforce.org
Darcie Iven, Rapid Response Coordinator
