Media Contacts:
Laura Byrnes, APR, CPRC
Communications Manager
CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion
Phone: 352-291-9559 | Cell: 352-816-1264
[email protected]
Dhanya Nair
Executive Assistant
CareerSource North Central Florida
Cell: 352-681-6626
[email protected]
NOTE: INFORMATION SUBJECT TO CHANGE
OCALA, Fla. (April 3, 2020) – The CareerSource Florida network, which includes CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion and CareerSource North Central Florida, is now empowered to assist Floridians in applying for Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Compensation). Details as to how that will happen are in the works.
Reemployment Assistance provides temporary wage benefits to those who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own, such as due to COVID-19. The program, which is run by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, is experiencing delays and difficulties keeping up with unprecedented demand.
Thursday afternoon, Gov. Ron DeSantis directed CareerSource Florida’s 24 local workforce regions to help those filing benefits applications as well as continue to connect businesses with qualified, skilled talent and job seekers with employment and career development opportunities.
“Every day, we hear of the frustrations from those who have tried for days or weeks to file applications, only to get kicked out of the system. So we are very happy to finally be able to help,” said Rusty Skinner, CEO of CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion. “Yes, our primary job is to find people work, but at this critical time, we’re going to help people file for unemployment (compensation) because of problems with the state system.”
Skinner said that a key part of the plan is to offer paper applications to help alleviate the online log jam. When those applications will be made available, and how they will be securely collected and delivered to DEO, has yet to be determined.
“We are working closely and constantly with DEO to move on this as quickly as possible,” Skinner said. “When finalized, I hope our local media, which has been so supportive of these efforts, and other partners, such as United Way, will help CareerSource CLM reach those who need our help.”
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CareerSource CLM and CareerSource NCFL are proud partners of the American Job Center network and CareerSource Florida. Auxiliary aids and services are available upone request in Spanish and to persons with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers listed above may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.