What We’re Offering:

Beginning this week, we’re offering two free ongoing events for job seekers in Northern California.

Event 1: “Resumes & Applications”

• When: Every 3rd Thursday at 2:00 p.m. PST, starting June 18th, 2020 
• What: Free virtual workshops in which experienced Career Advisors share key strategies for creating standout resumes and completing successful job applications. 
• How: Register for the webinar here or contact your local AFWD office.

Event 2: “How to Find a Job”

• When: Every 4th Tuesday at 2 p.m. PST, starting June 25, 2020
• What: Free virtual workshops featuring innovative tips, tricks, and strategies on how to successfully search for the job you want. 
• How: Register for the webinar here or contact your local AFWD office.

Who Should Attend:

If you’re looking for employment, these free workshops are an excellent place to get a jumpstart on your job search and get expert advice at the same time. Highly encouraged!

Did You Lose Your Job Due to COVID-19?

Good news! Many employers are back up and running and looking for qualified employees. Jobs are available!

It’s a Good Idea to Start Your Job Hunt Soon

Here’s why:

1. There are a lot of great employment opportunities out there right now across a range of interests and skill levels. Now’s the time to apply for that dream job! Soon, thousands more people will be looking for jobs, so it’s important to find the position you want before they’re all grabbed up. 
2. The jobs opportunities are out there, but there are also a higher number of qualified people soon to be looking for employment. Get a jump start on the competition! (Learn more here.)
3. Since many people who qualified to receive COVID-19 related unemployment funds back in March, they will be expected to look for a job as benefits decrease the end of July. You can avoid the last-minute rush by securing employment now. 

AFWD Has Jobs Available NOW!

We can help you:

• Find a job in your preferred career path or profession.
• Get trained for the job you want with our On-the-Job Training programs. Ask a Career Center Adviser for help.

How Do You Get Started?

Use the links above, contact your local AFWD office, or connect with us in the green chat box on our website. 

There are endless opportunities out there—start your job hunt today!

What Is It?
Statewide Worker Supportive Service funds are available to help COVID-19 impacted workers with re-employment and basic needs. You may be eligible (see below) to receive up to $800 for services like rent, childcare, utilities, telework equipment, transportation costs and much more.

The goal of this program is to help Northstate citizens maintain stability during the pandemic and are able to get back to work quickly or to assist individuals in remaining prepared and able to join the workforce once restrictions are lifted.

Who Is Eligible
You may receive up to $400 if you:
Make at least 50% of your pre-COVID wages, either through your current employer or unemployment payments.
You may receive up to $800 if you:
Make less than 50% of your pre-COVID wages, either through your current employer or unemployment payments.

How It Works
Example 1: Lost your job due to COVID-19 layoffs, and can’t make rent this month? You may be eligible to receive funds to help with the cost.
Example 2: Job requirements changed and now you need to Telework or freelancing from home, but can’t afford the cost of Internet? You may be eligible to receive funds to help with your Internet bill.

How Long Are These Funds Available?
First come, first served. Once the money is used up, no additional funds for this program will be available. Funding is not for continual support. If you’re interested, get in touch immediately.

How to Apply
If you’d like to apply for the supportive services funds, simply call your local AFWD branch, chat with our team on Facebook or our website chat, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Opportunity:
AFWD has partnered with public and nonprofit organizations around the north state to fulfill short-term job opportunities in response to COVID-19.

Who Is Eligible:
California residents who are unemployed or have reduced work hours due to COVID-19 restrictions, as well as those who have been unemployed for 15 of the past 26 weeks may be eligible. Not sure you qualify? Reach out either by phone or chat feature (see information below).

Job Details:
All positions offer a competitive wage and opportunity for skill-building. This is also a way for individuals to help their communities respond to the ongoing pandemic. As temporary jobs directly related to COVID-19 relief, most will last approximately 10 weeks long.

Example opportunities include:
Sanitization
Meal delivery
Shelter and homelessness advocacy
Warehouse supply chain
Landfill operations

How to Apply:
The fastest way to get started is with a call to your local AWFD branch (see the numbers below) and ask to be added to the COVID-19 temporary positions list. Alternatively, reach out directly through our website with the green chat feature at the bottom right of each page.

More Information:

Business Assistance through the Small Business Development Center's COVID-19 Relief Resources

What Is It?
The California Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Program is an expert in helping small businesses navigate the unexpected. With over 35 locations throughout California, SBDC offers a plethora of FREE and low-cost help to small businesses. In addition to overall comprehensive business guidance, they offer experienced, reliable help with relief applications, available resources, cash flow concerns, supply chain interruptions, workforce capacity, and insurance coverage.

Why Is It Relevant Right Now?
During the COVID-19 crisis, SBDCs are also providing additional support on tricky topics like:
Small Business Guide to CARES Act
Guide to COVID-19 Loans and forms
Small Business Survival Guide
Federal & State Support
Assistance on Employee and Business Safety

Who Is It For:
If you’re a small business with questions on how to keep cash flowing, employees safe, and your doors open during this pandemic, start here. Live people answer the phone, so you can get personalized, one-on-one counseling at no charge and real-time answers to questions keeping you up at night.

How to Get Started
Visit https://www.californiasbdc.org/covid19 to learn more about current crisis support, then contact your nearest Small Business Development Center to talk with a local resource specialist for all your small business needs.

You're Eligible Through PUA (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance)

Great news! If you are self-employed and affected by the COVID-19 crisis, unemployment insurance is available.

What it is:
The CARES Act created a temporary federal program called Pandemic Unemployment Insurance (PUA). In general, PUA provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits to individuals not eligible for regular unemployment compensation or extended benefits, including those who have already exhausted their benefits thus far.

Who is eligible:
Individuals covered include the self-employed (e.g. independent contractors, gig economy workers, and workers for certain religious entities.), those seeking part-time employment, individuals lacking sufficient work history, and those who otherwise do not quality for regular unemployment compensation or extended benefits.

For more information and to file a claim please visit this website 

Expedite Your Unemployment Insurance By Filing Online

What it is:
The EDD has two forms of unemployment assistance. Both applications are through the UI Online link below - the recommended way to apply.

New is the PUA or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance available as part of the federal CARES act. This program is designed to help unemployed California business owners, self-employed, independent contractors, have a limited work history, and others not usually eligible for regular state unemployment insurance benefits.

Information about PUA is located here

How to Apply:
Both traditional unemployment insurance and the PUA program applications can be accessed via UI Online. UI Online is the State of California’s Employment Development Departments (EDD) web-based application process. You can access it here 

When to do it:
File the first week you lose your job or have your hours reduced. Your claim begins on the Sunday of the week you submitted your application.

What you’ll need:
Use this handy checklist to the right to collect the necessary information before you sit down to apply. 

Tips to Simplify the Process:
We highly recommend watching this video. It will take you through the process, step by step. The 6 minutes it takes to watch is well worth the time it saves trying to navigate unfamiliar territory.