Rapid Response

Business Assistance

Solutions for businesses and workers in transiton.

If you are facing laying off or downsizing your workforce, changing its skill mix or anticipating a business closure, Rapid Response services can help you meet your business requirements while recognizing the needs of your employees and community. Contact Oakland PIC's Rapid Response coordinator (510) 768-4431

Rapid Response activities include an initial meeting with the employer and follow-up orientations for the workers affected by the pending transition. The purpose of this meeting and the orientations are to share information about available transition services for workers that have lost their jobs as a result of a layoff or facility closure. Rapid Response activities are authorized and funded under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) and sponsored by the Oakland Workforce Investment Board.

Oakland PIC's Rapid Response Coordinator will be sensitive in listening to concerns such as confidentiality, maintaining productivity and the transition of your employees.

The Rapid Response Coordinator may provide access to the following services:

• An initial employer meeting to plan transition for your employees
• Presentations to your employees on available services
• Job skills assessments of your employees
• Stress management and debt counseling
• Resume and interviewing workshops
• Possible options to reduce or avoid the layoff
• Coordination with other agencies for services your employees may need

The Rapid Response Team

Dedicated experts mobilize immediately on behalf of businesses to help the employer navigate through government regulations, take advantage of workforce resources, and manage employee expectations. The Rapid Response Transition Team can help your employees with job search assistance. They can also provide the help that you need to manage the workforce reduction and transition of your employees and ensure stability in the community in a positive and productive way.

Team members include:

• Rapid Response Coordinator
• Employment Development Department - State of California Unemployment Insurance
• EASTBAY Works One-Stop Business and Career Center Partners
• U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration - COBRA and pension benefits
• City of Oakland and Economic Development Partnerships
• Service Provders such as Financial Advisors, Debt Counselors and Stress Counselors
• Business Representatives
• Local Officials