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 Customer Operations Support 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 Area
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; and --
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?
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' Workforce Services Department at 1-800-762-2781.
To view WARN Reports, select the appropriate link below:
Program Year 2011
Jul-Sep 2011
Oct-Dec 2011
Jan-Mar 2012
Program Year 2010
Jul-Sep 2010
Oct-Dec 2010
Jan-Mar 2011
Apr-June 2011
