Iowa agency reminds laid off workers that it can provide help.

Iowa Workforce Development offers assistance for workers who have lost their job due to a lay-off or business closing. From unemployment benefits to job search workshops, Iowa Workforce offices are here to help you during this time of uncertainty.

"We want to make sure that everyone knows about and has access to these important resources during this difficult time," said Elisabeth Buck, director of Iowa Workforce Development. "Our goal is to help Iowans land on their feet."

Individuals affected by a lay-off often qualify for important retraining benefits and education benefits in addition to unemployment insurance. These benefits provide an important economic safety net for Iowans in need.

In addition to unemployment, regional workforce offices offer a wide-range of workshops on a rotating basis. These workshops help to meet the immediate needs of Iowans in transition. The topics include dealing with job loss, financial management, applying for financial aid, resume development, job search methods and tips on keeping a job in today’s environment.

Many IWD offices have resource centers that provide information on how to create different types of resumes and cover letters. Word processing software and IWD staff are also available to assist you with the preparation of a resume or cover letter. Services are designated for the novice and for the more advanced user. Job seeking and skill videos and career information are available to help prepare the job seeker for the process of finding and landing that new job.

The state jobs database is available at www.iowajobs.org. This self-directed job search system allows the job seeker to view over 14,500 current job openings listed with Iowa Workforce Development all across the state. The user-friendly system allows jobseekers to search by keyword, location and more. For those in need of additional search assistance, Iowa Workforce Development staff is available at 55 offices across the state.

For more information, visit www.iowaworkforce.org or call a local office. The Workforce Development office in Council Bluffs is located at 300 W. Broadway, Suite 13. The phone number is (712) 242 2100