Other Resources

Unemployed

Both our career centers and the Virginia Employment Commission provide services that can help you get back into the job market! See below for additional information.

The following services are available one of our career centers for no cost to laid-off workers:

  • Unemployment Insurance Assistance
  • Job Search and Job Placement Assistance
  • Career Counseling
  • Labor Market Information
  • Job Search Workshops, Interviewing Techniques and Resume Writing Assistance
  • Access to Internet for Job Search and Posting Resumes
  • Veterans Assistance Information
  • Trade Adjustment Assistance Information
  • Trade Readjustment Benefits Information
  • Out-of-Area Job Search Assistance
  • Career and Aptitude Assessment

Unemployment Insurance

The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) administers the unemployment insurance program that provides temporary financial assistance to individuals who become unemployed through no fault of their own. Benefits are paid through taxes on employers covered under the Virginia Unemployment Compensation Act. No part of the cost of your unemployment benefits is deducted from your earnings. You can file an unemployment insurance claim with the Virginia Employment Commission online or by phone. You can learn more here.

Online Claims

You can file either online through the links below.

Telephone Claims

To file an unemployment claim by phone, call 1-866-832-2363 anytime between 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday.

The office is closed on weekends and state holidays.

Individuals With Disabilities

A wide range of employment, training, and career education program services are accessible to job seekers with disabilities at the Virginia Career Works Blue Ridge Career Centers. Auxiliary aids and services are also available upon request. There are also many community resources in the Blue Ridge region that provide additional assistance to those individuals with disabilities.

Virginia Department For Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS)

Virginia Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) provides and advocates for resources and services to improve the employment, quality of life, security, and independence of older Virginians, Virginians with disabilities, and their families. 

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Workforce And Rehabilitation Center

Individuals with disabilities can receive comprehensive medical, assistive technology and vocational rehabilitation services at the Wilson Workforce & Rehabilitation Center to help them gain increased independence and employment.

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Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS)

Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS) can help you learn about the range of available technology, select the most appropriate device for your needs, find resources to help purchase it and then learn how to use it.

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Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority (ATFLA)

Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority (ATLFA) is a low interest loan program that assists Virginians with disabilities to get assistive technology they need for work, play, education, and daily life.

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The Virginia Department For The Deaf And Hard Of Hearing (VDDHH)

The Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH) works to reduce the communication barriers between persons who are deaf or hard of hearing and those who are hearing, including family members, service providers, and the public. Below are some of their services:

VA RELAY

The telecommunications system for the deaf and hard of hearing communities in Virginia. It allows individuals to use specialized telecommunication devices or features to communicate with standard telephone users.

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TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Provides adaptive telecommunication equipment to qualified applicants whose hearing loss or disabilities prevent them from using a standard telephone.

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SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS

The interpreter services program includes a Directory of Qualified Interpreters and Interpreter Services Coordination.

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National Association Of The Deaf

To receive information and training about local services including where to find sign language classes, support services, and the technical equipment needed to aid persons who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing with their communication needs, visit the National Association of the Deaf website.

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Department For The Blind And Vision Impaired (DBVI)

The Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI) is committed to providing quality services to assist Virginia’s citizens who are blind, deafblind or vision impaired in achieving their maximum level of employment, education, and personal independence. Click here for more information about the programs and services they provide.

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Blue Ridge Independent Living Center

Providing peer counseling, independent living skills training, advocacy and information and referral, the Blue Ridge Independent Living Center in Roanoke works to assist disabled individuals live independently.

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Older Workers

We offer a wide range of employment, training, and career education program services to older workers at our Virginia Career Works Blue Ridge Career Centers.

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is operated by Goodwill Industries and is work-based job training program for older Americans. The program provides training for low-income, unemployed seniors. SCSEP participants gain work experience in a variety of community service activities at non-profit and public facilities, including schools, hospitals, day-care centers, and senior centers. Participants work an average of 20 hours a week, and are paid the highest of federal, state or local minimum wage. This training serves as a bridge to unsubsidized employment opportunities for participants. Visit this site for more information on this program.

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Virginia Department For Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS)

The Virginia Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) provides resources and services to improve the employment, quality of life, security, and independence of older Virginians, Virginians with disabilities, and their families. Click below to find out more about their services and how to contact them.

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Re-Entry Services

We offer a wide range of services to workers with a criminal record at our Virginia Career Works Blue Ridge Career Centers.

Training To Work

Total Action for Progress (TAP), a local non-profit, operates the Training to Work program that assists work-release participants with gaining industry-recognized credentials and securing employment. Participants receive case management, mentoring, job-readiness training, academic remediation and GED preparation, career pathway training resulting in industry-recognized certification(s) and follow-up services. For more information on this program, click below.

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Prisoner Re-Entry

Goodwill Industries operates a Prisoner Re-Entry program that is dedicated to providing effective, comprehensive employment services to men and women with criminal convictions. The program provides a level of structure and supervision to returning citizens that fosters confidence and skill building that are necessary for a successful transition to a stable productive life. Individuals with a criminal history, who want to work, are assisted with preparing to go to work and maintaining regular employment. The program provides a road map for participants to achieve a long-term goal of remaining attached to the legitimate workforce and maintaining their freedom. For more information, visit this site below.

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Young Professionals

When you have passion, liking your job is easy. Even if the work isn’t. Find your drive. Get to know the Roanoke Region of Virginia.

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Visit A Virginia Career Works Center

ROANOKE CENTER

3601 Thirlane Road NW, Suite 2
Roanoke, VA 24019
540.613.8220

roanoke center

COVINGTON CENTER

106 North Maple Avenue
Covington, VA 24426
540.965.9260

franklin center

FRANKLIN CENTER

50 Claiborne Avenue
Rocky Mount, VA 24151
540.483.0179

roanoke center