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Services
for Separating Employees
GENERAL
SUPPORT:
The Employee Assistance
Program is a benefit available, at no cost,
to all state employees and their families. Separated employees
who have recall rights are also eligible to use EAP services. EAP
counselors are available to help you identify issues, and plan
strategies to address them. If necessary, your EAP counselor can
refer you to a specialist in the area of your concern. For more
information, or to set up an appointment, call 1-800-769-9819 or
visit the EAP website http://www.maine.gov/beh/EAP/index%20eap.htm
The
Maine State Employees Association
(MSEA) will ssure that all employees’ rights
under the contract (regarding bumping, recall, seniority, etc.)
are fully protected. They will also help affected employees fully
explore all employment options. For more information,
call Leslie Manning at 622-3151 or visit the MSEA website at http://www.mseaseiu.org/
FINANCIAL
MANAGEMENT:
Consumer
Credit Counseling Services of Maine , a non-profit,
501 (c) (3) organization, has been providing consumers with knowledge
of and assistance with personal money management for over 30 years.
CCCS offers Financial Counseling, Debt Management Services, Financial
Literacy Education, Financial Strategies for Times of Job Change,
and Informational Resources. For more information, call (800)-439-2227
or visit their website at http://www.cccsme.org/
When
your employment status changes, it can be difficult to meet all
of your financial obligations in a timely manner. The Maine
State Employees’ Credit Union encourages its
members to contact them if they find themselves in this situation.
They can discuss your loan/financial obligations, and possibly
develop a plan to assist you. Call MSECU at (800)-540-8707, or
623-1851; or visit their website http://www.msecu.org/
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE:
The major goal of the Unemployment Insurance program is to help workers make ends meet during a period of temporary unemployment. Do not rely on the advice of friends for answers about unemployment insurance! For more information, or to apply for UI benefits, visit the website http://www.maine.gov/labor/unemployment
Or call the Unemployment Claims Center Toll-Free: 1-800-593-7660 or TTY: 1-888-457-8884
CAREER/JOB
ASSESSMENT & DEVELOPMENT:
The
Bureau of Human Resources
will provide Civil Service Career Counseling and internal
job matching services to affected employees. BHR tracks vacant
positions throughout state government. Upon request, BHR will
conduct a preliminary assessment of an affected employee’s skills
and try to match these to the requirements of currently vacant positions.
Agencies are expected to cooperate in filling vacancies with affected
employees whenever possible. BHR can also assist affected employees
with application, testing and register services. Affected employees
who want Civil Service Career counseling should contact BHR at 624-7761
to schedule an appointment. For more information about services
available through the Bureau of Human Resources, call Robin Danforth
or visit the BHR website at http://www.maine.gov/bhr/
The
Maine Department of Labor CareerCenter is a
statewide network of professionally staffed offices linking Maine
job-seekers and employers across the state and nationwide. Employees
can access a variety of services through the DOL Career Center closest
to their residence. These services include computerized job matching;
professional employment counseling/consultation; vocational interest,
aptitude and skills testing; labor market information; and assistance
with job hunting (i.e., resume and interview preparation). For
more information, or to access services, call 1-888-457-8883; TTY
1-800-794-1110 or visit the website at http://www.mainecareercenter.com/
JOB/VACANCY
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
There
are several websites that provide information on jobs in Maine and
other states. These two sites provide links to many locations
that list job announcements (please note the first site will provide
the job seeker with a listing of jobs in Maine State Government):
http://www.maine.gov/bhr/
http://www.mainecareercenter.com/
GETTING
READY (Cover letters, resume development, interviewing skills,
training etc.):
The
Maine Department of Labor CareerCenter provides
one-stop shopping for support services for job-seekers. Trained
staff can assist with development of cover letters, resumes, interviewing
skills, etc. They may also be able to help with transportation,
child care and clothing for job interviews. The CareerCenter can
also determine if you are eligible for training/re-training in a
particular field or occupation. See contact information above.
The
Bureau of Human Resources can provide some
assistance in this area. At the request of your departmental SOS
liaison, the Bureau can provide affected employees with a copy of
“Surviving a Layoff;” a comprehensive guide for job seekers that
includes a resume template, interviewing tips, etc. If you would
like to receive a copy of this publication, contact your departmental
liaison or contact Valerie Oswald at valerie.oswald@maine.gov
HEALTH
BENEFITS:
The
Office of Employee Health &
Benefits will provide general information and
answer employees’ questions regarding medical and dental insurance
plans . They will inform employees of options and costs of continuing
coverage in the event of layoff. For more information, call 1-800-422-4503
or visit their website at http://www.maine.gov/beh/
RETIREMENT
OPTIONS:
The
Maine State Retirement System
will provide some basic written information about
the retirement system and will work with the SOS team to expedite
individual appointments/consultations when necessary and appropriate.
For an informational brochure, “MSRS Benefits for State Employees,”
or to arrange an individual consultation with a MSRS representative,
please contact your departmental SOS liaison or contact Valerie.Oswald@Maine.gov
Also, you can access the MSRS website at http://www.msrs.org/
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