Services for Remaining 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/

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/