Maine Dept. of Labor Restarting RESEA Program for Unemployed Mainers Bookmark and Share

March 8, 2021

For Immediate Release: March 8, 2021

Maine Dept. of Labor Restarting RESEA Program for Unemployed Mainers

Select claimants will begin receiving information about the restarted program on March 14.

AUGUSTA - On March 14, the Maine Department of Labor is restarting the Re-Employment Services and Eligibility & Assessment (RESEA) program. RESEA is a program that provides qualifying Unemployment Insurance (UI) claimants with one-on-one coaching and relevant services to help them in their reemployment journey. The Department last offered the program from 2015-2017.

"We know that many people have struggled to make ends meet during the pandemic. As the economy improves, we can help you connect with new job and training opportunities," Commissioner Fortman said. The RESEA program will help you develop an individualized plan to achieve your career goals.

RESEA is run by MDOL's Bureau of Unemployment Compensation (BUC) and Bureau of Employment Services (BES), with the objective that claimants are unemployed for shorter amounts of time.

Services will be delivered through one-on-one meetings held virtually. Claimants will be notified of their meeting by email and a physical mailed letter.

If selected to participate in the RESEA program, participation is required for the individual to continue receiving unemployment benefits. Failure to attend their scheduled appointment may result in a denial of unemployment benefits or an overpayment. The Department will work with participants to reschedule appointments due to having a job interview, training, work, jury duty, being sick, etc. They should refer to the RESEA email or letter they received for additional information on how to reschedule.

How does the program work?

Participants are scheduled for a meeting with a skilled CareerCenter staff member for their RESEA appointment. They will work with each participant to help them get back to work faster by better navigating the job market and creating a structured reemployment plan.

What will be covered in the RESEA appointment?

During the appointment participants can expect: - Help in structuring a job search - Assistance in completing their Individual Reemployment Plan (IRP) - Walkthrough of labor market report - Receiving a targeted list of referrals to resources that can best help them get back to work - Guidance in completing their Maine JobLink profile and using the sites resources and tools

Other services provided through the program:

  • Advice and referrals tailored to each job seeker based on their specific needs and timeframes
  • Assessments that match skills with most relevant jobs
  • Counseling in career decision-making and higher learning
  • Information on where to access job related computer applications, such as keyboarding, word processing, and computer boot camp
  • Referral to support services, career counseling, or training as well as other programs offered by CareerCenters and partners (e.g. libraries, universities, adult education programs)
  • Common intake and eligibility determinations for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and other programs
  • Information about Maine Labor Laws
  • Information regarding Unemployment Insurance (UI) Benefits law and requirements
  • Unemployment Insurance eligibility Review (work search logs and questionnaires) with results forwarded to the Bureau of Unemployment Compensation

This information can also be found on our website: https://www.maine.gov/labor/resea/