In-Language Job Support Helps Californian Reach Career Goals

Alta Hernandez was laid off from her longtime job in retail after more than 15 years of service with her previous employer.

She learned about America's Job Center of California (AJCC) services through a job services orientation coordinated by the Department of Economic Opportunities, and she quickly signed up to receive assistance.

After attending an orientation conveniently offered at the Pomona Valley AJCC, she gained valuable personal support with her resume writing and job interview techniques. In this workshop, she was listened to, provided with honest feedback, and guided on how to overcome job search obstacles as a worker who primarily speaks Spanish.

Additionally, she received assistance from an Employment Development Department (EDD) workforce services representative at the same location. The EDD representative patiently showed her how to apply for unemployment benefits using one of the many desktop computers available in the public resource room, so she could receive much needed financial support while she looked for a new job.

During her assessment, Alta's transferable skills were identified, and it was identified that she was ready to explore job opportunities beyond retail. Through the American Rescue Plan Act’s Pandemic Relief Rapid Reemployment program, she was placed with a company called Support Solutions Homeless Services on a temporary, transitional job opportunity. There she gained new skills and valuable work experience as a mobile shower attendant and janitorial worker. Through the AJCC, she received supportive services, including a personal laptop for her job search.

Despite her limited-English proficiency, Alta successfully highlighted her new skills on her updated resume, and after an interview with the University of La Verne, she secured a full-time position as one of their custodians.