Job Seeker & Community Resources

The SW MN PIC partners with many area agencies to provide comprehensive services to all community members. While not all services are offered directly from the SW MN PIC, we aim to be a valuable resource for all job seekers or those needing family support. From transportation to housing and daycare, the services listed will direct you to the correct agency for your needs. Additional resources specific to your area can be found by contacting your local WorkForce Center.

Job Seeking

Minnesota Works – search job announcements in Minnesota and post up to 5 resumes for employers to review
iSEEK – assess your job skills, explore careers, find local education opportunities and search for jobs
My Next Move – launched by the U.S. Department of Labor, this website allows users to search for jobs by occupation, by industry and using the “O*NET Interest Profiler,” which matches an individual’s interests with suitable occupations by asking 60 questions
State of Minnesota Jobs – information and job announcements for people interested in working for the State of Minnesota
Local WorkForce Centers – face-to-face, comprehensive assistance with job seeking, resume writing, interviewing skills and career assessments. Find your closest location here

Education

Southwest Adult Basic Education – provides adults with educational opportunities to acquire and improve their literacy skills through ESL classes, family literacy programs, GED, Adult diploma assistance, and citizenship/civics education
Community Education – offering a variety of classes for adults and youth in computers/technology, health, recreation, and special interests.
Minnesota West Community & Technical College – offering Associate Degrees, diplomas and certificate programs throughout SW MN with campuses in Canby, Granite Falls, Jackson, Pipestone and Worthington
Southwest Minnesota State University – a four-year public university offering a high quality education in the liberal arts and professions, located in Marshall, MN
FAFSA – the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can help determine funding available for youth and adults entering college

Unemployment

Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program – provides temporary benefits to qualified persons out of work through no fault of their own – www.uimn.org or 877-898-9090 for general information.
WorkForce Centers – partners at local WorkForce centers can provide assistance and answer questions regarding Minnesota Unemployment Insurance – Find your local WorkForce Center

Childcare

Child Care Resource and Referral – Helps families find child care and understand all options

Transportation

Transportation services are provided regionally through the following agencies:

Marshall Area: Community Transit/Western Community Action – public transportation services for residents of Lyon, Redwood, and Jackson Counties with limited service for residents of Cottonwood and Lincoln Counties
Montevideo Area: Prairie Five Rides – a regional transportation program serving the counties of Big Stone, Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Swift and Yellow Medicine. General Info: 320-269-8727 or 1-877-757-4337; City Bus phone numbers: Madison 320-598-3900, Ortonville 320-839-2050, Appleton 320-289-1010, and Canby 507-223-5222.
Worthington Area: Prairieland Transit System/Heartland Express – public bus services for residents of Nobles County, and taxi services in Worthington

Veterans

Veterans Employment Services – provides specialized staff and employment services to all Minnesota military veterans; representatives are available at WorkForce Centers throughout the state – Find your local WorkForce Center
e-VETS Advisor – an interactive, online tool to assist Veterans, Service Members and their families and caregivers to quickly and easily navigate Web-based information on a variety of topics, including education, job training and employment.

Housing

Minnesota Rental Assistance – offers information on subsidized apartments, public housing and housing choice vouchers ( Section 8 )
Southwest MN Opportunity Council (SMOC) – provides services and programs for emergency housing, home-buying, weatherization, and energy assistance

Public Assistance

Family Services – Social Services include services to children and families, child care subsidies, services to the elderly, licensing, court related services, services to disability groups (mental, health, chemical dependency and developmental disabilities), financial assistance programs, and health care services. These programs are administered by county.