- The Maricopa County Human Services Department has partnered with the Maricopa County Library District to Expand Access to Workforce Development Services Across the County
- Job Seekers Can Now Access Career Counseling and Employment Services via County Libraries
- Queen Creek and Gila Bend Libraries Offer Walk-In Service, Other Branches Are by Appointment
- Video: The Edward Medina Success Story
Job Seekers in Maricopa County can now access career counseling and employment services through the Maricopa County Library District, thanks to a new agreement approved by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors on May 4. The approval paves the way for the Maricopa County Human Services Department to integrate access to its youth and adult career development and employment services into the fabric of local communities through the existing infrastructure of the County’s library system.
“Your county library isn’t just a place to find a good book; now, it could be the place you find your next job,” said Chairman Bill Gates, District 3. “With this agreement, we’ll be able to bring valuable employment services and resources to more of our residents, in more parts of our community, in a way that hopefully feels as inviting as curling up in a library corner with a favorite book.”
Services will be available on a walk-in basis at the Gila Bend Library, 777 N. Logan Avenue, Gila Bend, 85337 as well as at the Queen Creek Library at 21802 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek, 85142. Patrons at the other County Library locations will have an opportunity to schedule a personal one-on-one appointment with a Career Advisor to address their individual career development and employment needs.
“The Queen Creek library already offers so many impressive programs to engage and assist residents. Having on-site, walk-in career counseling is truly an outstanding addition,” said Supervisor Jack Sellers, who represents parts of Queen Creek and the rest of District 1.
“There’s a lot of need in our community right now, and folks in places like Gila Bend don’t always have the same access to resources that people who live in the big cities do,” said Supervisor Steve Gallardo, who represents Gila Bend and the rest of District 5. “What we’re doing with this agreement is trying to level the playing field a little bit and make sure that people who need some extra assistance finding their next job or switching careers can find that at their nearby library.”
“This innovative new partnership with the Maricopa County Library District not only offers new ways for County residents to connect with our Workforce Development services such as access to open employment opportunities, resume development, and career advancement training, but it also serves as a touchpoint for all of the support services the County offers,” said Jacqueline Edwards, Director of the department. “Many times we find people in need of employment resources can also benefit from rental and utility assistance, early education and childcare, and even homelessness outreach programs offered by Maricopa County. We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Library District to expand access to these services.”
Career Advisors will assess each person’s unique needs and design an approach that helps them achieve their career goals. Services include but are not limited to career guidance, conducting job searches, apprenticeships, grant programs for professional certification classes, access to financial and childcare assistance to address barriers to employment as well as job fairs and referrals to immediate openings with local employers.
“This is what libraries do best—connecting the community to the resources, information, and services they need,” said Jeremy Reeder, Director of Maricopa County Library District. “We are excited for the opportunities this unique partnership will provide, and the significant expansion of resources we will be able to provide job seekers across the County.”
How to Access Career Counseling & Employment Services
Job seekers interested in career services should complete an application available now at HSDclientportal.maricopa.gov. For a list of Maricopa County Library Branches, visit mcldaz.org/locations.
The Workforce Development program is part of Maricopa County’s Human Services Department and helps locate, train, equip, position, and match the local workforce to career opportunities available with participating employers. All career seeker and employer support services are offered at no cost. For more information, visit HSD.maricopa.gov.
###
About Maricopa County Human Services
As the fourth largest county in the nation home to some of the nation’s fastest-growing cities, Maricopa County’s population is large, growing, and more diverse than ever. Maricopa County’s Human Services Department has five divisions that provide services and programs to people of all ages and abilities to promote their well-being. From offering early education to career training and employment services to case management for aging and adults with disabilities – the Human Services Department serves as a leader in the region to support strong families, neighborhoods, and community relationships. Learn more about the financial, educational, and support resources available to eligible Maricopa County residents at HSD.maricopa.gov.