PUBLIC NOTICE

Virginia Career Works – Shenandoah Valley centers in Fishersville, Harrisonburg and Winchester are currently closed to the public as a safety precaution in light of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.

If you are a current Virginia Career Works participant or have questions about WIOA services you can connect directly with a Virginia Career Works Workforce Specialist by LIVE CHAT on our web site Monday-Friday between the hours of 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. You may also contact VCW staff by phone or email.  Click here for  VCW Valley Center Staff contacts.

Support for Impacted Workers

If you are a worker who has been totally/partially separated from your job due to Covid-19, go to http://www.vec.virginia.gov/unemployed to file a claim for unemployment insurance.  You can also call 1-866-832-2363, Monday-Friday 8:30 AM -5:00 PM.

PROCEDURES TO FILE FOR UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE OR REOPEN A CLAIM

Important Information for Unemployment Insurance

If you have filed an unemployment insurance application (UI), you must then file a weekly claim for each week or you will NOT be paid!

VEC recommends you do this on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday of each week if you remain unemployed and want to be paid for the prior week.

You can complete and submit your weekly UI payment request by calling 1-800-897-5630. You can also find more information by visiting our website at vec.virginia.gov.

Virginia Career Works – New River Mount Rogers Region COMMUNITY AWARENESS PODCAST.  Discover how to file unemployment insurance when offices are closed, how to determine if you are eligible for unemployment insurance, what’s next, and the changes that have been made due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Click here to hear the podcast. How to Apply for Unemployment Insurance during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Grant Opportunity for Small Businesses

The Shenandoah Valley Workforce Development Board has received Rapid Response funding from the Governor, through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, to assist employers eligible to remain open during this emergency. Funds are reserved for small businesses (250 employees or less) and may be used to clean facilities, support emergency needs, and for innovative layoff aversion strategies.  The grant will support layoff aversion strategies and activities designed to prevent, or minimize the duration of unemployment resulting from layoffs due to COVID-19. Additional information at this link Virginia Rapid Response Covid-19 Small Business Support Initiative

Read the Press Release – SVWDB to Award Small Business Layoff Diversion Grants

COVID-19 Pandemic Information

For information regarding the global pandemic and the latest guidance from Virginia public health officials,

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Virginia Department of Health (VDH)

Governor’s Office Guidance

Virginia Employment Commission

FAQ for Workers

Virginia Chamber COVID Resource Center

Please continue checking our website and social media for additional updates. Thank you for your patience and understanding.  www.vcwvalley.com