Delaware touts “job squad” to help unemployed

Delaware’s unemployment office is trying to spread the word that in addition to helping the unemployed, it can also help connect companies with job openings with future employees.

The “job squad” – a nickname for the Department of Labor’s business services unit – has been around for a while, but expanded its efforts to connect employers and workers early last year.  

Delaware Labor Secretary John McMahon says the idea is to change the way the employers view the unemployment office.  “We want to become not only the best unemployment office in the country, but we also want to be the best employment office,” McMahon says.  “At this point in time, we’re still the best kept secret in the state, but we want to make sure we’re no longer a secret.”

The increased effort comes amid a bleak period for unemployment in Delaware. The average number of jobs available through the job squad is about 400.  Compare that to about 12,000 out of work Delawareans who have resumes on file with the office.  Governor Jack Markell (D) says the idea is to get more employers to post their job openings with the state to increase the number of available jobs.  “The people who are out of work are going to find us.  So, what we want to make sure of, is that employers who have jobs available also are finding us.”

Workers and employers alike can sign up for the “job squad” program on the Department of Labor’s website.