In Contra Costa County, 85 percent of the business community is made up of small businesses, many of which are being forced to layoff employees to survive the current economic conditions. To assist businesses owners and employees with layoffs, the county’s Rapid Response team provides free outplacement resources and services to help displaced workers get back to work with minimal downtime.

The Rapid Response team urges businesses to contact them regarding employee layoffs as soon as possible. They will work with you to schedule an on-site presentation for your employees about job search, job training, academic and career assessment, career planning and other services available at EASTBAY Works One Stop Career Centers. Information about obtaining unemployment insurance and other organizations and agencies that can help workers smoothly transition back into the workforce is also provided.

The resources provided through the Rapid Response program assist businesses and dislocated workers during a critical time. Contact your Rapid Response representative, Susie O'Bryant at (925) 671-4542 or Sobryant@ehsd.cccounty.us for details. Additional information about EASTBAY Works and its partners can be found at www.eastbayworks.com.