Employment

Online Training

• Irving Library cardholders can take advantage of Lynda.com training and download completion certificates when courses are completed. In addition, a number of free online learning programs are available to cardholders, including Mango Languages, LearningExpress Library and CreativeBug.

Job seekers

• Texas Workforce Commission | COVID-19 Resource Page for Job Seekers
• Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas: A free job matching service that also offers other services.
  
  For employers needing essential workers, call (214) 302-5555 for help finding essential workers.
• Work in Texas: An online job matching and workforce services system with a complete set of employment tools.
• Dallas Regional Chamber | Jobs for Displaced Workers: Search for jobs by industry or shiftwork, send a resume, connect to training and find other resources, such as child care assistance and unemployment benefits.
• Irving Las-Colinas Chamber: Offers service connecting businesses with displaced workers.
• Good Jobs Institute: A nationwide resource for workers organized by city, state and profession, including how to apply for emergency funds or receive compensation from employers.
• Get Shift Done: Offers affected hospitality staff shifts at a wage rate of $10/hour at North Texas-based nonprofits preparing, assembling, and delivering meals.
• Goodwill: Email the organization with your name, city/zip code, contact number and any additional information. Goodwill will contact the applicant directly and set up an appointment for virtual employment services. Call contact a Job Connection Center at the nearest location:
  • 3020 N. Westmoreland Road, Dallas: (214) 638-2800, x185
  • 1661 E. Northwest Highway, Garland: (214) 227-5549
  • 919 W. Main St., Lewisville: (972) 436-3681
• United Way of Metropolitan Dallas: Offers a list of national organizations looking to hire.

Unemployment Benefits 

If your employment is affected by COVID-19:

• Texas Workforce Solutions: Affected workers may be eligible for unemployment benefits. The state recommends applications are made online for benefits, but phone applications also are accepted 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday at (800) 939-6631.
  • Governor Abbott has instructed Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to waive the normal waiting period and work search requirements.
  • To qualify for unemployment benefits in Texas: Must have worked in Texas during the past 12 to 18 months and have at least a minimum amount of wages as required by state guidelines. Be able to work and available to work.
  • Texas relaxes guidelines to allow unemployment benefits for workers who don’t or can’t return to work during pandemic (Texas Tribune, April 30, 2020)

Economic Impact Payments

The CARES Act provides for Economic Impact Payments to American households of up to $1,200 per adult for individuals whose income was less than $99,000 (or $198,000 for joint filers) and $500 per child under 17 years old – or up to $3,400 for a family of four. Learn more at the U.S. Treasury’s Website and check your payment status at the IRS website.

Child Care

• Bright Horizons: Offering free child care at Plaza of the Americas, 700 North Pearl St.,Suite N101, Dallas, to health care workers through June 19. Email Bright Horizons or call (214) 999-1021.
• Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) | Subsidized Child Care Program: For families and child care programs affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as for essential workers requiring child care to continue work. See more information and resources for Parents and Child Care Programs.

Guaranteed Sick Leave Reforms

Employers may be required to provide full paid sick leave if an employee’s ability to work has been impacted by COVID-19. Employers with less than 500 employees are required to provide two weeks (80 hours) paid sick leave to full-time employees. For part-time employees, paid sick leave is required on a prorated basis.

Paid Family Medical and Leave (FMLA) Program

Some employers may be required to temporarily extend Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) benefits to accommodate employees who must stay home to care for minor children whose schools or care providers are unavailable due to COVID-19. Learn more.