RMCEP Case Aides and Counselors Help Countless Minnesotans Each Year – Here’s What Meeting With Us Is Like

The Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program (RMCEP) provides countless resources to job seekers, employers, and residents across the region. We distribute grant funds to support job training efforts and prepare people to enter long-term careers. This supports the greater employment needs of Northwest and West-Central Minnesota by providing a larger talent pool of qualified individuals for companies.

“We encourage anyone who is unsure of their future career path or unaware of available support resources to visit one of our eight Careerforce offices,” says Tina Jaster, Executive Director of RMCEP. “Sometimes talking through your problems can help you find solutions. Other times, sharing your problems can help us find solutions for you.”

RMCEP has Careerforce Labs in Alexandria, Bemidji, Brainerd, Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, Little Falls, Moorhead, and Wadena. Your nearest center is closer than you think! Hear from some of the case aides and counselors to see what it’s like meeting with our team. Discover why we are so passionate about preparing Minnesotans for brighter futures. 

RMCEP Often Helps People Who Aren’t Sure Where to Turn

RMCEP works with people across their entire career journey. Some people arrive in our offices when they want to change careers and others seek help when they have been through layoffs or company restructurings. The first thing we do is listen. The next thing we do is help. Here’s why Jolen E in Fergus Falls loves her job:

I love the idea that anyone who walks through our doors has the potential to be impacted in a positive way by Rural Minnesota CEP.

Some walk in on the worst day of their lives. There is real anxiety that occurs, especially when someone has recently lost a job. I do my best to reassure them that things can get better and let them know that RMCEP has various avenues to help. A warm smile and a greeting go a long way. I like to give them my full attention.

As I gather information from them and help them get signed into Minnesota Works, I can get a feel for what they are looking for. I take time to look for any job openings that have recently been posted.

Sometimes they just need a listening ear, and they come up with solutions on their own. Other times I can direct them to our Job Counselor to assist with training, education, or career planning.

It is very satisfying to see them leave with a few different job listings to check out, or an appointment card in their hand, and hope that things can get better!

There’s Value in In-Person Meetings

The Careerforce labs, run by RMCEP allow our job counselors and aids to pick up on nonverbal cues and information shared through tone of voice and other indicators when communicating. This isn’t always possible through an email message or phone call. Many aides form strong personal connections with job seekers, serving as an essential resource during this at-times-stressful period in their lives.

Rita Arola, and Administrative Assistant/Case Aide in Detroit Lakes, recently shared her experience.

“I love the uniqueness of people. When talking with them, I like to find out more about their work history and what type of work they like best. Sometimes my job is just being an active listener. I then get to help people find the resources they may need.”

Brenda M, a Job Counselor in Fergus Falls, has had similar experiences in her role.

“Meetings are beneficial to see the expressions of job seekers. We get a truer response when they come in, which brings them closer to a career goal. We have lots of tools to share with clients to take with them. We also have time to teach them various systems so they can use them at home or on other computers.”

Meeting In-Person Helps RMCEP Brainstorm Additional Resources

Visiting a careerforce office allows job seekers and other individuals to learn about the resources available to them. The natural flow of conversation can help our coordinators identify potential opportunities to help people so they can improve their quality of life or enjoy a more stable living situation while they prepare to enter new careers. Here’s what Dustin Doyle, a Careerforce lab Consultant, in Moorhead, has to say.

Meeting people in person is enjoyable because information and physical cues can lead to a more in-depth conversation. When you factor in language barriers and disabilities, using physical cues and alternative technology can be a huge asset in assisting all people who come into our offices. Having that in-person correspondence can really simplify our jobs.

Our focus and expertise are employment and training, but I know, having visited with individuals from all of our offices throughout our service area, that if you enter one of our offices, you're likely to get connected to a plethora of resources, such as housing, legal aid, school resources, energy assistance, and directions to community action agencies.

We have established ourselves as a place where people can come to not only find work and develop employment skills but to get connected to many different resources our offices are familiar with and truly get themselves going in a positive direction.

RMCEP Employees Are Passionate About Their Work

Many people work for RMCEP because they love helping people and guiding them toward solutions. This is a rewarding job that allows people to support their friends and neighbors. While RMCEP can help people find work, the counselors often encourage visitors to take a long-term view of their careers. This caring and assistance in planning can help people achieve success in their jobs that lasts for years.

Janelle Hansen, an Administrative Case Aide in Little Falls, recently talked about why she is passionate about her job.

I enjoy meeting with people in the Careerforce Lab because it's a great opportunity to help individuals achieve their goals. Whether it's guiding someone through job searches, helping with resume writing, or offering interview tips, it’s fulfilling to provide support during such a crucial stage of their career journey. It’s also a chance to connect with different people, learn about their unique experiences, and see their growth as they make progress toward their goals. Every interaction feels like a step toward helping someone unlock new opportunities for success.

Hansen also outlined the specific services offered in the Careerforce Lab. There is something for almost anyone who is ready to grow their careers. 

1. Personalized Career Guidance: RMCEP offers one-on-one support to help job seekers assess their skills, interests, and career goals. This tailored advice helps individuals better understand their strengths and how to apply them in the job market.
2. Job Search Assistance: RMCEP provides valuable resources such as job listings, networking opportunities, and connections to local employers. They also help job seekers navigate job search websites and other search tools, which can save time and improve results.
3. Resume and Interview Support: Many job seekers need help with creating an effective resume or preparing for interviews. RMCEP offers workshops or personalized sessions to build these skills, which can increase the chances of landing a job
4. Access to Training Programs: For individuals looking to enhance their qualifications or transition into a new field, RMCEP can provide information on training, certifications, and educational programs that align with their career goals.
5. Financial Assistance and Support: We can assist eligible clients with possible funding that can help with training,  or guide job seekers to access the unemployment website and local community resources for support.
6. Networking and Community Connections: RMCEP helps job seekers expand their network by connecting them to local businesses, industry professionals, and other job seekers. This is especially valuable for those looking to enter specialized fields or industries where networking can make a big difference

Brenda B in Alexandria further highlights how RMCEP balances job-seeking with long-term career help.

“Customers that meet with RMCEP staff can hone their job-seeking skills to assist them in finding employment. In addition, services are available to assist with needed training allowing for career development for those seeking a career.” 

Visit Your Nearest RMCEP Location

RMCEP has several locations across Northwest and West-Centra; Minnesota. Find your closest location and visit us today. You are sure to be welcomed by helpful team members eager to assist you with career development. Whether you are looking for a new job, considering changing careers, or are an employer looking for resources, we’re here for you. Let us work together to improve your job prospects and make the Minnesota workforce better.