Additional 10-Week Temporary Employment Positions Announced Bringing Total to 110

Workforce Solutions East Texas • September 24, 2020

10-Week Positions Paid Up to $15/hr.

Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) announces an additional 70 temporary positions to hire under the National Dislocated Worker Grant (DWG) bringing the total to 110. DWGs are discretionary grants awarded by the Secretary of Labor under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The grants provide resources to eligible applicants to respond to large, unexpected layoff events causing significant job losses. This funding is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to expand capacity to serve dislocated workers, including military service members, and meet the increased demand for WIOA employment and training services. The overall purpose of the grant is to reemploy laid-off workers and enhance their employability and earnings. 

Approximately 40 employment positions were previously open, but recently, The Secretary of Labor announced that 70 positions would be newly available in East Texas. The positions available are 10-week temporary employment opportunities to assist with clean-up and recovery efforts when an area is impacted by a disaster. The following positions are available to apply for in East Texas:
  • Contact Tracers - $15/hr. in Tyler
    • WSET, in conjunction with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), will hire, train, and supervise a team working remotely to support DSHS and local health departments to perform COVID-19 contact tracing activities statewide. 
    • Requirements: Previous medical experience, drug, and background check. Bilingual a plus.
  • Process Assistant - $11/hr. in Tyler
    • Responsible for providing support for all areas of the manufacturing process related to kits to be used for COVID-19 testing. Duties include accurately labeling tubes that define viral transport medium, filling tubes with appropriate amounts, packaging and preparing shipments daily, and moving and transporting supplies as needed.
  • Screener Concierge - $12.31/hr. in Longview, Tyler, Jacksonville, Athens, Overton, and Lindale
    • Positions available at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler responsible for acknowledging the arrival and departure of patients, visitors, customers, employees, and faculty. Will be responsible for conducting appropriate access determination (temperature check, access questions, etc.). Will ensure campus health restrictions are observed, providing a safe environment for faculty, patients, and visitors. 
    • Requirements: Nicotine and drug test, background check. 
  • Public Sanitation - $10 - $11.25/hr. in Longview, Kilgore, Tyler, and Palestine
    • Cleaning and wiping windows, doors, walls, closets, and fixtures in classrooms, public areas, and hallways. Will be responsible for cleaning toilets and mirrors, counters, emptying trash, mopping floors, vacuuming carpets, and performing other duties as assigned. 
Interested applicants may contact WSET staff member, Dana Welch, (903) 500-7154 for assistance, or apply here. Applicants need to enter COVID-19 and the position of interest in block G of the application. Anyone seeking employment opportunities should contact their local Workforce Solutions East Texas center for assistance.    

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October 27, 2025
Wednesday, November 5 | 10 AM - 1 PM | Maude Cobb Convention Center
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Welcome slide: Workforce Solutions Management. Board officers: Gene Rayburn, Priya Rayburn.
By Workforce Solutions East Texas October 24, 2025
We are pleased to introduce the newest officers of our Board of Directors: Chair Gene Keenon, Municipal Services Manager at Republic Services, and Vice Chair Pam Pearson, Administrator of the Wills Point Economic Development Corporation. Keenon represents the Private Business sector and was appointed to the board on December 23, 2014. Pearson represents Economic Development and was appointed on March 17, 2015. Both have dedicated many years to the board and served as chairs of subcommittees, bringing valuable experience and insights to guide the board in supporting our community. "It is a great honor to accept the appointment as Chairman of the Board for the East Texas Workforce Solutions and to serve as a representative of the private business community. I am deeply committed to advancing the mission and values of this exceptional organization," said Keenon. "Having the privilege of doing business throughout all 14 counties in our region, I understand both the challenges and opportunities that exist within our workforce. I pledge to represent our entire area with integrity, dedication, and a steadfast focus on the prosperity and well-being of our citizens. "The Board’s team of dedicated and diverse volunteers plays a vital role in overseeing millions of dollars in training and financial aid programs that empower individuals through childcare support, education, and job-readiness. I have witnessed firsthand the importance of these services—growing up watching my own mother work tirelessly to support her family as a single mom without a high school education —and I know how transformative such resources can be. "Our collective mission is to improve the quality of life for all East Texans. That mission is also my personal goal, and I am eager to work alongside these board members and dedicated staff to strengthen our communities and expand opportunities for all." The Workforce Solutions East Texas Board works with the region’s chief elected officials and sets local workforce policy. The volunteer board is made up mostly of private sector members, along with representatives from labor, education, and community organizations. We proudly serve Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood counties. “I am truly honored by the opportunity to serve as Vice Chair of the Workforce Solutions East Texas Board," said Pearson. It is a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated group of leaders who share a strong commitment to strengthening our workforce and supporting the employers, families, and communities across our region. I have great confidence in the talent, experience, and collaboration of this board as we continue advancing opportunities for East Texans.” We look forward to Keenon and Pearson’s leadership as we plan initiatives that support local businesses and economic growth. Join us in congratulating them at our next Workforce Solutions East Texas Board Meeting on November 12 at our Tyler center located at 4100 Troup Hwy, Tyler, TX 75703.
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