New Dates for Rural, Set, Go: Boost! Workforce Strategy Public Forums

There are so many different programs at the community, state and federal level to assist people with getting support for various aspects of their lives, and each one has an eligibility process that can cause confusion due to the similarity and overlap throughout. Knowing what goes into each program before applying can help to ease the anxiety that goes along with seeking assistance. It is important to remember that everyone living in Texas has the right to apply for services through Vocational Rehabilitation, but Eligibility is based on the following factors and is handled on a case-by-case basis. First and foremost, there is no financial component to being eligible for services through Vocational Rehabilitation. Many individuals may require assistance in advancing in their career or maintaining their current job based off a new disability or medical condition, or through new understanding of what accommodations may be available for them. There are also many misconceptions regarding receiving Social Security Benefits based upon Disability Status, and VR has counselors with additional training to help those individuals in understanding how work could (or may not) impact their benefits. The primary factor in Eligibility for Vocational Rehabilitation is whether or nor the individual has a medical condition, mental health condition, or history of such that would qualify as a disability or barrier to their ability to obtain, maintain, or advance in employment. Providing your counselor with any existing doctors evaluations or medical records (or at the very least their contact information and signed consent to request those records) makes the process go more smoothly. This information is used to determine where VR can best support the individual, and what services they may need based on the overall employment goal. These records, along with the customer’s report of what their experience living with these conditions provide the counselor with a fuller picture regarding what supports the customer already has in place, what they have tried that hasn’t worked in the past, and a better idea of how VR can help in the long run. If you or someone you know has a disability, medical or mental health diagnosis that is impacting their ability to go to work or advance in their careers, please reach out to Vocational Rehabilitation Services today! 

Texas had a total of 14,343,800 nonfarm jobs after adding 4,600 positions in September. Over the year, the state added 168,000 jobs for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 1.2 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.4 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,879,000 after adding 21,700 people over the month and reaching a new record high level for the series. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 164,000 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas was stable at 4.1 percent. “Texas’ job market and labor force continue to grow because we have a dynamic workforce system that fosters opportunity for businesses and workers alike,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “TWC will continue to provide the resources and support needed to keep this momentum and ensure that Texas remains a national leader in economic opportunity.” The Construction industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in September after adding 4,300 jobs. Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 2,000 jobs over the month while Other Services added 1,500. In addition, Leisure and Hospitality posted an annual growth rate of 2.2 percent in September, which was the highest of any major industry. “TWC's investments are key to the success of Texas' resilient workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Alberto Treviño III. “Training programs, apprenticeships, and child care will enable Texans to prosper in our economy.” Among metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in Texas, the Amarillo and Midland MSAs had the lowest unemployment rates with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.3 percent, followed by the San Angelo MSA at 3.4 percent. “TWC is upholding Texas’ reputation as the best state to live and work by ensuring job seekers and businesses alike have the support and resources they need to find success in our robust Texas economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “TWC will continue to facilitate economic growth across the state by connecting job seekers with employers and providing job training for Texans.” Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. * All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com .