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Arizona Technology Council

COVID Workforce Resources

3 Things to Maximize Unemployment Benefits

Employees who have lost a job, or had pay or hours decreased, should apply for unemployment benefits as soon as possible at www.azui.com. The waiting period for unemployment benefits has been waived in Arizona!  The Department of Economic Security is recommending that individuals apply even if they are unsure if they qualify for benefits due to the federal programs being rolled out to provide additional relief to the country’s unemployed. Learn more here.

 

Job Opportunities

Anyone seeking employment or training opportunities is strongly encouraged to visit the ARIZONA@WORK resource: arizonaatwork.com. This one-stop site allows job seekers to search positions and employers to post roles they have available. For immediate assistance, ARIZONA@WORK has gathered a list of employers throughout the state with job openings.

Responding to the spike in demand, Amazon has announced it’s hiring 100,000 full and part-time jobs around the country in its operations, delivery and stores, including Whole Foods Market. Additionally, the company is investing $350 million in increased compensation for hourly employees in the U.S. through the month of April. To support employees and contractors, Amazon offers extra time off with pay for employees diagnosed with COVID-19.Those interested in applying can learn more at www.amazon.com/jobsnow.

Costco, Kroger, Safeway, Sprouts and other grocery chains are hiring to keep up with demand.

 

Eviction Protection for Those Impacted by COVID-19

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey announced new steps to help protect families and small business from eviction amid the coronavirus outbreak in the state. Banks are suspending evictions and foreclosures for at least 60 days under the agreement. That period could be extended under the state’s emergency declaration. Additionally, banks are working to deliver small business loans under the Paycheck Protection Program. The program will allow banks to loan up to $10 million to small business and sole proprietors who have been affected by coronavirus. Learn more here.

 

Paid Sick Leave: Families First Coronavirus Response Act

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. In general, employees of private sector employers with fewer than 500 employees, and certain public sector employers, are eligible for up to two weeks of fully or partially paid sick leave for COVID-19 related reasons These provisions will apply from April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. Learn more about the qualifications and stipulations herePDF Download.

 

Apply for Unemployment Benefits Due to Virus

Arizonans who are not working due to the coronavirus were able to start applying for unemployment benefits on Monday. some of the requirements to apply for unemployment benefits in Arizona were waived. Arizonans who are approved for unemployment benefits will get $240 each week for up to 26 weeks. the fastest and easiest way to apply for unemployment benefits is online at https://des.az.gov, but applicants without internet access can also call 1(877) 600-2722.

 

Support to Child-care Providers During COVID-19 Pandemic

The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) announced today DES will continue to financially support child care providers, ensuring continued services to first responders and essential personnel, and keeping child care available for families beyond the pandemic. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/2J9KzSU

 

Arizona Department of Health Services

For frequently asked questions, local health resources, and the most current, up-to-date information on COVID-19 cases in Arizona, VISIT HERE. For the most up-to-date information on the outbreak across the country, please visit the CDC’s COVID-19 website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

 

Resources for Coronavirus/COVID-19 News

 

SciTech Institute Quarantine Resource Page

VISIT HERE to view the 2020 Quarantine Resources Page from SciTech Institute, the Council’s foundation, to stay informed and stay on track, whether it’s:

  • Helping to keep your kids engaged, happy and learning while schools and daycare are closed;
  • Or how to advance your STEM career while everyone is working and taking university classes from home;
  • Or how to stay involved with our STEM community, as we work together to get through this challenging time.