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Employment Search Assistance

Click here for the Spanish version of this page

Diversified Personnel Services   updated 4/23/25

www.dpsworks.com

Phone: 800-314-4567

About this resource: Diversified Personnel Services is the employment agency division of Opportunities Inc., a not-for-profit company in the Dane County area. DPS provides vocational and pre-vocational training as well as full and part time opportunities. They also have a day labor program designed to allow workers to choose particular days of the week that work best for them. Daily pay is offered with this program. DPS offers lunch to their workers if needed, as well as transportation!

Who can use this resource? All types of job seekers: professionals, people new to the area, those just entering the workforce, people who intend to change job or fields, students, parents, retirees, teachers…YOU!

Next Steps:

Catholic Multicultural Center  updated 4/23/25

Phone: 608-661-3512

Location: 1862 Beld Street, Madison, WI 53713

Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 10am-4pm specifically for job assistance (general hours are Monday-Friday 9am-5pm)

About this resource: The Catholic Multicultural Center provides employment search assistance. They have trained staff, including Spanish speaking, who can assist by:

  • Connecting with employers who are hiring, and following job leads

  • Contacting employers about open positions

  • Filling out job applications

  • Resume development

  • Cover letters

  • Using the computer to search and apply for jobs

  • Setting up an email account for job searching

  • Help following up with employers after applying

  • Job fairs hosted periodically by employers at the Catholic Multicultural Center

Who can use this resource? Anyone!

Next Steps:

  • Go to the Catholic Multicultural Center during the Employment Search Assistance hours: Tuesday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Thursday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

 

  • If these hours do not work for you, you can make an appointment with Dina Nasser by calling (608)405-1330. Dina's general office hours are Tuesday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Centro Hispano of Dane County     updated 4/23/25

Phone: (608) 255-3018 - Madison

              (608) 640-7411 - Sun Prairie

Locations:

Madison Office (Main Office)

2403 Cypress Way, Madison, WI 53713

Sun Prairie Office

1632 W Main Street, Suite #150, Sun Prairie, WI 53590

About this Resource: Centro Hispano provides several employment search related services including:

  • Provides employment case management services to ensure that clients receive the proper skills training to be employable

  • Partners with employers and other family stability service agencies at the city, county, and state level to provide employment resources to our clients

  • Develops and delivers workshops that provide education and skills for workforce readiness for Latino community

  • Connects clients with outside resources to assist the client becoming employed.

  • Develops relationships and partners with family stability services at the city, county, and state level to have a network of services that clients can be referred to for support.

Centro Hispano also offers several workforce programs in finance, technology, healthcare (CNA program), and customer service.

​​

Who can use this resource? Anyone!

Next Steps:

  • Call Centro Hispano at your desired location to set up an appointment.

  • Please arrive 15 minutes before the appointment as you need to fill out some forms (basic information)!

Department of Vocational Rehabilitation    updated 4/23/25

Phone: (608)- 266- 3131

Location: 

201 East Washington Avenue, PO Box 7946

Madison, WI 53707-7852

About this resource: The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation works with people with disabilities to provide several services including:

 

  • Career Guidance and Counseling

  • Job Search and Placement Assistance

  • Information and Referral Services

  • Transition to work services for students with disabilities in high school

  • Supported employment services for persons with severe disabilities; includes time-limited-on-the-job-supports

  • Rehabilitation Technology

  • Vocational and Other Training

  • Disability and Employment Assessment

  • Transportation

  • Occupational licenses, tools and other equipment

  • Assistance in small-business plan development

  • Interpreter services

  • Rehabilitation Teaching Services

  • Diagnosis and Treatment

  • Post-employment Services

 

 

Who can use this resource? Individuals with a disability (mental or physical). Patient will need to provide documentation of their disability

Next steps:

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

201 East Washington Avenue, PO Box 7946

Madison, WI 53707-7852

  • After your application has been submitted, it may take about a week to process. Then you should expect someone from the DVR to reach out to you by letter, email, or phone to go over the next steps with you. You will need to attend a group orientation and complete an over-the-phone intake to further determine eligibility for the program.

Dane County Job Center   updated 4/23/25

Phone: 608-405-4400

Location:  1819 Aberg Avenue, Madison, WI 53704

HoursMonday-Friday 7:45 AM – 4:30 PM

About this resource: The Dane County Job Center offer employment search assistance. The Job Center also offers a variety services including:

  • Professional development workshops

  • Resume reviews

  • Mock interviews

  • Job fairs and hiring events

  • Career counseling

  • Re-Entry (for ex-offenders)

  • Resources for Migrant and Seasonal Farm Workers

  • WorkSmart Network

  • Apprenticeships (for adults and teens)

Who can use this resource? Anyone!

 Next Steps:

  • Call the Dane County Job Center if you have a specific question regarding the services that they provide at 608-242-4900.

OR

  • You can visit the Dane County Job Center in-person.

OR

 

Wisconsin Works (W-2)   updated 4/23/25

Phone: 1-855-733-1311

Location: 

Dane County Job Center

1819 Aberg Ave., Suite D

Madison, WI 53704

About this resource: Wisconsin Works, also known as W-2, can help you get a job and find a career path to support your family.

If you want to build your skills and start or continue a career path, Wisconsin Works provides real work experience and training, access to education, job interview preparation, and job matching. You may also get cash assistance while preparing for work.

Who can use this resource? Low-income parents (at or below 115% of the Federal Poverty Line) and pregnant women can participate in the W-2 program. Both you and your child’s other parent may be eligible for W-2, even if your child only lives with you.

Next Steps:

  • Apply for W-2 in person! Make sure to bring the requirement documentation!

 

OR

Southwest Madison Employment Center // Urban League of Greater Madison  updated 4/23/25

Phone: (608) 620-8714

Location: 1233 McKenna Blvd, Madison, WI 53719

Hours: Monday & Wednesday 9am-7pm, Tuesday 7:45am-5pm, Thursday & Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am-12pm

About this resource: The SW Madison Employment Center offers a variety of employment assistance services including:

  • Job Readiness Classes

  • Job Leads

  • Career Academics

  • Computer Lab

  • Job Application Assistance

  • Community meeting spaces

  • FoodShare, Childcare, and Healthcare resources

Who can use this resource? Anyone!

Next Steps:

  • If you have a specific question about the services, call 608-620-8714.

OR

  • Visit the Southwest Employment Center at the new location!

Joining Forces for Families (JFF)0    updated 4/23/25

Phone: specific for each JFF location

About this resource: JFF provides various free employment resources and employment services.

Who can use this resource? Anyone!

Next Steps:​

  • Call or go to your nearest JFF office to receive employment assistance

Latino Academy of Workforce Development    updated 4/23/25

Phone: 608-310-4573

Location:  2909 Landmark Pl, Suite #203, Madison, WI 53713

Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm

About this resource: The Latino Academy provides several job training programs, which include job readiness skills like how to build a resume and interview practice. All students will receive job placement at the end of their program.

Programs provided:

  • Bilingual Construction Program

  • Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Program

  • Bilingual Customer Service Program

  • Forklift Training

  • ServSafe Training

  • Workplace Safety

Who can use this resource? Underemployed Latino adults

**Some programs may require an immediate understanding of the English language.

Next Steps:

  • Register online to enroll in a training on the main website

  • If you are not sure what training is best for you OR if you would like to register for a training in-person, call 608-310-4573.

WorkSmart    updated 4/23/25

Phone: (608) 288-2459

Location:  Dane County Job Center - 1819 Aberg Avenue, Madison, WI 53704

About this resource: This is the local name for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, a program that seeks to more fully integrate states’ workforce and talent development systems to better serve employers and job seekers. WorkSmart will help with employment search and will assess if skills development is an option, including but not limited to:

  • Career exploration, counseling, planning, and assessments

  • Job search and placement assistance

  • Resume and cover letter development

  • Interview preparation

  • Employer connections

  • Training, education and certification options

  • Apprenticeship connections (Youth, Registered & Certified Pre-Apprenticeships)

  • On-the-job training and internship connections

  • Information & resources for laid off workers

  • Mentorship and guidance 

  • Connections to community resources 

  • Re-entry navigation for incarcerated individuals

  • Labor market data and information

  • Financial assistance with education 

  • Work readiness support

Who can use this resource? Low-income adults, low income barriered adults, and individuals who have experienced a lay-off.

Next Steps:

  • You must sign up and attend an information session first at the Dane County Job Center 

    • Information sessions are normally on the first Friday of the month at 10:00 AM in Room 5 at the Job Center.

    • If you are not available during that time, you can go to the Job Center during business hours

 

  • Bring required documentation to information sessions- Check online

    • Proof of birth date/age

    • Eligibility to work in the United States Selective Service Registrant Status

    • Income Verification

    • Proof of Dislocation/Layoff Status

    • Proof of Previous Work History (for last 2 years)

Job Accommodation Network (JAN)   updated 4/23/25

https://askjan.org/

Phone: 800-526-7234

Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

About this resource: JAN provides free, confidential information and ideas on disability-related accommodations specific to impairments.

Next Steps:

  • Call during business hours to receive information

Updated 4.9.25

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