AUGUSTA — Maine has been awarded $823,061 from the U.S. Department of Labor to operate its Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessments (RESEA) program, according to a news release. 

RESEA is a program that provides qualifying Unemployment Insurance (UI) claimants with one-on-one coaching and relevant services to help them in their reemployment journey. 

The Maine Department of Labor restarted its RESEA program March 14. The Department last offered the program from 2015-2017.

“We know that the pandemic has created unique challenges, especially for those who have lost their jobs or are searching for a new career,” Commissioner Laura Fortman said. “The RESEA program is one of many tools that the Department is using to connect people to new job and training opportunities and help them develop an individualized plan to achieve their career goals.”

RESEA is run by MDOL’s Bureau of Unemployment Compensation (BUC) and Bureau of Employment Services (BES), with the objective of reducing periods of unemployment by helping claimants find new, long-term employment quicker. Services are delivered through one-on-one meetings held virtually.

“The RESEA program is a valuable tool that connects Mainers with resources to achieve their employment goals,” Andrew Robinson, RESEA Program Manager, said. “Each RESEA session is tailored to meet the customer’s needs. Participants who have recently completed the RESEA program rated their overall satisfaction with the experience a 4.67 out of 5, and we will continue to connect with more people as the program grows.”

RESEA is a program focused on individualized assessments, reemployment services and referrals to support an individual who is receiving unemployment benefits return to work more quickly. It is one of many tools Maine has to introduce workers receiving unemployment benefits to services the broader workforce system provides.

The grant is part of more than $146 million awarded to workforce agencies in 48 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia.