WILMINGTON, DE – Delaware Department of Labor Secretary Karryl Hubbard appeared before the United States Congressional Future of Work Caucus this week to discuss how the State of Delaware is supporting residents seeking employment services.

The 19-member Congressional Future of Work Caucus is co-chaired by the U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt-Rochester (D-DE) and U.S. Representative Bryan Steil (R-WI). The Caucus was created to educate members of Congress and the public about the challenges and opportunities facing the nation’s economy.

Monday’s hearing provided an overview of how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the workforce, highlighted a number of programs to help displaced workers and showed how government programs empowers communities to recover.

“Our presence at the Future of Work panel shows we are providing resources to our residents during the pandemic,” Hubbard said. “Our agency, together with the Workforce Development Board, administers approximately 15 different federal and state funded employment & training programs that assist individuals with socioeconomic, educational and other barriers to make the transition to employment.”

Hubbard was joined on the panel by Dr. James Manyika, McKinsey Global Institute Senior Partner; Cassi Zumbiel, director of workforce initiatives of Director of The Manufacturing Institute Director of Workforce Initiatives; Dr. David Autor, MIT Work of the Future Taskforce Co-Chair and Dr. Bryan Albrecht, Gateway Technical College, CEO and President.

Among the programs she highlighted, Hubbard pointed to the Forward Delaware initiative – a $16 million investment in workforce training programs – That so far has enrolled more than 2,100 people who were out of a job during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Forward Delaware initiative is seen by many around the country as a model reemployment program for states seeking to increase the prospects of long-term employment.

She also shared information about the state’s American Job Centers, which are still providing virtual services, including the 24-hour Labor Exchange system – Delaware JobLink – as being an important tool for employers and job seekers. JobLink is not only an internet-based system where employers and job seekers create and post jobs and resumes, respectively, but also serves as the matchmaker and a great resource for both employers and job seekers.

“We are trying to reach all those who have lost jobs during this pandemic. Our leadership’s goal is making sure all those unemployed have access to our programs, particularly those in marginalized communities.”

The U.S. Department of Justice has received reports that fraudsters are creating websites mimicking unemployment benefit websites, including state workforce agency (SWA) websites, and Facebook pages to unlawfully capture consumers’ personal information.

To lure consumers to these fake websites, fraudsters send spam text messages and emails purporting to be from an SWA and containing a link. The fake websites are designed to trick consumers into thinking they are applying for unemployment benefits and disclosing personally identifiable information and other sensitive data. That information can then be used by fraudsters to commit identity theft.

Unless from a known and verified source, Delawarean’s should never click on links in text messages or emails claiming to be from an organization offering the opportunity to apply for, expedite, or resolve issues you may have with unemployment insurance benefits. Instead, anyone needing to apply for, or address concerns regarding unemployment benefits should go to the official unemployment benefits website, which can be found at: 

•  https://uicc.delawareworks.com/

Schemes that use links embedded in unsolicited text messages and emails in attempts to obtain personally identifiable information are commonly referred to as phishing schemes. Phishing messages may look like they come from government agencies, financial intuitions, shipping companies, and social media companies, among many others. 

Carefully examine any message purporting to be from a company and do not click on a link in an unsolicited email or text message. Remember that the Delaware Department of Labor generally does not contact you to ask for your username or password. When in doubt, contact the entity purportedly sending you the message, but do not rely on any contact information in the potentially fraudulent message. 

The Delaware Department of Labor does use Facebook to inform the public of changes, updates, and general information regarding the agency. You can find our official Facebook page at 

• https://www.facebook.com/DelawareDOL

Our Facebook page has been verified by a “Blue Check Mark,” immediately following our page name as it is listed on the Facebook page. We will never request your username, password, social security number, full address, etc.. over the Facebook platform. 

If you receive a text message or email claiming to be from the Delaware Department of Labor and containing a link that requests your username and password, please report the communication to the Delaware Department of Labor at UI Fraud Division by calling (302) 761-8397 or by sending an email to UIFraud@Delaware.gov

You may also contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) by calling 866-720-5721 or using the NCDF Web Complaint Form found at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud.

If you believe you may have entered information into a fraudulent website, resources on how to protect your information can be found at http://www.identitytheft.gov.

To read the full press release from the United States Department of Justice visit https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-warns-about-fake-unemployment-benefit-websites

To learn more about identifying and protecting yourself from phishing attempts, go to https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams or https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/spoofing-and-phishing.

Further information about the SWA-imposter scheme, and other major scams targeting American consumers, can be found on the Justice Department’s Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force website: https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch/transnational-elder-fraud-strike-force.

For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch, visit http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.

The Delaware Department of Labor connects people to jobs, resources, monetary benefits, workplace protections, and labor market information to promote financial independence, workplace justice, and a strong economy. 

For more information on support services and training opportunities, please visit http://labor.delaware.gov

Getting Tax Credit for Your Employees Just Got Easier: Introducing the New Delaware CertLink

Delaware Businesses can receive up to $9,600 in tax credits per employee for hiring members of target groups by visiting the newly updated Delaware CertLink, located at https://certlink.delaware.gov/

Many businesses have struggled as a result of the ongoing pandemic and finding ways to save costs is essential. One way to do so is to hire and retain individuals who have faced significant barriers to employment. Employers can receive a tax credit of up to $9,600 per employee for hiring members of federally designated target groups. By hiring from a target group (such as someone who is long-term unemployed, a veteran, formerly incarcerated, or a recipient of public assistance), your business creates a more diverse workplace and provides access to good jobs for workers. “We encourage all businesses to participate in this program whenever possible. Tax credits can help businesses reduce their tax liability and make finding work possible for groups that have been overlooked during the hiring process,” says Karryl Hubbard, Secretary of Labor. 

New features of the website are;

• Improved universal design with a focus on employers and consultants
• Batch uploads for easily providing documentation for applications
• Online user guides for all user types

Applying for this Workforce Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) can be done by visiting https://certlink.delaware.gov/, the newly updated website launched March 6. Employers or representatives of employers (consultants) can create an account in CertLink and easily submit and monitor WOTC applications. 

CertLink [https://certlink.delaware.gov/] is a product of America’s Job Link Alliance–Technical Support (AJLA–TS). AJLA–TS has been supporting workforce development software for more than 50 years. Their goal in both their products and services is to make a difference in America’s workforce. Visit their website at http://www.ajla.net. 

Delaware Department of Labor connects people to jobs, resources, monetary benefits, workplace protections, and labor market information to promote financial independence, workplace justice, and a strong economy. For more information on our programs, training, and unemployment please visit https://labor.delaware.gov/

Media Contact
Ken Briscoe
Communications Coordinator
Department of Labor

THE NEW YEAR BRINGS LEADERSHIP CHANGES TO THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

WILMINGTON, DE (February 23, 2021) – The Delaware Department of Labor has announced leadership changes for the organization. Karryl Hubbard will now serve as the new Delaware Secretary of Labor, Rachel Turney will serve as the incoming Deputy Cabinet Secretary, and Richard Fernandes now enters the role of Director of the Employment and Training Division.

KARRYL HUBBARD was confirmed on January 20, 2021, as Secretary of Labor for the State of Delaware. Before her appointment to this new role, Karryl served for four years as Deputy Cabinet Secretary under Secretary, Cerron Cade.  Ms. Hubbard will now oversee the daily operations of the agency and ensure that the agency continues to provide critical services to Delawareans despite pivoting to unexpected challenges we face during these uncertain times.

Having previously served as the Director of the Division of Management Support Services for the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families, and the Deputy Cabinet Secretary for Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Karryl brings strong administrative, leadership, and organizational expertise to her new role that will prove to be indispensable assets as the Department of Labor continues to provide resources, training, and support for Delawareans seeking employment. 

Hubbard graduated from Hampton University, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, and from Temple University School of Law with a Juris Doctorate. 

RACHEL TURNEY has been with the Department of Labor for over 15 years serving in various roles in the Division of Employment and Training and has been named Deputy Cabinet Secretary. In her new role, Turney will be responsible for the Office of Administration and will lead policy and legislative efforts during this legislative session. 

Working together, Hubbard and Turney will lead the Delaware Department of Labor as it continues its mission is to serve Delawareans by connecting people to jobs, resources, monetary benefits, workplace protections, and labor market information to promote financial independence, workplace justice, and a strong economy. Rachel has worked with a variety of partners to continuously improve the agency’s services to Delaware job seekers, career changers, and employers. She is excited and honored to continue to serve the Department and State.

Rachel graduated from University of Delaware, with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and from Villanova University with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.

Richard Fernandes has accepted the role of Director of Employment and Training. For the last 10 years, Richard has served in the Department of Labor’s, Division of Employment and Training.  As Senior Business Manager, and with over twenty years of experience providing effective business solutions, workforce development strategies, and program management, Richard brings a competitive global perspective to the role. 

During Richard’s last assignment, he worked closely with the Department of Labor’s WIOA partners and successfully managed the operations of DET’s American Job Centers. 

For more information on support services and training opportunities, please visit labor.delaware.gov

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Contact:
Kenneth D. Briscoe
Delaware Department of Labor
Communications Director

Wilmington, Delaware
February 22, 2021
Delaware Department of Labor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WILMINGTON, DE – Delaware Department of Labor has added new functionality to the Delaware JobLink (joblink.delaware.gov), a website created to support employers looking for qualified candidates, and individuals seeking employment.

The current website offers individuals the ability to search for jobs, create and post a resume, and get personalized career assistance for free. Employers can post available jobs, search for candidates, and get customized candidate recommendations for free as well. 

The new features added to the website are:

• Improved universal design with clear instructions for achieving your goals.
• Better experiences on your phone or tablet.
• More information at a glance in the Job Search with tags for wages, education and experience requirements, and remote work opportunities.
• Visual gap analysis of job seeker skills versus job posting requirements.
• Quick access to user guides and staff contact info.
   

Individuals can create a free job seeker account with Delaware JobLink, where they can create an unlimited number of resumes, upload a previously created resume, and search for jobs. 

Individuals may also receive customized career assistance from the American Job Center. The American Job Center staff will help locate opportunities for federally or state-funded programs that can provide financial assistance for training and education to increase opportunities for employment.

Using Delaware JobLink, employers can create a free account and post an unlimited number of available jobs and search for potential candidates. The American Job Center staff is also available to review an employer’s job postings, find and recommend candidates for their available positions.  

The new and improved Delaware JobLink will launch February 22, 2021, and is available at https://joblink.delaware.gov/.

If you have any questions or need help getting started, just reach out to DelawareJobLink@delaware.gov. 

Delaware JobLink is designed to connect job seekers with employers. 

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