One-Stop Career Centers

What are One-Stop Career Centers?

Am I eligible?

Where can I find One-Stop Career Centers?

What benefits will I get?

How do I get help finding a job?

Useful links

What are One-Stop Career Centers?

One-Stop Career Centers are government funded job centers that help workers find jobs and help employers find workers. There are 37 One-Stop Career Centers in Massachusetts.

One-Stop Career Centers have job listings, career counseling services, job search workshops, workforce readiness training, information about job training grants and loans, and other employment-related services for job seekers. The Centers offer job posting, candidate screening, job fairs, tax information, and other services for employers. 

One-Stop Career Centers offer many employment services directly, but also contract with community organizations for some services. All Centers handle unemployment claims.

The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development is in charge of One-Stop Career Centers in Massachusetts.

Am I eligible?

One-Stop Career Centers are open to all Massachusetts job seekers and employers. Core services are free and available to all. Enhanced services, such as one-on-one career counseling or special programs, may have a fee. Some programs target specific population groups.

You do not have to be unemployed to use a One-Stop Career Center. Career Centers can help employed workers advance in their careers, find better-paying or more meaningful work, or gain employment-related skills.

Programs and funding may vary from one Center to another based on the needs of the local community. All One-Stop Career Centers have orientation seminars to explain the programs they offer and the eligibility requirements for each program.

Where can I find One-Stop Career Centers?

One-Stop Career Centers are located in all major cities and towns in Massachusetts. There are 37 Centers located throughout the state. To find the Career Center nearest you, see:

• Career Center Listing
  [on the Workforce Development web site]

You can also call the Division of Career Services at 617-626-5300 for information.

What benefits will I get?

One-Stop Career Centers offer a wide range of job-related services.

Services for job seekers include:

• job listings (see JobQuest Find Jobs) 
• job fairs
• skills assessment
• career counseling
• Massachusetts Career Information System (MassCIS) online career exploration tool
• online job search, resume posting, and job match
• job skills workshops (interview skills, resume writing, etc.)
• free internet access
• resume writing software
• access to printers, paper, copy machines, fax machines, and telephones
• information about training programs (see Job Training Programs)
• information about training grants and loans
• information about apprenticeship programs (see Apprenticeship Training)
• special services for veterans, people with disabilities, TAFDC and SSI recipients, youth, ex-offenders, and others
• unemployment insurance walk-in services (see Unemployment Insurance)

  Core services are free. Core services include information and self-service activities, such as workshops, self-assessments, use of the resource library, and online job search. Enhanced services, such as one-on-one career counseling, mock interviews, resume evaluations, or specialized instruction, usually have fees.

Services for employers include:

• posting of jobs (see JobQuest for Employers)
• screening, testing, and assessment of job applicants
• job fairs
• information about tax credits (see Tax Credit for Hiring Program)
• information about grants (see Workforce Training Fund)
   

How do I get help finding a job?

To get help finding a job, visit your local One-Stop Career Center. You can find a list of Career Centers with the address, telephone number, hours, directions, services, languages spoken, and web site link for each center on the Workforce Development Career Center Listing.

When you visit a center for the first time, you will be asked to fill out a registration form to become a member of the Career Center. After you register, a staff member will show you around the career center, explain the services you can get, and schedule you for an orientation session.

You can also use online resources to find a job. See Access Online Job Resources on the Workforce Development web site. You must register to use certain online services. For example, you must register with Massachusetts JobQuest if you want to create an online profile, post your resume online, or use online job matching. Registration is free.

Useful links

These links are external links to web sites that are not part of MassResources.org. When you click on these links, you will leave our site. Click "Back" on your browser to return.

1. Services for Job Seekers
   Department of Workforce Development services for Massachusetts job seekers, including:
   • Career Center Services
   • Online Job Resources
   • Job Hunting Information
   • Special Programs (for veterans, disabled workers, TAFDC recipients)
   • Education and Training
   • Contact Information 
      
2. Services for Employers
   Department of Workforce Development services for Massachusetts employers, including:
   • Career Center Services for Employers
   • JobQuest for Employers
   • Contact Us

One-Stop Career Centers section last updated on 4/12/10