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Employment & Job Readiness Help
DES and ARIZONA@WORK workforce specialists provide no-cost job readiness services to help job seekers overcome barriers to employment.
Reentry workforce services include but are not limited to:
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Development of hard and soft workforce skills
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Résumé development
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Interview preparation with mock interviews
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Access to virtual and in-person job fairs
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Ability to build relationships with potential employers
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Training to utilize online job search websites
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Specialized workforce services for Veterans and individuals with disabilities
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Information about Federal Bonding insurance for employers who hire “at risk” (including formerly incarcerated) job seekers and,
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Information on Work Opportunity Tax Credits for employers who hire former inmates
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Access to employment labs
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Registration on the Arizona Job Connection website
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Employment referrals
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Individualized job coaching
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Follow-up employment services
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Transportation assistance (contingent upon availability)
"Check out these #tips on how to talk about your background when re-entering the workforce—featuring DES Reentry Specialist Danny Howe"
"Interviews can be tough, especially after incarceration. Danny Howe, a DES Reentry Specialist with lived experience, breaks down common interview mistakes and how to avoid them. From doing company research to showing confidence and asking the right questions, these tips will help you make a great first impression and land the job."
When looking for a job, it helps to have connections. Whether you’re looking for your first job, making a career switch, or re-entering the workforce, ARIZONA@WORK is the place to start. In addition to our no-cost workforce readiness services, we can connect you to our partners for expert advice and guidance on everything from child care, basic needs, vocational rehabilitation for job seekers with disabilities, and educational opportunities.
ARIZONA@WORK has three resource center types located throughout Arizona to help job seekers and employers with their employment needs.
And for inspiration - Check out our Peer Stories tab to see reentry success stories & community support of local Second Chances
Below is are organizations who are currently providing training and workshops related to employment, job readiness, and skill development. Be sure to contact the organization via telephone to inquire about current offerings and schedule.
The Pima County library has free assistance with writing a resume or cover letter, creating an email account, searching online for jobs, completing online job applications, preparing for an interview.
Workshop Wednesdays are hosted weekly from 9am-11am at the locations listed below. It is required to call and RSVP prior to attendance. If you are unable to attend Wednesdays, you can call the location nearest you and schedule another time.
Available workshops include:
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Digital Skills: Creating a resume, Excel Basics, Google Sheets Basics
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Workplace Skills: Soft skills & how to improve working relationships.
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Money Skills: Learn about loans, comparison shopping, etc.
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Career Skills: Where you are, where you want to be & how to get there.
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Assisting with Backgrounds: Learn how to speak about your background
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Applying for Jobs & Interviewing: Techniques for job searching, how to answer interview questions, and more!
Dodge Career Center
3725 E. Ft Lowell Road
520-628-1882
Flowing Wells Career Center
3925 N. Flowing Wells Road
520-545-9266
Midvale Career Center
1680 W. Valencia Road
520-547-5647
Kolb Career Center
7201 E. 22nd Street
520-545-9266
Goodwill of Southern Arizona Youth Engagement Centers
The Goodwill Youth Centers serves youth and young adults ages 12-24 years seeking employment and education in the community. We assist them with their goals, connect them to resources, provide career pathways, and give a sense of purpose for the future. One on One assistance is available as requested.
Goodwill Impact Youth Center
Tuesday - Friday: 9AM-4PM
2990 W Ina Rd.,
Tucson, AZ 85741
Javier Diaz 520 310-8054
Corina Lopez- 520-490-9166
Goodwill Opportunity Youth Center
Mon: 10:30AM-4PM I Tues -
Thurs: 9AM-4PM 7149
E 22nd St.,
Tucson, AZ 85710
Isaiah Francisco 520 330-9413
Faye Mccorry 520 904-8713
Goodwill REC Center
Tuesday - Friday: 9AM-4PM
1920 E Silverlake Rd., Suite 207,
Tucson, AZ 85713
Jameel Jackson-Beasley 520 404-6988
Karin Malbrough-520- 734-3527
Employment & Job Readiness Orgs.
Below are organizations to contact for help
Arizona Job Connection
Explore Jobs- Use filters to find your dream job and save your search or apply right away. Create Resume. Upload your resume or make a new one from scratch with our resume wizard. Find Education & Training. Discover state- or federally funded training programs to enter a new career.
Interfaith Community Services
Workforce Development Centers Employment Assistance-FREE Job Help
Here are a few of the services we offer: Career options and coaching Resume and cover letter development Interviewing skills and practice Coaching for completing an application for screening by the new Application Tracking System. This means we can help your application get seen by a real person, and not just the computer program that screens submissions. Assistance with special circumstances like long gaps in employment and periods of incarceration. New Horizons computer learning classes
Sullivan Jackson Employment Center
The Sullivan Jackson Employment Center (SJEC) helps with the employment and training needs of homeless men and women seeking to enter the workforce. SJEC has been a pioneer in developing effective approaches to assist homeless individuals and families seeking to become self-sufficient. You must call to schedule an appointment – they do not take walk-ins.
Old Pueblo Community Services (OPCS)
The purpose of the Tucson Homeless Work Program is to give people residing in an emergency shelter a pathway out of homelessness through work, community collaboration and navigation of existing services. The program is intended to build trust with people and move them from temporary housing options to more permanent housing.
AZ@Work
When looking for a job, it helps to have connections. Whether you’re looking for your first job, making a career switch, or re-entering the workforce, ARIZONA@WORK is the place to start. In addition to our no-cost workforce readiness services, we can connect you to our partners for expert advice and guidance on everything from child care, basic needs, vocational rehabilitation for job seekers with disabilities, and educational opportunities.












