(SitNews) Juneau, Alaska - The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development will close the Kotzebue Job Center on Friday, August 19th. While the department has significantly reduced administrative costs to maintain maximum program and services delivery, a 33 percent cut in the department’s state general funds over the past two years requires a revamp of service delivery and closure of some offices. Efforts to increase efficiency in service delivery include enhancing online services, better coordination with partner organizations, and providing more itinerant services.

Last year, the department closed job centers in Barrow and Seward, which reduced spending by $316,000. The department estimates the Kotzebue Job Center closure will result in an additional savings of $166,000 annually.

“Deep budget cuts and the lack of a sustainable fiscal plan mean cuts in the services we provide to Alaskans,” said Labor Commissioner Heidi Drygas. “I regret that the closure of a rural job center is necessary given our current fiscal situation; however, we will continue assisting Kotzebue residents through our online services.”

Employers can post job openings and recruitments online through the Alaska Labor Exchange system (ALEXsys). Job seekers can conduct job searches online through ALEXsys and file for Unemployment Insurance online through MyAlaska. Equipment from the Kotzebue Job Center will be donated to area partners to enhance their ability to provide internet access to the public.

In addition to accessing services offered online at jobs.alaska.gov, Kotzebue area job seekers can also speak with employment and training technicians by calling the Fairbanks Job Center toll free at 1-888-789-1905.

Reporting & Editing by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

Alaska Department of Labor
www.labor.state.ak.us

 

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