We are Here to Serve You!
MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center is open for Walk-in and Appointment services, beginning Monday, April 4th.
Walk-in service hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Thursday and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday.
Workshops and Career Center Seminars are offered remotely and in-person. Please call ahead to schedule in-person workshop/seminar participation.
Unemployment Insurance (UI) Assistance will continue to be provided over-the-phone.
Orange Innovation Center Services
We are open for Walk-in and Appointment Services at 131 W. Main Street in Orange, MA on Fridays from 9:30 – 12:00 and 12:30 – 4:00. Unemployment Insurance Assistance and Veterans Services available.
Forbes Library Career Center Services
In-person Workshops will be offered, on Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m., beginning Wednesday, April 13th. Please call ahead to schedule: 413-774-4361 or 800-457-2603
Click here for COVID-19 Resources for Job Seekers | Click here for COVID-19 Resources for Employers
Please help promote exciting FREE Training Opportunities through the MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center. See attached Flyers.
There are some remarkable opportunities for unemployed or under-employed workers interested in meaningful careers in stable occupations in growing fields and industries.
Community Health Worker – A 13-month certificate program with hands-on apprenticeship in the Public Health and Human Services fields. Tutoring, advising, financial supports, and language services provided. Training starts in July 2022.
Direct Care Associate – Direct Care Associates provide support and advocacy to clients. This is a 7-week training with multiple certifications and a direct pathway to interviews with established Pioneer Valley care businesses. Training starts late summer 2022.
Medical Assistant – There is a high demand for Medical Assistants who help with patient intake and ensuring offices run smoothly. Free Training begins in September 2022 – a 1-year program (2 semesters) of full-time classes and 29 College Credits.
Urban Agenda Grant
Summer Jobs for Greenfield Youth Ages 17-24
Click here to learn more and apply!
Click here for more information on our youth services
Unemployed in 2021? You May Qualify for a $0 Health Insurance Plan
If you are currently getting unemployment benefits or if you received unemployment benefits for at least one week in 2021, you may qualify for a $0 or low-monthly cost ConnectorCare health insurance plan from the Massachusetts Health Connector through the end of 2021, thanks to the Federal American Rescue Plan. Apply today to see if you qualify for free or lower cost coverage like MassHealth, ConnectorCare plans, or a tax credit. Apply by July 23 for coverage that starts August 1. People receiving Unemployment Insurance may also apply year round.
Learn more about this new benefit.
Includes a video, answers to Frequently Asked Questions, and a link to apply online. When you apply, make sure to include information about your unemployment benefits so the Health Connector can check to see if you qualify. Please note that if you not currently receive unemployment benefits but received them earlier in 2021, you may still be eligible. See the FAQ’s for more details.
You can get help applying at one of the Community Health Navigators. Find the list here: https://www.mahealthconnector.org/navigators
Or call the Health Connector Customer Service line at: 1-877-623-6765 (TTY 1-877-623-7773)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and Mass Internet Connect (MIC)
The Federal Affordable Connectivity Program and the Massachusetts Internet Connect Program can help with internet discounts and low cost or free computers. Click here to learn more.
IMPORTANT! Starting June 15, 2021 Unemployment Insurance (UI) Claimants Must Search for Work to Keep UI Benefits
On June 15, 2021 Governor Baker lifted COVID-19 emergency orders and the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) has reinstated work search requirements for anyone who requests or receives unemployment benefits. Claimants must:
- Attest each week when you claim your weekly benefit that you have completed 3 work search activities. Examples of valid activities include, but are not limited to:
- Complete a job application in person or online with employers who reasonably may be expected to have an opening for suitable work.
- Register for work and reemployment services with a local Mass Hire Career Center
- Conduct other job search activities such as reviewing job listings on the internet, newspapers, or professional journals, contacting professional associations, and networking with colleagues or friends.
- Keep a detailed written log of work search activities.
- Provide a copy of your work search log if DUA asks for it.
Get a jump start on returning to work. Most UI claimants will be able to continue to receive partial or reduced UI benefits – AND the full amount of the special Federal COVID-19 related $300 weekly stipend – even as you return to work. Claimants who report wages from new employment will have their regular UI weekly benefit proportionately reduced to offset new wages, and many claimants will remain eligible for the $300 weekly stipend until their regular wages exceed 133 percent of their regular weekly benefit amount (calculated without including the $300 weekly stipend). The Federal $300 weekly unemployment payment will end on September 4, 2021.
The Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA) is partnering with a team of non-profit service providers and local businesses to launch a taxi service specifically designed to help Franklin County residents obtain and keep late shift jobs. The taxi service will provide transportation to get to Franklin County businesses and home again including pickup/drop off at child care facilities.
Learn more about the program HERE (PDF)
50+ Job Seekers Program – Your AGE really is your EDGE!!
FREE online workshops and networking groups for seniors.
COVID-19 Resources
Click here for a PDF list of Community Resources to help during the Covid-19 Emergency
Public computer access resources
Franklin County FREE wifi hotspots
MassBroadband Inc. Free WiFi Hotspots in Western MA Hilltowns
Covid-19 Long Term Health Care Jobs Portal
There is an urgent need to hire Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants, Patient Care Technicians, OTs, PTs, and many roles across our skilled nursing, assisted living and long-term care facilities statewide. This portal is now open to all long term care facilities across the Commonwealth as well as COVID-19 temporary care sites. Temporary and permanent positions available. Employers are offering hiring incentives. Click HERE to learn more about jobs at temporary care sites.
Click HERE to learn more about jobs at long term care facilities.
To apply for jobs or to post jobs to the portal please click HERE.
This link includes FAQ’s for employers and workers.
COVID-19 Contact Tracing Information and Jobs
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in partnership with Partners in Health, is reaching out to contacts of confirmed positive COVID-19 patients to help reduce the spread of the disease. Partners in Health is hiring Contact Tracers to support Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Local Boards of Health to perform COVID-19 contact tracing.
FRAUD ALERT! Protect Your Unemployment Insurance Benefits!
If you believe someone has applied for unemployment benefits falsely using your personal data, please report the fraud here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/report-unemployment-benefits-fraud
Has your job been eliminated or hours reduced due to foreign competition or relocation outside the U.S.?
Click here to learn more about how the Trade Adjustment assistance Program can help.
About MassHire
MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center provides employment and training services at no charge to job seekers and employers in Franklin County, Hampshire County, and the North Quabbin area. We connect employers and job seekers through a statewide network of employment professionals and services designed to meet the unique needs of each customer.