Response to Covid-19 Virus

Changes to Employment Service Delivery in Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic
 

Employment Counsellors and Resource Centre staff are available to work with you in-person or virtually. We recommend calling ahead first (see below), and we'll discuss how we can best serve your needs.

We follow the direction of the Provincial Health Officer and WorkSafeBC to minimize exposure to COVID-19

What to expect when you arrive at our centres:

  1. You will be asked some screening questions at our front door, and instructions will be given for our hygiene guidelines.
  2. You will be required to sanitize your hands, and to wear a face mask.
  3. Appointments are for one individual at a time – do not arrive with children, family members, or pets – they will be asked to wait outside. Allowances will be made for service dogs and required personal assistants.
  4. Appointments will be limited in length to allow time for cleaning in between. Arriving more than 15 minutes late for a scheduled appointment will result in rescheduling.

What we are doing to keep you safe:

  • Our Resource Centres look a little different – while each of our offices has its own set-up, you will notice directional arrows, room dividers, Plexiglas on desks, and a limited number of Resource Centre computers, to allow for physical distancing.
  • Use of some office equipment is limited – we are still offering free printing, photocopying, and faxing services, however staff will be performing these tasks for you, at a distance.
  • One-on-one meetings with Employment Counsellors will be in-person, or over the phone, If needed, our Port Alberni office can provide a room with a phone for you to meet virtually with your Employment Counsellor.
  • Staff will wear masks while providing one-on-one service to clients.
  • Thorough cleaning and sanitizing will take place at scheduled times, and continually throughout the day as needed between client visits.

How to contact us:

Please visit our CONTACT page from the Top Menu, or scroll down to the bottom of this page to see detailed information on hours and locations.

Information & Resources for Individuals and Businesses
 

British Columbia

BC - Covid-19 Provincial Support and Information - Frequently updated information on supports available for residents of BC, including the BC Recovery Benefit and other financial help, as well as the latest information on Provincial Health Officer orders.

BC's Restart Plan - The government of BC's plan to gradually restart the economy while ensuring that protective measures remain in place to keep everyone safe.

WorkSafeBC - Returning to Work Safely - If you are a business reopening, or a worker returning to the job, the provincial workplace safety authority provides detailed guidance and plans on how to reopen safely, and how to get help.

Service BC Location in Port Alberni - This site provides links to online provincial services such as income and disability assistance, residential tenancy, childcare benefits, and more.
 

Canada

Government of Canada's Covid-19 Economic Response Plan - Information on all the Supports to Individuals and Businesses to help stabilize the economy during this challenging period. This site is updated frequently and includes information and links on new programs such as the Canada Recovery Benefit.

Service Canada Centre - Port Alberni - Important updates and announcements about services at this location, including telephone numbers and links to the Service Request Form online.

 

The information on this page is being updated as new information becomes available