Editor’s note: This post has been updated to include the Hire Hahnemann career and resource fair.

On June 26, 2019, Hahnemann University and Philadelphia Energy Solutions’ South Philadelphia refinery announced their plans to close. As a result, Philadelphia Works, the city’s Workforce Development Board, and its many partners are working to support the more than 3,500 laid-off employees.  

Throughout the summer, Philadelphia Works will: 

  • Host PES- and Hahnemann-specific career fairs in July for displaced workers from the closing institutions. 
  • Engage same-sector and industry employers to identify and connect laid-off workers to current employment opportunities. 
  • Engage all employers, understanding that there may be opportunities for workers interested in transitioning to careers in related fields such as advanced manufacturing, logistics, or transportation.
  • Prepare PA CareerLink® Philadelphia centers to address the influx of workers who will be in need of unemployment and workforce services.   
  • Provide mobile career services and benefits access, realizing that laid off workers may be more comfortable receiving services and enrolling in benefits in a familiar environment such as union halls. 
  • Partner with employment search firms to support workers with specialized skills. 

File for Unemployment

Employees that have been laid off can file for Unemployment Compensation Benefits through the Pennsylvania Office of Unemployment Compensation. The application can be filled out in the following ways:

  • Online: An online application can be filed here. 
  • Telephone: An application can be filed on the statewide unemployment compensation toll-free number at 1-888-313-7284.
  • Mail: A paper application can be mailed to a service center.
  • Videophone service: Only for individuals who use American Sign Language (ASL). This service is available every Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m. at 717-704-8474.

More information about how to file, including what personal and employer information laid-off employees will need, can be found on the Pennsylvania Office of Unemployment Compensation’s website. 

Access job assistance at a CareerLink Center

PA CareerLink® offers specialized services for employees that have been laid off to help them in the transition. PA CareerLink Centers act as a network for individuals seeking employment and/or career advancement and employers seeking qualified candidates. 

PA CareerLink’s services include job search assistance, skill enhancement, computer/internet access, workshops on topics such as resume writing and interviewing, referrals to education, literacy services and training opportunities, and a range of other supportive services. Find the closest in-person CareerLink Center by searching this website. 

Attend upcoming career fairs 

Workers can sign up to find out the date, time, and location of upcoming career fairs.

Hire Hahnemann
July 25, 2019, 1 – 6 p.m.

This comprehensive fair will provide opportunities for hospital staff to meet directly with about 90 local employers, as well as access to transitional and supportive resources. It’s hosted by the City of Philadelphia, in collaboration with Philadelphia Works, Inc. and Hahnemann’s human resources department.

Location:
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Ballroom B
1101 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Other non-City-sponsored career fairs: 

2nd Annual West Philly Community Job Fair
June 28, 2019, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

This fair will offer job seekers the chance to engage with 67 companies and organizations that are hiring for entry-level, internships, seasonal, and part-time and full-time positions. 

Location:
Beulah Baptist Church
5001-21 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19139

Apply for Benefits at a BenePhilly Center

BenePhilly, offered by the Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity and Benefit Data Trust (BDT)offers free one-on-one support to help residents apply for over 20 public benefits. Trained counselors assist with completing applications, organizing key documents, and tracking their applications’ status.

You can call 844-848-4376 for more information or by visiting a BenePhilly Center.