MONTICELLO, NY — The Sullivan County Career Center, operated by the Center for Workforce Development (CWD), will be open only for scheduled appointments from Tuesday, November 3 to Friday, November 27. Unscheduled walk-in visits will be accepted until November 2, then recommence on Monday, November 30.

“The NYS Department of Labor is launching Unemployment Services, an upgraded unemployment insurance system intended to improve customer service for individuals and businesses across the State,” explained CWD Director Michelle Cruz. “To ensure as smooth a transition as possible, the State has asked all career centers Statewide to limit visitors to those who make an appointment for matters unrelated to unemployment benefits. Appointments can be made at 845/794-3340.”

The Center for Workforce Development provides assistance with resumes, job search, career exploration, skills training and job placement. It also assists businesses by matching workers who meet their needs, posting job listings and hosting on-site recruitments. The CWD works closely with the NYS Department of Labor, whose staff share office space in the Career Center.

The upgrade of the State system will begin November 2 at 5 p.m. and is expected to take 9 to 12 days. During that time, all unemployment services will be unavailable, and people will not be able to file or certify for benefits. The upgrade period will also delay unemployment payments. After that period is complete, recipients will need to file or certify for benefits in the upgraded system to receive all payments due them.

“If you are claiming benefits for the week ending November 1, the State encourages you do so by November 2 at 5 p.m.,” noted Cruz. “If you miss this deadline, you will need to wait until the upgraded system is available to claim these benefits.”

To learn more, go to www.dol.ny.gov/unemployment.