Rapid Response Services
Helping Local Workers and Businesses through Layoffs and Plant Closures
LA County workers and employers facing imminent layoff due to a business or plant closure can connect to Rapid Response services, including essential public benefits, job readiness and training, and hiring in quality jobs, including with the County and public sector. These are coordinated by DEO, LA County’s seven Workforce Development Boards (WDBs), regional America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs), and partner agencies and organizations and offered directly to employers and workers through Good Jobs Fairs.
DEO is committed to maximizing resources, minimizing economic disruption, facilitating rapid reemployment for impacted workers, reducing the immediate loss in wages and benefits, and connecting a qualified and skilled workforce to high-road employers in high-growth industries.
Rapid Response – Worker Services
DEO, WDBs, and AJCCs offer Rapid Response services directly to workers at job centers and through dedicated events with employers and workers called Good Jobs Fairs. No cost services include:
- Expedited public benefit enrollment, including the State Employment Development Department (EDD)’s Unemployment Insurance (UI), Covered California and other health and mental health resources, LA County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS)’ GAIN and START programs, housing and tenant support, and retirement and pensions
- Labor market information
- Job readiness portfolio and preparation, including resume, interviews, references, and work documents
- Educational attainment through high school equivalency and post-secondary pathways
- Job training and credentials for skilling and re-skilling through High Road Training Partnerships and Registered Pre/Apprenticeship Programs
- Paid work experiences for professional development through Transitional Employment and On-the-Job Training
- Hiring opportunities with employers in related and emerging fields, including County jobs
- Income support for veterans and persons with disabilities
DEO and partners may be eligible for Additional Assistance grants that supplement and allow for customized hiring and training services in coordination with EDD.
Rapid Response – Employer Services
DEO, WDBs, and AJCCs offer Rapid Response services directly to employers to support layoffs and closures and/or adjust to meet evolving talent needs. A lead WDB and AJCC is assigned based on the location of the employer. No cost services include:
- Assigned Business Technical Assistance and supportive Human Resources function with DEO, AJCCs, and partners
- Public sector communications at local, State, and Federal level
- Resources for maintaining staff morale and attendance, including EDD’s Work Sharing Program
- Good Jobs Fairs offering workers:
- Essential public benefits
- Hiring and training support
- No cost upskilling for retained workers through Customized Training and Incumbent Worker Training
- Coordinated activities with Labor-Management/Workforce Transition Committees
- Trade Adjustment Assistance with DOL for businesses lost overseas
Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act Notices (WARN) Compliance
As part of the WARN Act with guidance by the US Department of Labor (DOL) and enforcement by private legal action, some employers are required to notify local officials, government, and WDBs of layoffs and plant and business closures with 60-days’ notice. This includes employers with more than 100 employees and layoffs of 50 or more workers at a single site, where 50 is at least one-third of the total full-time workforce at that site, or any layoffs of 500 or more workers at a single site.
DEO provides Rapid Response services to all employers and employees who may be facing layoffs and plant closures, regardless of size or requirements under WARN.
In the News
L.A. County Supervisors Seek Aid for Hundreds of Workers Affected by the Closure of Phillips 66 Oil Refinery – December 4, 2024
Phillips 66 Will Shut Historic Wilmington Refinery – October 16, 2024
Board Motions
Motion: Creating Economic Opportunity for Displaced Local Workers in the Wake of the Phillips 66 Refinery Closure – December 3, 2024
DEO Press Releases
Release: County Will Help Connect Phillips 66 Workers with New Jobs, Including at the County – December 3, 2024
View DEO Report Out
Economic Development Policy Committee Presentation – July 3, 2025
Apply to County Jobs
Additional Resources
State Employment Development Department
US Department of Labor
Regional WARN Responses
