LIHU‘E — Workers displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic can look for opportunities through the Rise to Work program that was established by the County of Kaua‘i’s Kupa‘a Kaua‘i.
The opportunity is not limited to just workers, but extends to employers looking to bolster their workforce for a short period of time.
“It is an opportunity for both local nonprofits and businesses and Kaua‘i residents who are out of work,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami during his Wednesday video update. “Jobs will start in September, and will continue for 12 weeks.”
The program is funded with $2 million dollars of Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act dollars, and the listing of opportunities and jobs will be posted on the KauaiForward.com/RisetoWork/ website.
“If a business or nonprofit organization is interested in hosting a Rise to Work hire, and can create a meaningful opportunity for them to contribute to the organization or to the community, then we encourage you to visit the Kaua‘i Forward website and complete the form for interested employers,” Kawakami said. “As we work with local employers to learn about their available jobs, the list of job opportunities will also be posted on the Kaua‘i Forward website.”
Positions with the Kaua‘i Forward program will include both part-time and full-time opportunities. Due to time limitations with the federal CARES Act funding, all hires will complete their employment by the end of December.
Participants with the Rise to Work program will have the option to receive individual or family health insurance coverage at no additional cost. Wages will be starting at $15 an hour and will be determined based on the job level and skills required.
For employers looking to Rise to Work for help, the first step involves visiting the website and filling out the application form for interested businesses.
The completed form will be reviewed, and once approved, employers can start advertising the position, interviewing candidates, and selecting the right candidate.
If an employer has displaced workers, or contributing volunteers, the Rise to Work program enables them to provide a job for the displaced workers, but because of its temporary nature, the program will end in December.
