New Report Finds Peer Workforce Navigators Help People Get Unemployment Benefits & Find Jobs Faster

Maine’s Peer Workforce Navigator program is not only helping workers secure unemployment benefits, but also helping them find jobs more easily and faster, according to a new report by the Center for American Progress. The Maine AFL-CIO is a member of the Peer Workforce Navigator Project, a coalition of six labor and community organizations that provide support for job seekers and recently laid off workers in a partnership with the Maine Department of Labor.

When compared to similar workers in the region, the report found that worker PWN engages:

• Got back to work more quickly;
• Enrolled in unemployment benefits more easily; and
• Were more likely to advocate for better wages and working conditions.  

In addition, the report found that navigators are seen by workers as “trusted messengers” to refer them to programs and services. It noted that the navigators have built a strong relationship with state agencies, building trust between community and government. CAP reported that navigator programs are an important interim investment in the modernization of state unemployment systems that can reduce administrative burdens both for workers and state agencies.

The report also found that collaboration with Navigators helped the state to better serve diverse populations, especially immigrants and people with limited English or digital skills. The researchers urged policy makers to make continued investments in innovative community programs like PWN.

The idea for the Peer Workforce Navigator project came at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020 when the Maine AFL-CIO and other groups helped thousands of Mainers access unemployment benefits and answer questions as the system was overwhelmed with the volume of applicants.

Our Peer Workforce Navigator Leslie Torkelson is here to help workers connect to good union jobs, job training and apprenticeships as well as housing, childcare, unemployment benefits and other supports to help people get into and stay in good jobs.

Do you know someone in your life who wants a better job or wants to get into a union job or union apprenticeship program? Or do you need help filing for unemployment? We can help!

Please fill out this form and Leslie will be in touch.