The Employment Department was created in 1993. The department is an active partner in the development of the state's workforce.
The Employment Department strives to promote employment of
Oregonians through developing a diversified, multi-skilled workforce,
and providing support during periods of unemployment.
Through 47 offices across the state, the department serves job seekers
and employers by helping workers find suitable employment; providing
qualified applicants for employers; supplying statewide and local labor
market information; and providing unemployment insurance benefits to
workers temporarily unemployed through no fault of their own.
The
department offers a number of services. It serves employers through
timely recruitment of a qualified workforce, customizing state and local
labor market information for use as a business planning tool, and by
offering job-matching services based on the need of each employer. Labor
market economists and research analysts identify major workforce policy
areas that require additional research and present their findings and
ideas for solutions to decision makers. Statewide, regional, and local
economic information is prepared for use by employers, community
leaders, and policy makers. The department helps job seekers find jobs
that match their skills and employers' needs, provides them with
up-to-date information about trends in occupations and skills needed for
success in the job market, and works with other agencies to direct them
to appropriate training programs and job experiences.