Dislocated Worker
The Navajo Nation Dislocated Worker’s Program
What is WIA/DINAP?
The Workforce Investment Act (WIA), Section 166 Division of Indian and Native American Program (DINAP) are a federal employment and training program designed to serve disadvantaged adults/youth and dislocated workers. The Navajo Nation oversight of WIA/DINAP is provided by the administrative entity, The Navajo Department of Workforce Development (NDWD). Services for dislocated workers are delivered under Title I of the Workforce Investment Act by the Local Workforce Investment Areas (LWIAs), through the five Workforce Centers and Sub-Offices across the Navajo Nation.
Who May be Served?
A dislocated worker, as defined by the WIA, is an individual who:
- Has been terminated or laid off or received a notice of termination or lay-off from employment and is eligible for or has exhausted his or her entitlement to unemployment compensation, or has been employed for a duration sufficient to demonstrate attachment to the workforce but is not eligible for unemployment compensation due to insufficient earnings or having performed services for an employer that were not covered under a state employment compensation law and is unlikely to return to his or her previous industry or occupation.
- Has been terminated or received a notice of termination of employment, as a result of any permanent closure of or any substantial layoff at a plant, facility, or enterprise.
- Was self-employed (including employment as a farmer, a rancher, or a fisherman) but is unemployed as a result of general economic conditions in the community in which he or she resides, or because of natural disasters.
A displaced homemaker is one who has been providing unpaid services to family members in the home and who has been dependent on the income of another family member or economic unit, but is no longer supported by that income and is unemployed or underemployed and is experiencing difficulty in obtaining or upgrading employment.
Definition of a Family:
- Husband, wife, and their dependent children
- A parent or guardian and his/her dependent children
- Husband and wife
- An economic unit of one or more persons who receive at least 50% of their financial support from the economic unit.
How to Apply for WIA/Dislocated Workers’ Services:
Individuals interested in applying for Dislocated Worker’s (DW) assistance should contact the nearest Workforce Center (WFC).
The WFC office will determine of the applicant is eligible for DW services. Applicants must provide the following information:
- Proof of citizenship or right to work in the United States
- Social Security Card
- Proof of Selective Service registration
- Documentation or proof of eligibility for DW services
Benefits to Customers The Dislocated Workers’ Program can provide:
- Assistance to eligible applicants before lay-off date
- Information on other benefits you may be eligible for
- Assessments, including evaluation of your educational attainment, your interests, an aptitudes
- Development of an Individual Employment Plan of what is needed for you to attain your goals.
- Employment or career counseling
- Information on which jobs are in demand and where
- Assistance with your job search in and out of the area
- Supportive services, such as transportation, tools, uniforms, etc.
- Relocation assistance, if you have to relocate for a new job.
Retraining Services
- Classroom Training to obtain a degree or certificate
- Occupational training (truck driving, refrigeration, etc.)
- On-the-job training (learn a new trade while getting paid)
- Basic and remedial education
- Literacy and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes
- Entrepreneurial training (starting your own business)
Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA)
Individuals that feel termination or layoff was due to foreign trade may be eligible for NAFTA/TAA benefits. Contact the nearest LWIA office for more information.