Additional Resources for Job Seekers
To view Polk Works' Fact Sheets, CLICK HERE
These organizations and websites offer additional valuable resources and information to job seekers.
Employment Research
Florida's Research and Economic Database (FRED)
Get help selecting a new career, finding a new job, and locating suitable education or training.
Career Voyages
Explore your career options. Find out which careers are in high demand, salary earning potential, and the education needed.
Career Infonet
Everything a job seeker needs to know about careers, educational and training requirements, salary and benefits and more.
Find out what training and education you need, expected job prospects and earnings and what workers do in a particular job. Learn job search tips and information about the job market in Florida.
Research what occupations are in demand; match your skills to available occupations and find out what skills are in high demand by employers.
Veterans
Veterans Services
Let our career counselors help you to develop an individual plan of action that can maximize your career search efforts.
Youth
Polk Works Young Leaders program provides academic support and career coaching to youth aged 16 to 21 who reside in Polk County. The program is free to those who qualify and assists youth in gaining academic and employability skills needed to become successful as they move into adulthood.
Job Corps
Job Corps provides education, job training, assistance with job placement and follow-up support - all at no cost to eligible students. Students can earn a high school diploma or GED, train for a new career, prepare for higher education and gain the practical skills they need to succeed in the workplace.
Mature Workers
AARP
Find the companies in Polk County that are seeking the skills and experience of workers age 50+.
Lakeland (863) 508-1100 ext. 3112
Winter Haven (863) 508-1100 ext. 3302
Experience Works
Low-income seniors, many with multiple barriers to employment, can get training needed to find good jobs.
Lakeland (863) 508-1100 ext. 3112
Winter Haven (863) 508-1100 ext. 3351
Farm Workers
Migrant and Seasonal Farm-worker Program
Seasonal farm workers and dependents can obtain career guidance, testing, job development, training, and job referrals.
Winter Haven and Lakeland (863) 508-1100 ext. 3373
Cash, Food Stamps and Medical Services
How to apply for Food Stamps Tip Sheet - Click Here
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Economic self-sufficiency is the goal. For temporary assistance with cash, food stamps or Medicaid, visit the State of Florida’s Department of Children & Family website at www.myflorida.com/accessflorida or call toll free (866) 762-2237.
Florida KidCare
The State of Florida’s health insurance program for uninsured children under age 19, Florida KidCare will check which of four programs your child may be eligible for base don age and family income.
Child Care Resources
Polk Early Learning can help you determine if you qualify for Child Care Resource and Referral, School Readiness, and Voluntary Pre-kindergarten programs.
Lakeland (800) 843-9780; Winter Haven (863) 577-2450 x 207. Appointments required.
Vocational Rehabilitation
The Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation has dedicated professionals to provide service and information to persons with disabilities, including SSI and SSDI beneficiaries, on how to enter, re-enter, or retain unsubsidized, competitive employment.
Lakeland (863) 680-5534
Winter Haven (863) 291-5280
Ticket-to-Work Program- The Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program is an employment program for people with disabilities who are interested in going to work. The Ticket Program is part of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 – legislation designed to remove many of the barriers that previously influenced people’s decisions about going to work because of the concerns over losing health care coverage. The goal of the Ticket Program is to increase opportunities and choices for Social Security disability beneficiaries to obtain employment, vocational rehabilitation, and other support services from public and private providers, employers, and other organizations.
For more information and to request an appointment, call the Polk Works Disability Program Navigator nearest you.
Lakeland (863) 508-1100 ext. 3105
Winter Haven (863) 508-1100 ext. 3340
Financial Literacy
Spectrum Resource & Development Center, Inc., D/b/a/ Spectrum Resources
Spectrum Resources provides education and resources to those seeking financial self-sufficiency. Financial education is taught in individual sessions and in seminars. Assistance in raising credit scores, structuring personal spending plans and understanding consumer rights.
Click Here to read about the mortgage refinancing and modification assistance available to people who may be having trouble making their loan payments
Contact Person: Janet Folkerts, Exec. Dir. Certified Credit Counselor
Contact Phone: (863) 967-0660
Contact Email: SpectrumResources@tampabay.rr.com