SUNBURY -- Six months after Pennsylvania CareerLink moved into Sunbury after a consolidation of the Shamokin and Selinsgrove locations, more than 200 people walked through the door for the grand opening on Wednesday.
That's just a fraction of the 6,800 people who are out of work in Northumberland, Snyder and Union counties, according to Sue Snyder, CareerLink administrator, who Wednesday did not have unemployment numbers for Montour County.
The 225 Market St. location was selected after CareerLink officials accepted a deal to move their office to the city because they thought Sunbury was the more central location.
"We were excited for today," Snyder said. "Everyone is pleased with the turnout."
Guided tours ran continuously for people who wanted to see what CareerLink had to offer.
"They have helped me," said Andi Espenshade, of Selinsgrove. "I have met with several different people that are trying to help me get work."
Things have become more difficult for those who are out of work.
Work search requirements for all new unemployment compensation claims took effect Jan. 1 after being signed into law by Gov. Tom Corbett in June.
New laws tighten the rules on people who seek unemployment benefits without actively searching for work.
New claimants must register for employment services with the Pennsylvania CareerLink within 30 days of applying for benefits and then may choose several ways, including accessing additional CareerLink services, to meet and document weekly requirements.
Each claimant has two options and must participate in one of two every week, Snyder said.
He must apply for at least three jobs a week, and must attend a job fair, search positions on the CareerLink system or Internet job banks.
"They can also create a resume and post it in our system or other resume services," Snyder said. "Use an employment agency, take a civil service test or other pre-employment test. Or they can participate in a program or activity offered through CareerLink."
Or they must maintain an active registration in a union hiring hall.
There are 76,100 employed people in Northumberland, Snyder and Union counties, Snyder said. Job openings in Northumberland are 589, Union 232 and Snyder, 335.
The agency provides assistance for individuals preparing for and locating employment opportunities through job search resources, interactive job preparation workshops and career assessments -- including the ability to earn a National Career Readiness Certificate powered by WorkKeys, Snyder said.
A wide range of employment-related services to help all employers locate, recruit, screen and hire qualified candidates are available, including labor market information, staff assistance to market job openings, job matching to identify qualified workers and job seeker screening, Snyder said.
When people are meeting the requirements for the state, they must apply for jobs for which they are qualified, Snyder said.
While collecting unemployment benefits, individuals can also work part time without penalty. "If a person receives $100 a week in unemployment, they can make $100 plus 40 percent," she said.
Deductions from his unemployment package would begin after he earns more than the allowance.
Several employers said they love the service that is provided. Halliburton natural gas recruitment specialist Kristi Cellitti said, "We have been using CareerLinks for quite some time and they have made great referrals to us."
Regular business hours for the Sunbury location are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays; 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays. More information is available at www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us or by calling 988-7300.
