The Commonwealth offered me a position in 2009 as an Employment Specialist and after spending over 20 years in Human Resources something new seemed exciting. Beginning my journey as an Employment Specialist for the Re-employment Assistance Program and then advanced to an Unemployment Specialist for the Department of Unemployment Assistance call center in Worcester. After fully learning the unemployment insurance spectrum, a transfer into the Business Service division of the Franklin Hampshire Career Center was accepted. Following the Business Service industry at the Franklin/Hampshire, another opportunity was then offered to continue the development of my knowledge with the Rapid Response Division for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Rapid Response is a federally mandated pre-layoff service designed for companies and employees experiencing a layoff or closing. When the Rapid Response team becomes aware of a layoff or closing, we contact company officials to arrange a meeting to establish a good working relationship to inform you of the available services, and to plan for implementation of those services at your organization. Currently, I've been promoted to the Rapid Response Coordinator for Western Mass. Re-employment Services Available