WIN Job Centers

• WIOA continues to serve the public through the WIN Job Centers. Normal hours are currently observed between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Staff is available, and the lobbies are open to the public at ICC’s Amory, Belden, Houston and Pontotoc WIN Job Centers.
• Centers may be contacted by phone at Amory (662.407.1235), Houston (662.407.1219), Pontotoc (662.407.1226) and Tupelo/Belden (662.842.4371 or 662.407.1213).
• Employment and Unemployment services are accessible online at mdes.ms.gov or by phone, 1.601.493.9427.
• If you need local employment assistance, contact the WIN Job Centers at Amory (662.407.1235), Houston (662.407.1219), Pontotoc (662.407.1226) and Tupelo/Belden (662.842.4371 or 662.407.1213).
• Search for jobs online at https://mdes.ms.gov

WIN Job Centers and Career Services (WIOA) Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act requires that sector strategies be incorporated into workforce plans and must include regional planning and alignment with local labor market needs for in-demand sectors and occupations. WIOA offers both career and training services to individuals in Itawamba Community College’s supporting district in a one-stop format and continues to partner with the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services and Mississippi Department of Human Services to provide placement and employment services. The services are delivered through WIN Job Centers, which are located in Amory, Houston, Pontotoc and at ICC-Belden. As a service provider, the College incorporates additional partners and alliances to ensure that individual needs are met. 

Through WIOA, service is now based on the needs of the individual. 

WIO authorizes career services for adults and dislocated workers, which include basic, individual and follow-up, for which there are no longer sequence requirements. Each of the areas is an entry point for other services including training. Depending on needs, the career services provided by WIOA can also include the creation of an Individual Training Account or ITA, and these funds can be used for tuition payment or testing fees. 

WIOA Career Services include

• Basic Career Services – Eligibility for services: outreach, intake and orientation; initial assessment; labor exchange services; referrals to programs; Labor Market Information; performance, cost information; Supportive Services information; Unemployment Insurance information and assistance; and financial aid information. 
• Individualized Career Services – Comprehensive assessment (CRC); Individualized Employment Plan; career planning and counseling; short-term pre-vocational services – EDGE classes; internships and work experience; workforce preparation activities (resume´ or interviewing skills); financial literacy (how to find financial aid for training or if already in school); out-of-area job search; English language acquisition. 
• Training Services – On-the-job training; Incumbent Worker Training; Individual Training Accounts (also known as Occupational Skills Training); entrepreneurial training; job readiness training; adult education and literacy activities; and customized training. 

WIOA Employer services include 

• Provide E-Verify service (MDES) 
• Recruit, screen and refer qualified job seekers 
• Post job openings (MDES) 
• Host job fairs 
• PC labs available for WorkKeys© or online applications 
• On-the-job training and services 
• Labor Market Information 
• Interviewing space 
• Work Opportunity Tax Credit (MDES) 
• Rapid response services for layoffs 
• Federal Bonding Program (MDES) 

What is On-The-Job Training? 

On-The-Job Training partners employers and job seekers in providing training for eligible individuals and companies, which reimburses the employer up to 50 percent of the wage rate of the new employee to cover the extraordinary costs of providing training. 

How do employers get started? 

Employers may contact an On-The-Job Training specialist, Sanders Bell, at 662.407.1207. The OJT team will work with the employer to develop a contract that outlines training requirements. 

Dislocated Worker Program 

The goal of the program is to increase the number of dislocated workers being served by the community and junior colleges because many are failing to receive needed training and education. The mission of the program is to be the direct link between the dislocated worker and all community and junior college resources available and to enable these individuals to obtain needed quality education or training. 

How do WIN Job Centers benefit job seekers? 

• Job search and placement assistance 
• Internet access for job searches 
• Access to office equipment: computer, fax, copier 
• Software to assist in resume preparation 
• Information on interviewing 
• Career and aptitude assessment 
• Labor market information 
• Information on education and training 
• Information on assistance for laid-off workers 
• Unemployment insurance benefits 
• Information on NAFTA/TAA benefits for employees 
• Services for veterans
• Information on rehabilitation services
• Information on and referral to child care, transportation and other supportive services
• Assistance in basic skills and high school equivalency certificate preparation 

WIN Job Locations

WIN Job Center - Tupelo
ICC - Belden Center
3200 Adams Farm Road
Belden, MS 38826
662.407.1213
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Observes State of Mississippi holidays  

WIN Job Center - Amory
1619 Highland Drive
Amory, MS 38821
662.407.1235
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Observes State of Mississippi holidays 

WIN Job Center - Houston
201 S Monroe Street 
Houston, MS 38851
662.407.1219
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Observes State of Mississippi holidays 

WIN Job Center - Pontotoc
316 Coffee Street
Pontotoc, MS 38863
662.407.1226
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Observes State of Mississippi holidays