There are job opportunities on the Gulf Coast, however finding career-type positions is a challenge for many. Spouses for technical training students have a difficult time due to their short stay in the area, but can find positions working virtually or through personnel (temporary employment) agencies. Spouses and eligible family members should check www.usajobs.gov for ‘hot jobs’ or http://www.applymyexchange.com for Exchange positions.

A wealth of information can be found at the web site for the Mississippi Department of Employment Security.

Openings are advertised on company web sites or job search engines such as www.indeed.com. Wages in the area tend to be low, ranging from minimum wage to $10.00 per hour. Federal employment through https://www.USAJOBS.gov on base is difficult to break into unless a person is in a category providing eligibility status such as military spouse on PCS orders, disabled veteran or having previous federal employment. Military spouses on PCS orders should work with the Civilian Personnel Office 228-376-8630/8322/8631 upon arrival due to PCS to be classified into a job area and officially entered into the Priority Placement Program for Spouses or Program S. Individuals without other eligibility categories are only considered for positions open to All U.S. Citizens.

The Workforce Investment Network centers also called the state unemployment offices are in several locations. Creating a one-stop shop for Job Corps, unemployment office, job search and other assistance agencies.

Small Business Opportunities

For those interested in going into business for themselves, the Small Business Administration has several Small Business Development Centers on the campuses of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. The centers charge no cost to advise clients and they have access to business related information. There are several area chapters of Service Corps of Retired Executives who will work with fledgling business owners to fix problems.

Programs Available through M&FRC

The M&FRC offers employment assistance to anyone who has access to the base. They offer self-help employment resources for families to use during job searches. The Employment Program is located in Sablich Center Rm 126. Job seekers have access to computers/internet and resource books and can make appointments for resume’ review and individual job search consultation. Classes are offered in federal and civilian-sector resume writing, interviewing techniques/salary negotiation, using LinkedIn for job search, choosing the right career, and skills for working with the Millennial Generation. Contact the Military & Family Readiness Center for more information or to schedule an individual appointment.

The Employment program works with the Mississippi Governor's Office and Employer Support For Guard and Reserve to host job fairs several times a year.

For information on upcoming classes, please contact the Military and Family Readiness Section at 228-376-8728.

It is vital job-seekers hand-carry all employment documents and records such as: transcripts, performance evaluations, employment history, references, resumes, SF 171, SF 50, DD Form 214, certificates {including birth certificate}, licenses, etc.

MyCAA

For information on MyCAA and Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, visit Military OneSource or contact the Military & Family Readiness Center @228-376-8728.

In general, the Federal-State Unemployment Insurance Program provides unemployment benefits to eligible workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own (as determined under State law), and meet other eligibility requirements of State law. Unemployment insurance payments (benefits) are intended to provide temporary financial assistance to unemployed workers who meet the requirements of State law. Each State administers a separate unemployment insurance program within guidelines established by Federal law. Eligibility for unemployment insurance, benefit amounts and the length of time benefits are available are determined by the State law under which unemployment insurance claims are established. In the majority of States, benefit funding is based solely on a tax imposed on employers.

MS Unemployment Benefit information can be obtained through the MS Department of Employment Security website.

The unemployment rate in Biloxi is 2.7% and the state of Mississippi 3.2%. Most employment opportunities are hourly-wage positions in service industries such as food service, administration, customer service, labor etc. It is difficult for spouses with advanced degrees to find comparable-level employment unless they are in medical, engineering or technical fields. MS Unemployment Benefit information can be obtained through the MS Department of Employment Security website. The median household income is $52,719.