Resources for Fired Feds: Groups Launched, State and Local Governments Accelerate Hiring
In this tense time for federal employees, groups and state and local governments are stepping in to provide help for feds, whether they’ve been fired or are navigating uncertainty in their federal jobs.
One of the new organizations is FedsForward, which was started by a group of civil servants with 25 plus years experience in and out of the federal government. Its mission is to help Feds “explore new career pathways and effectively communicate how their skills are transferable to the private and non-profit sectors.”
While the organization is just getting started, it plans to “create a place for the community and support transition to the next stage in their careers.”
Civic Match by Work for America is a nonpartisan program connecting federal workers and campaign staff with meaningful roles in state and local governments across the country. It’s also offering webinars and other employment resources focused on specific sectors and professions.
Meanwhile, The Partnership for Public Service has a federal employee resource hub.
“This hub is a resource for you to answer the questions we are frequently asked about how various proposals may affect federal employees, to create a safe space for information sharing and community building, and most of all, to respond to what you need in this moment and in the months to come,” stated the Partnership website.
The page includes FAQs on the civil service, rights as a federal employee, due process and federal employee protections, links to find jobs, and more.
State and Local Governments Hiring
State and local governments are hiring too, with many in the DC area setting up pages to help fired feds.
The State of Maryland launched a website with information on benefits, job seeking resources, and more. Certain state of Maryland employees who resigned within the last three years may also be eligible for reinstatement.
On the county level, Montgomery County, Maryland, home to thousands of federal workers, also launched a website that includes information on health insurance, food assistance, child care, job support, and more.
Across the Potomac, the Commonwealth of Virginia added a resource section for fired feds to its “Virginia Has Jobs” website. It includes tips on how to revise a federal resume for the private sector.
Going Beyond DC
Governments outside the DC area are pitching in as well, as some 80 percent of the federal workforce does not live in the National Capital Region.
New York State is among the governments launching a recruitment effort for displaced federal workers.
“The federal government might say, ‘You’re fired,’ but here in New York, we say, ‘You’re hired.’ In fact, we love federal workers,” said Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY).
