Employment Services
Last updated 09/11/2024
The Office of Community Services (OCS) assists Hawaii’s low-income, immigrant and refugee populations to overcome and alleviate workforce barriers to economic self-sufficiency through an array of community-based programs and services. OCS primarily contracts and administers program services on behalf of the State and Federal governments. OCS allocates funds using a competitive purchase of services process unless the funding source authority directs the award to specific organization(s).
OCS currently administers two employment-related programs: the Employment Services Program for Low-Income Persons (ES-LIP) and Legal Permanent Residents (ES-LPR), both of which are funded by the State of Hawaii. The objective of these programs is to enable participants to successfully obtain or increase and maintain employment for a minimum of 30 days.
The programs are administered jointly. They help participants define their career goals, provide financial literacy, help them search for relevant job openings, prepare resumes, practice interviewing, and learn how to stay employed. Both programs provide funding for short-term technical training in such fields as Certified Nursing Assistant, phlebotomy, commercial driver’s licensing, and others through recognized third-party agencies. The ES-LPR program also offers English as a Second Language refresher training.
Both programs serve low-income individuals in Hawaii whose household income is at 185 percent or below the United States Federal Poverty Guidelines for Hawaii.
The ES-LPR program serves permanent residents who are lawfully present immigrants residing in Hawaii, including Compact of Free Association (COFA) migrants and other non-citizens who are eligible to work in the United States.
ES-LIP: The Employment Services for Low-Income Persons program serves low-income individuals in Hawaii at a household income of 185 percent of or below of the most current United States Federal Poverty Guidelines for Hawaii. This service population may include legal permanent residents who do not need additional assistance provided through the ES/LPR program.
ES-LPR: The Employment Services for Legal Permanent Residents program serves legally permanent residents, which are lawfully present immigrants residing in Hawaii, Compact of Free Association (COFA) migrants, and other non-citizens who are eligible to work in the United States whose household income is at 185 percent or below of the United States Federal Poverty Guidelines for Hawaii.
Through the program, eligible participants will be assisted with job preparation, job placement, and job maintenance. If applicable, eligible participants will be assisted with certification or training that is required for participants to attain their desired job from a third-party.
If you are interested in enrolling in Employment Services, please contact the agency in your respective county. The agencies that are currently providing employment services are:
| Employment Services for Low-Income Persons (ES-LIP) and Legally Permanent Residents (ES-LPR) | ||||
| County | Agencies | Contact Person | Phone Number | |
| Hawaii | Goodwill | Ray Saludares | [email protected] | (808) 443-5870 |
| Honolulu | Parents and Children Together | Kim Golis-Robello | [email protected] | (808) 847-3285 |
| Honolulu | Honolulu Community Action Program, INC. | Robin Fakaosi | [email protected] | (808) 521-4531 |
| Honolulu | Child Family Services | Eydie McNicoll | [email protected] | (808) 681-1520 |
| Kauai | Child and Family Services | Kimberly Acierto | [email protected] | (808) 821-2520 |
| Maui | Maui Economic Opportunity, INC. | Cassi Yamashita | [email protected] | (808) 243-4359 |
OCS is currently soliciting input from prospective providers for the 2022 Program Year. The Request for Proposal can be found here.9
