NDOL’s Rapid Response Team Returns Nebraskans to Work

On Nov. 7, 2025, the Safeway in Chadron closed its doors for the final time, one of twelve grocery stores shut down by Safeway/Albertson’s across Nebraska, Colorado, and New Mexico. The closure impacted 49 employees and now leaves Chadron with only one full-service grocery outlet remaining in the city.
In light of this closure and the devastating Tyson closure currently affecting Lexington to the southeast, the Northwest Nebraska Development Corporation (NNDC) wishes to spotlight the Nebraska Department of Labor’s (NDOL) Rapid Response program, a coordinated effort to promptly return workers to their feet and connect them with the proper resources for rapid re-employment. The NNDC wants to make sure any and all impacted workers, no matter the time or place, have the right resources at hand to return to the workforce.   

How the Rapid Response Deployment Works

The NDOL Rapid Response team is a specialized unit designed to assist both employers and employees during business closures or mass layoffs. Operating under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the team provides immediate, on-site assistance to minimize the impact of job loss.

The Rapid Response team knows that the primary goal for workers impacted by layoffs or closures is rapid re-employment. The team hosts, either online or in person, layoff services orientation events, where workers receive an introduction to the American Job Center and workforce system to support job searching, resume development, and training services. Additionally, NDOL provides unemployment insurance benefits and connects individuals to resources related to finances, healthcare and insurance needs, and other issues that may arise from job loss. All services are designed to support rapid re-employment for employees.

For employers, the Rapid Response team helps companies manage these difficult transitions in a number of ways. First, the team identifies any strategies that may avert layoffs altogether. If such a transition is ultimately unavoidable, the team provides guidance and compliance assistance with the WARN Act (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) and then coordinates transition management, providing tailored on-site support in part aimed at maintaining morale and reducing the burden on companies’ HR departments. The relevant local business service representative is informed of the situation who then reaches out to company personnel. The entire process is conducted quickly yet carefully to ensure both employer and employee are supported throughout this difficult period.

How To Get in Touch

NDOL has 10 job center locations across the state where staff members can help businesses and individuals access the aforementioned resources. For your local center’s contact information, visit NDOL’s website or email NDOL.RapidResponse@nebraska.gov. A Rapid Response team member will respond within four business days to determine business and employee needs.  Additional timelines depend on the circumstances and services needed.

Both businesses and individuals should contact their local NDOL office for assistance.  The Rapid Response team has staff members who specialize in job seeker services and staff who are business services specialists. NDOL matches individuals and businesses with the appropriate resources based on need.

Additional Resources for Rapid Re-Employment

NEworks is a great resource for jobs, labor market information, and connections to programs. Reach out to your local NDOL office to learn about eligibility for programs and help getting the most out of NEworks.

In Dawes County, the NNDC provides a number of comprehensive workforce resources, including recruitment assistance, training programs, professional development opportunities, to help our community thrive. Visit our website or contact us to learn more.