About Us
Can you help me with my Unemployment Insurance (UI) Claim?
No. Contact the NYS Department of Labor (DOL) directly with any questions regarding your Unemployment Insurance claim or benefits:
- Call 1-888-209-8124
- Visit www.labor.ny.gov.
- Send a secure message through your NY.gov account
Do you work for the Department of Labor (DOL)?
No. RochesterWorks employees do not work for the Department of Labor. We’re an independent, nonprofit workforce service provider. We work with people enrolled in the UI system, but we do not approve or award benefits. Our staff, including managers, cannot make changes to or review unemployment insurance claims.
We assist UI recipients by providing complementary programs such as workshops, e-learning, one-on-one services, and recruitment events. These are designed to strengthen your career development and job search process, as well as support you.
Contact the NYS Department of Labor (DOL) directly with any questions regarding your Unemployment Insurance claim or benefits:
- Call 1-888-209-8124
- Visit www.labor.ny.gov
- Send a secure message through your NY.gov account
Appointments
Can I bring a friend with me to my appointment?
Interpreters, translators, coaches, and support staff are always welcome to join you for your appointment. However, for the privacy and comfort of all our customers, and because space in our waiting rooms is limited, we ask that you do not bring guests or children with you to your appointment.
Can I make an appointment with a specific advisor?
Yes. You can call the advisor directly using the phone directory or call 585-258-3500 to set up an appointment. Unfortunately, we cannot handle these requests through our online scheduling system.
Can I visit the career center without an appointment? / Do you have walk-in hours?
Yes. Customers can come in on a walk-in basis, both to use the resource room and see an advisor. See here for career center hours.
Can I work with an advisor over the phone or by email?
Yes. Our Career Services Advisors are available to help you virtually in addition to in-person appointments. To reach a representative, please call 585-258-3500 or TTY (800) 662-1220 for English or TTY (877) 662-4886 for Español.
How do I make an appointment to visit the career center?
You can request an appointment online or call 585-258-3500 to speak with a RochesterWorks representative. Customers may also call our TTY (800) 662-1220 for English or TTY (877) 662-4886 para Español.
What do I do if I can’t make it to my appointment or need to reschedule?
Contact us right away at 585-258-3500. Appointments cannot be canceled or rescheduled online
What do I do if I need accommodations for my appointment?
RochesterWorks is an equal opportunity provider. Disability-related aids and services are available upon request.
- When booking your appointment online, indicate what accommodations you require in the “Notes/Comments” section.
- If you are scheduling by telephone, let the representative know if you need accommodations.
Please note that it can take up to one week to confirm ASL interpreter services.
For further questions about accommodations, contact our Disability Resource Coordinator, Lindsay Murphy, by email or by calling 585-258-3500 ext. 3513.
What do I need to bring with me to my appointment?
- Photo ID such as a Driver’s License or Non-Driver Photo ID Card
- New York State Benefits Card (if you’re receiving benefits such as SNAP or TANF).
Our Customer Registration forms (English Form) (Spanish Form) can be pre-filled and printed to save you time during your visit.
Accessibility
Do you have services for people with disabilities?
Yes. We offer an accessible Resource Room, ASL interpretation for all in-person services, a Disability & Disclosure workshop and e-learning course, and information about the Ticket to Work program.
Facility Accessibility: Career Center at 100 College Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607
- Accessible parking is available in the parking lot on the west side of the building, nearest the Rochester Broadway Theatre League’s Auditorium Theatre
- Automatic ADA swing door openers at the main building entrance and the entry to our offices
Our second-floor office is accessible by elevator at the main entrance (Suite 200) - A wheelchair-friendly reception area .
- A wheelchair-accessible bathroom
Facility Accessibility: Youth Center at 57 St. Paul Street, Rochester, NY 14604
- The accessible entrance is on Bragdon Place, near the entrance to Genesee Riverway Trail and Sister City Garden, at the back (west) of the building.
- Our offices are located on the 3rd floor and can be reached via elevator
- The Youth Center Resource Room has wheelchair-accessible computer stations
- Public restrooms with wheelchair accessibility are available on each floor
- Please note, free parking is not available at this location
What assistive technology is available at the career center?
Our resource room is equipped with the following:
- JAWS Screen Reader for text-to-speech output or Braille display
- ZoomText Magnifier/Reader program to enlarge and read aloud everything on the computer screen
- Mini keyboard for one-hand typing
- Interpretype ® Deaf-Blind Communication System to communicate without using speech, both online and face to face.
Media
Where can I find your press releases, newsletters, and links to RochesterWorks in the news?
Who should I contact with media questions?
Tricia Anne Campbell, Marketing & Communications Manager
Services
Can you place me in a job?
No. Unlike a staffing agency, we do not make direct placements, but we can help make your job search easier. We offer a variety of programs and services, such as workshops, e-learning courses, one-on-one advising, and recruitment events. We aim to help you prepare for a successful job search and support you throughout the job search process.
Do I have to be registered with RochesterWorks to receive services?
Yes. During registration, you’ll meet with a Career Services Advisor one-on-one. You and the Career Advisor will discuss your work experience, goals, and barriers you might be facing in finding work. You will learn about RochesterWorks services and community resources available to you.
At this appointment, you will receive your NY ID Number – we use this number instead of your Social Security number to help keep your personal information secure. You can use your NY ID to register for workshops and recruiting events.
Do I need to be unemployed to use RochesterWorks services?
No. You can be employed full-time, part-time, unemployed, switching careers, or brand new to the workforce. All services are provided free of charge by Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act grants.
Do you offer resume writing services? Will you write my resume for me?
We understand that writing a resume can be intimidating, but we will provide you with all the tools you need to write your own with confidence. Our staff offers on-demand e-learning courses on resume writing, interactive live workshops, and resume review.
Do you offer scholarships, grants, or other funding to go back to school or a training program?
Customers may be eligible for a grant of up to $6,000 to return to school or attend training programs for demand occupations. Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements. Learn more about who is eligible, what type of training is covered, and how to apply on our Individual Training Grant page.
Do you provide services to individuals without a high school diploma, GED, or other high school equivalency?
Yes. We serve customers of all levels of education and experience. For those who are interested in earning their high school equivalency, we can provide free, local resources to prepare them for the test.
Is there a fee for workshops and services?
No. No matter what your income or employment status is, RochesterWorks services are free.
What services do you provide?
We offer a wide variety of services for adults, youth and businesses. You can view complete lists of services on these pages:
Services: For Adults | Services: For Youth | Services: For Businesses
