Employment Services
Employment Services is a resource available to anyone who is unemployed, seeking better employment, or reentering the workforce. Employment missionaries offer various types of support:
- Résumé help
- Interview preparation
- Job leads
- Networking contacts
Employment Services operates employment centers where Church members and others can access resources and receive in-person help. Job seekers can also visit the Employment Services website, employment.ChurchofJesusChrist.org, to access virtual services such as online groups and workshops, remote coaching, and an online job board.
In early 2024, Employment Services expanded internationally, allowing individuals worldwide to access employment support and resources.
A man finds help looking for a job at an Employment Center.
Deseret Industries
Deseret Industries (DI) is a thrift store that primarily operates as a job-training facility for Church members and others who face barriers to employment. Individuals receive job training and certification through DI’s Ready for Work program, which helps associates achieve their employment goals. In addition to teaching practical job skills, the Ready for Work program focuses on behavioral skills essential for workplace success.
Deseret Industries associates are trained and coached by full-time employees, including operational supervisors and development counselors. In 2024, operational supervisors from all 46 DI locations participated in trainings designed to prepare them better to support their associates. These sessions covered topics such as career and leadership development, processing standards, customer service, and human resources.
Development Counseling Services
Development counselors are credentialed professionals who assist DI associates—and anyone referred by a Church leader—with goal setting and career planning. They assess an individual’s overall well-being and needs, provide counseling, and offer vocational assessment and educational support.
Development Counseling Services (DCS) collaborates with other Church resources—including Family Services, Deseret Industries, and Employment Services—to help individuals overcome barriers to employment. DI associates work with DCS counselors as part of the Ready for Work program to learn important workplace behaviors. Development counselors also work closely with Family Services and Employment Services, referring individuals to these resources for mental health support or job placement assistance.
Transitional Services
The Church has nine Transitional Services offices across the US. Transitional Services is available to all who need help integrating back into their communities—including people exiting correctional facilities; women rescued from trafficking; veterans; and individuals who have experienced homelessness.
Transitional Services primarily focuses on helping individuals become self-reliant by connecting them with community and Church resources, including employment and mental health services.
Humanitarian Center
The Church’s Humanitarian Center recycles and processes excess donations from Deseret Industries stores for humanitarian aid. Like DI, the center serves as a training ground to help individuals gain employable skills. Many associates come from different countries and religious backgrounds and do not speak fluent English. Associates have the opportunity to learn English as part of their workday.
Finding Dee’s Dream Job
Dee was looking to reenter the workforce after taking time to raise a family for 14 years but wasn’t sure what she wanted to do. She tried out three different jobs before her bishop referred her to Development Counseling Services.
Dee met with a development counselor regularly, taking assessments and personality tests to understand what job would be the best fit for her. After she spent some time searching, her development counselor encouraged her to apply for an administrative clerk position at the Deseret Industries she worked at. Dee quickly realized that the position fit her personality and interests, and she got the job. “I kept telling myself I don’t belong anywhere, but turns out I do!” Dee says. “I am so happy to be here, and I am so grateful to my development counselor.”
What Can I Do?
- Donate items to your local Deseret Industries or similar job-training thrift store.
- Review the résumé of a friend or family member.
- Learn more about the Church’s employment resources and encourage others to use them.
Learn More About How the Church Helped Individuals with Employment in 2024
Get Employment Help
If you are going through a job search (or know someone who is), the Church’s Employment Services can help. At Employment Services, we have a team of experts, support groups, webinars, workshops, and other resources available to help you achieve your self-reliance goals. Click the button below to get started!