Airman & Family Readiness Center helps spouses seek employment, build careers Published Nov. 2, 2011 By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Buzanowski 92 Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Moving from one assignment to another the military member usually has a desk or locker and duty title waiting for them, but their spouse more than likely doesn't have a job that transfers so easily. That's why the Airman & Family Readiness Center has programs to assist spouses with seeking employment opportunities. Many of the resources are also available to military members who are separating or retiring, as well as retirees and their families. "We have an extensive website with information and referrals so people can access us 24/7," said Maureen Hartford, A&FRC community readiness consultant, 92nd Force Support Squadron. "Many spouses don't know they are eligible for unemployment benefits - Washington is one of those states who give military spouses unemployment benefits when they were employed in their previous state and had to move because of their spouse's reassignment," said Hartford. This nugget of information can be found on www.fairchildfamilysupport.org by clicking on 'careers' in the left side column, then 'unemployment benefits' in the pop out menu. "A spouse's career is constantly being interrupted - challenges are maintaining an income, eligibility for retirement and career progression. We're seeing an interest from Congress, military family caucuses and the Office of Military Community and Family Policy in helping military spouses maintain careers of their own." Team Fairchild hosted the Military Family Caucus last month, with one of the primary topics being the employment needs and issues of military spouses. The Air Force has implemented the military spouse employment partnership - a program that the Army has been using for years. More than 200 employers agreed to make an effort to hire more military spouses - the partnership provides oversight with regional managers to designating jobs as military spouse eligible - and not just entry-level jobs. "It's encouraging to see mid-level jobs offered to spouses and some companies even offer the opportunity to transfer locations," said Hartford. For those spouses who find themselves unemployed, the A&FRC can also help place spouses into volunteer positions on or off-base to eliminate gaps on their resume and even learn new, valuable skills. Resources within the 'careers' menu on www.fairchildfamilysupport.org is information about: · Resume building · Job interviewing · Working from home · Job search resources · Career assessment · Networking · Owning a business For questions about the A&FRC's employment resources or to speak with a counselor call 247-2246.