Refugee Employment Programs

What employment and training programs are available for refugees?

a group of workers from various industries

Wisconsin offers funding and assistance to refugee agencies and refugee service providers through the Refugee Support Services Program (RSS). Through RSS, these agencies help refugees to prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment.

What is the Refugee Support Services program?

The Refugee Support Services program (RSS) is for refugees who have been in the United States 60 months or less. Some services may be available for refugees who have been in the United States longer than 60 months. The RSS program offers many services to refugees, including:

  • English language training;
  • Social adjustment services, including emergency services and health-related services;
  • Interpretation services;
  • Citizenship and naturalization services; and
  • Job services.

What kinds of job services are available through the Refugee Support Services program?

Job services include:

  • Self-sufficiency planning;
  • Career assessments;
  • Job orientation;
  • Job development;
  • Job referrals;
  • Job placement;
  • Information and referral services;
  • Career advancement services;
  • Job retention services;
  • Cultural and job-related orientation; and
  • Post-employment follow-up.

The Refugee Support Services program helps refugees become self-sufficient through:

  • Employment;
  • Dual employment;
  • Increased family income; and
  • Maintained employment.

In addition to these employment-related services, the RSS program also helps refugees to become self-sufficient through other services, such as:

  • Social-adjustment services;
  • Health and wellness services;
  • Information, referral, and outreach services; and
  • Citizenship and immigration services.

Where is the Refugee Support Services program available?

The Refugee Support Services program is available throughout Wisconsin in regions with high refugee arrivals, secondary migration and refugee concentration. Currently, Refugee Support Services programs are available in and around Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, the Fox Valley area, Barron and Marathon Counties.