Federal Workforce Actions
Thousands of county residents and their families have already been or could be affected by the new administration's efforts to downsize the federal workforce and budget. We have a variety of resources and services that can help former federal employees, contractors and anyone else affected by job loss.
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Job seekers have access to a comprehensive system of employment and training services and resources, either in person or virtually. Services include updating your resume for the private sector, interview preparation, career coaching and employment assessments, among other things.
- Fairfax County Workforce Centers are open for in-person and virtual services. Schedule an appointment to meet with a career specialist.
- Virginia Career Works at the Alexandria and Annandale centers provide employment services. Make an appointment for in-person or virtual services.
- The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority maintains a database of open positions in Northern Virginia. It contains several thousands of active listings in a range of industries.
- Fairfax County Government employs more than 12,000 public servants for a variety of jobs in different fields, serving more than one million residents. View Fairfax County Government job openings.
- Fairfax County Public Schools offers a landing page for federal government professionals transitioning into the public education sector. Residents with a bachelor’s degree can become provisionally licensed to teach in just a few weeks. Openings are also available in operational roles.
- Individuals who experience a change in life circumstance outside of open enrollment may be eligible for a 60-day special enrollment period to apply for health insurance through Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace.
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Enroll Virginia is available to provide free, unbiased assistance with health insurance options available through Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid and FAMIS.
Our Health and Human Services agencies can connect you to county and community-based resources to help meet basic needs, including food, utility and rent assistance.
- Residents in need can contact the Coordinated Services Planning hotline at 703-222-0880 (TTY 711) for assistance in connecting to county- and community-based resources. This service is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Multilingual specialists can assist callers in multiple foreign languages.
- Our Department of Family Services can help eligible residents enroll in programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Medicaid. For more information, call the customer call center at 703-324-7500.
- The State Women, Infants, and Children program aims to improve the health of pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants and children under five years of age. For all WIC appointments and questions, call 703-246-5599.
- The Human Services Resource Guide connects residents with thousands of nonprofit and government services. Listings include detailed service descriptions, eligibility requirements, locations (maps and directions) and contact information.
- Families enrolled in the School Age Child Care (SACC) program who are unable to make payments should reach out to SACC to discuss options. Call 703-449-8989 or email saccregistration@fairfaxcounty.gov.
- Families in the Child Care Assistance Referral program who are having difficulty making payments should reach out to CCAR staff at 703-449-8484 or email CCARInfo@fairfaxcounty.gov to explore resources and support available.
Pets – Residents in need of pet food or other pet resources can visit the Animal Shelter’s Pet Resource Center for a comprehensive list of resources and support.
Tax Payments – Any taxpayers who are unable to pay their county taxes will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Call 703-222-8234 (English) or 703-324-3855 (Español), TTY 711, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Coping with job loss and uncertainty can take a toll on your health and family. The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) provides a range of services for people experiencing mental health concerns and substance misuse, helping during both emergencies and non-emergencies.
- There are an estimated 65,000 military veterans who live in Fairfax County, as well as 13,000 active personnel. Many families may be affected by federal workforce actions.
- From Fed to Founder with FairfaxCORE: Many former federal employees have transformed their government experience into thriving businesses. Unlock your potential and find comprehensive information to start your business with Fairfax CORE's free resources expert guidance, vital start-up requirements from licensing to financing, and powerful learning and networking opportunities. Learn more about supports to transition from federal service to thriving entrepreneur with our Fed to Founder resources, designed to empower your business launch.
- The Economic Development Authority offers a range of support services, such as mentoring from a community of seasoned experts or help starting a new business. Business mentors offer expertise and mentoring services through an established partnership.
- County parks and libraries offer programs that are free or low-cost and can help residents stay active and connected to the community – both which are important to helping cope with the difficult feelings related to a job loss.
- Residents can explore more than 334 miles of public trails or register for register for short- and longer-term activities and classes through ParkTakes.
- The 23 public library branches throughout the county are open to anyone, and library cards are free for county residents. With a card, residents can borrow e-books and audiobooks, and read current magazines and newspapers online, among other things.
- County community centers and senior centers offer a range of programming that can help residents build social connections and stay active. Community centers are free; senior centers, with programs for residents age 50 and older, require an annual fee.
- There are many ways to volunteer in our community; check out the opportunities.
- The Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia, affiliated with the Annandale campus of Northern Virginia Community College, is a nonprofit, member-run organization offering educational and cultural pursuits to adults age 50 and over.
Follow our official Fairfax County Government LinkedIn page to stay updated on local information and resources available to job seekers and others impacted by federal workforce actions.
Additionally, Fairfax County Public Library offers the LinkedIn Learning platform to residents with a library card.
Federal Workers Return to Office
As federal agency and military installation employees increase their in-office work, the county is expanding its programs to provide comprehensive commuting solutions for workers in the region.
Potential Federal Government Shutdowns
Our Health and Human Services system implements a coordinated response plan for significant events like a federal shutdown to assess the impact on service delivery to residents. County agencies will engage state partners community providers in this effort to ensure resources are available, especially to vulnerable residents.
In addition to the impact on federally funded programs, county residents who work for federal agencies or contractors may need help with basic needs or experience hardships in paying county program fees or taxes. Residents who work in the service industry may also experience economic hardships.
Federal Employee Data
View the share of federal employees in Northern Virginia courtesy of the Northern Virginia Regional Commission.