Empowering Employment with Professionalism and Support: Taichung Employment Counselor Honored by Ministry of Health and Welfare as 'Outstanding National Social Safety Net Personnel'

The Labor Bureau of Taichung City Government is actively promoting localized employment services to assist vulnerable individuals in smoothly entering the workforce. By connecting with local resources, neighborhood leaders, and community networks, the bureau provides professional assessments, customized job matching, and full-process accompaniment to support every individual in need.

On August 1, the Ministry of Health and Welfare held the 115th National Social Safety Net Outstanding Personnel and Groups Award Ceremony. Ms. Yu-Lan Cheng, an employment counselor from the Employment Services Division of the Labor Bureau, was honored with the 'Outstanding Personnel Award,' demonstrating Taichung City's tangible achievements in employment support and strengthening the social safety net.

According to the Labor Bureau, Ms. Cheng has been dedicated to employment services since 2007, consistently working on the front lines with professionalism, patience, and empathy. She tailors her support to meet the diverse needs of job seekers, skillfully utilizing government employment resources and inter-agency collaboration mechanisms to help disadvantaged individuals overcome employment barriers. Her continuous guidance helps them gradually build work capabilities and confidence in life, showcasing the critical role employment counselors play within the social safety net and enabling more families to embrace new opportunities through stable employment.

During her service, Ms. Cheng supported a young man from a fragile family background—his father paralyzed, mother missing, and himself suffering from diabetes—who faced repeated setbacks in job hunting. Assessing his health and abilities, Ms. Cheng matched him with suitable job opportunities and provided comprehensive support, including resume writing, interview preparation, and psychological counseling. She continuously accompanied him in adjusting his job search strategy while connecting him with living subsidies and employment resources to alleviate financial pressure, guiding him steadily toward stable employment.

Ms. Cheng's profound expertise, boundless patience, and ability to integrate cross-network resources—along with her collaboration with local neighborhood leaders and community organizations—have enabled her to build a robust support network. This integrated approach links various employment assistance measures, making her a steadfast pillar for vulnerable job seekers.

The Labor Bureau emphasized that employment services go beyond simple job matching; they are a pivotal lever for transforming the lives of disadvantaged families. Employment counselors must possess professional assessment skills, patient accompaniment, and resource integration capabilities. Ms. Cheng has successfully helped multiple individuals overcome adversity and establish themselves in the workforce. Her recognition as an Outstanding Social Safety Net Personnel represents the highest honor for frontline employment service staff.

Moving forward, the city government will continue to deepen its localized employment service network by integrating social welfare, public health, and community forces to co-create a warm and resilient social safety net.

The Labor Bureau also noted that individuals seeking employment assistance can visit the official website of the Taichung Employment Services Office (https://gov.tw/Kae) or call (04-2228-9111, extension 36100 or 36200; address: No. 26, Jingke Road, Nantun District, Taichung City) for dedicated support.