How MAU Staffing Works in Greenville
What MAU Staffing Is and Who Runs It
MAU stands for "Minority and Underutilized business" staffing, and in Greenville it is a workforce program run through the Greenville County workforce system. MAU staffing connects job seekers—particularly those from underrepresented groups—with temporary and permanent positions at local employers who have committed to hiring through the program. The program is funded through federal workforce dollars and managed by the Greenville Workforce Development Board in partnership with local staffing agencies and employers.
The program exists because some employers in Greenville want to build a more diverse workforce but may not have the networks to reach may have access to candidates outside their usual hiring channels. MAU staffing bridges that gap by screening candidates, matching skills to job openings, and handling the placement process. You do not pay a fee to use the service—the employer and the staffing agency handle all costs.
Greenville's MAU staffing program is part of a larger system that includes other workforce services like job training, resume help, and career counseling. If you are looking for work in Greenville, MAU staffing is one route; it is not the only one, and whether it is the right fit depends on what kind of work you are seeking and what support you need along the way.
Key Takeaways
- MAU staffing in Greenville connects job seekers with employers through partner staffing agencies, and the service is free to workers.
- You register through the Greenville County workforce system, usually by visiting a One-Stop Career Center or calling the main workforce office.
- The program focuses on temporary and permanent placements, and you work with a staffing agency representative who handles job matching and placement logistics.
- Placement timelines vary depending on the jobs available, your skills, and how quickly you complete the intake process.
- If you do not find a match through MAU staffing, the same One-Stop center can connect you to job training, resume workshops, and other workforce services.
How to Register for MAU Staffing in Greenville
The first step is to contact the Greenville County workforce system. You can do this by visiting a One-Stop Career Center in person or by calling the Greenville Workforce Development Board. The main office is located in downtown Greenville, and there are satellite centers in other parts of the county. When you call or visit, tell them you are interested in MAU staffing placement services.
At your first appointment, a workforce counselor will collect basic information: your work history, skills, education, and the types of jobs you are looking for. They will also explain what MAU staffing offers and whether it matches your needs. If you are a good fit, they will refer you to one of the partner staffing agencies that handles placements for the program. You will then meet with a representative from that agency, who will take your application and begin looking for matching positions.
Bring a photo ID and Social Security card to your first visit. If you have a resume, bring that too—if you do not, the One-Stop center offers free resume writing help. You do not need to have a job lined up or a specific employer in mind; the staffing agency will work with you to identify what is available.
What Happens After You Register
Once you are registered with a partner staffing agency, a placement specialist will review job openings that match your skills and experience. They will contact you when they find a potential fit and discuss the job details: the position title, the employer, the pay, the hours, and whether it is temporary or permanent. You decide whether you want to be referred for that position. If you say yes, the staffing agency will submit your information to the employer and may schedule an interview on your behalf.
The staffing agency handles the logistics of the placement—they do the initial screening, coordinate interviews, and manage paperwork between you and the employer. If you are hired, the agency may continue to support you during your first weeks on the job, depending on the employer's needs and the type of placement. For temporary positions, the staffing agency remains your official employer and handles your paycheck and tax withholding.
Communication during this phase is important. Respond promptly to calls and messages from your placement specialist, and let them know if your availability or job preferences change. If a job does not work out or you are not interested in a referral, tell them so they can move on to the next opportunity.
Timeline and What to Expect
There is no fixed timeline for placement. Some job seekers are matched within a week or two; others may wait several weeks depending on what positions are available, how well your skills align with current openings, and how quickly you complete the intake process. Temporary positions often move faster than permanent ones because there is less formal hiring involved.
Once you are referred to an employer, the employer's hiring timeline takes over. They may interview you within a few days or take longer to make a decision. Some employers hire on the spot; others may take a week or more. Your placement specialist can tell you what to expect from each employer and will follow up if you do not hear back within a reasonable time.
If you are placed in a temporary position, you may have the option to transition to a permanent role with the same employer if both you and the employer want that. The staffing agency can facilitate that conversation.
Temporary vs. Permanent Placements
MAU staffing handles both types of positions, and the difference matters for your pay, benefits, and job security. In a temporary placement, you are employed by the staffing agency, and the staffing agency sends you to work at a client company for a set period—often a few weeks to a few months. You receive a paycheck from the staffing agency, and they handle your taxes and unemployment insurance. Temporary work is a way to earn income quickly and sometimes to try out an employer before moving to a permanent role.
In a permanent placement, you are hired directly by the employer. You receive benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans if the employer offers them. Permanent placements usually involve a more formal hiring process and may take longer to complete. Once you are hired, you are no longer working through the staffing agency—you are a direct employee of the company.
Your placement specialist will be clear about which type of position they are referring you to. If you have a preference—for example, if you need benefits or want a permanent role—tell them so they can prioritize accordingly.
What Happens If You Are Not Placed
If weeks pass and you have not been matched with a job, or if the positions referred to you are not a good fit, talk to your placement specialist about what is getting in the way. It could be that your skills do not align with current openings, your availability does not match available positions, or there simply are not many jobs in your field right now. Your specialist can help troubleshoot.
If MAU staffing is not working for you, the One-Stop Career Center has other services. You can enroll in a job training program to build new skills, attend a resume workshop, or work with a career counselor on a different job search strategy. Some employers in Greenville also hire directly without going through staffing agencies, and the One-Stop center can point you toward those opportunities and help you apply.
You are not locked into MAU staffing. You can pursue other job search methods at the same time—applying directly to employers, using online job boards, networking—while you wait for a placement through the program.
Pay, Taxes, and Your Paycheck
In a temporary placement, your pay is set by the staffing agency and the employer. It is usually at or slightly above minimum wage, though it varies by position and employer. The staffing agency withholds federal and state income taxes, Social Security, and Medicare from your paycheck, just as a regular employer would. You will receive a W-2 form at the end of the year for tax purposes.
In a permanent placement, your pay is set by the employer and may include benefits. You will be a regular employee on their payroll, with the same tax withholding and benefits as any other new hire.
Ask your placement specialist about the pay range for any position before you agree to be referred. If the pay is lower than you expected or need, let them know so they can look for other options or discuss whether the employer can negotiate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take the first job I am offered?
No. You can turn down a referral if the job does not fit your needs, schedule, or preferences. However, if you repeatedly decline positions without good reason, your placement specialist may ask why and whether MAU staffing is the right fit for you. Be honest about what you are looking for so they can make better matches.
What if I get hired through MAU staffing and then want to leave?
In a temporary placement, you can usually leave with notice—check your staffing agency agreement for the details. In a permanent placement, you are an employee of the company, so you follow their resignation process. Give notice if you can, and let your placement specialist know so they can update their records.
Can I use MAU staffing while I am in school or training?
Yes, if your schedule allows. Many people use temporary placements to earn money while pursuing education or training. Tell your placement specialist about your schedule so they can find positions that fit around your classes or training hours.
Where is the Greenville One-Stop Career Center located?
The main center is in downtown Greenville. There are also satellite locations in other parts of the county. Call the Greenville Workforce Development Board or search online for "One-Stop Career Center Greenville" to find the location nearest you and their hours.
What if I have a disability or need accommodations?
Tell the One-Stop Career Center and your placement specialist about any accommodations you need. They are required to work with you to make the program accessible, and they can connect you with additional support services if needed.