RUMFORD – The Maine CareerCenter has scaled back its hours temporarily until it receives federal economic stimulus money to hire more staff, counselor Marlene Gile said Thursday.

Gile said that effective March 2, the office at the River Valley Technology Center on Lowell Street will be open Mondays through Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m., Thursdays from 1 to 4:30 p.m., and Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon.

The center is open five full weekdays now.

Gile said the state’s CareerCenters anticipate receiving funding through the economic stimulus package to hire a second full-time counselor.

Full staffing at the center was reduced nearly two years ago, she said.

Gile, the only counselor for adults at the center, said the number of people seeking center services has increased by nearly 200 each month since November.

She said the numbers don’t yet reflect recent permanent layoffs at NewPage Corp.

Another counselor for adults is needed to meet with unemployed people and direct them to resources, as well as handle paperwork required by the state.

The center also employs a youth counselor.

Gile said a collaborative effort at Region 9 is held each Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. Job seekers can learn resume and cover letter writing as well as interview skills.

Also, people who come to the CareerCenter or to Region 9 can access Web sites needed for job searches.