Inside the new Okemos Health and Rehabilitation Center, there is work to be done.

"We cater to those that are discharged from the hospital, not ready to be home yet," explains Tom Ellis, the director of provider relations for Extendicare, the facility's parent company.

While they're busy hammering out the details of the state of the art facility, one thing is crystal clear: hundreds of new jobs are coming to Mid-Michigan.

"We're staffing 120 employees here," Ellis says. "That's anything from administration, a full nursing staff, maintenance, housekeeping."

Not to mention the local services the center will rely on. Ellis cites everything from landscaping, to food services, to labs. Plus, the construction crews already hard at work, and grateful to be on the job.

"It's a great opportunity," says Brian Harder, part owner of Pro-Line Construction, Inc. "The amount of work in a facility of this size is quite extensive. So not only do folks get to come to a job to work, but they're going to be there for somewhat of a long term."

To fill the staff positions, Extendicare is turning to Capital Area Michigan Works.

"We are assisting them in filling positions ranging from the entry level positions to the management level positions of the facility," explains Julianne Rose, Executive Directory of the Capital Health Care and Employment Council.

"It's great news," Rose says. "And we hope to see the trend continue."

Though Extendicare's new facility is just trimming the unemployment problem, you could call the step in the right direction part of the master plan.

"It's definitely a bright spot," says Ellis. "With the economy in the condition that it's in, anything that's bringing 200 jobs to Lansing, is great thing."

To apply for a job at the Okemos Health and Rehabilitation Center, go to the Capital Area Michigan Works Service Center at 2110 S. Cedar St..

Or, for more information, call Extendicare at 866-952-7126.

Extendicare is currently accepting applications and will begin hiring in April.