WorkForce Team - Spokane 

The Spokane Commerce WF Team operates work programs for participants who receive TANF assistance or who receive TANF assistance and have other barriers to employment. Our programs include Community Jobs, Job Connection/Career Jump, and Career Development. Our services include temporary job placements in the community to build work experience, job search activities, referrals for education services, career planning, resume and application assistance, case management, and support services related to employment. We also offer services to Employers.

Our Team Mission Statemen drives us to excellence:

“We exist to create a better future for generations to come by connecting families to community resources, providing on the job training, and developing opportunities for employment where a living wage is possible.”

Program Manager Sarai Orth took some time to answer our questions regarding the WorkForce Team and the services they provide to the community:

(1) What new and exciting news can you share with us about your programs?

These answers change weekly, even daily! Here are some of the most current news worthy items:

Career Path Services  in Action

• 148 participants are currently enrolled in our Community Jobs/Job Connection/Career Development programs.
• 34 participants began working at community host sites in the month of April 2012.
• During our Team Job Development Day on April 25, 2012, we found 60+ job openings and made contact with 78 employers.
• Most importantly…82 participants have completed our programs with employment so far this program year!

AIMED Career Fair

Last week, Career Path Services partnered with American Institute of Medical Careers, WIA, and Work Source to host a career fair for NAC/Home Health Care Aides. We had 5 employers attend who were actively recruiting to fill positions. The day opened with a presentation to the employers about Career Path Services, WIA, and Work Source. Job seekers then had the opportunity to meet with the employers, fill out applications, and do on-the-spot interviews in some cases. In total, 40 job seekers attended the event and we were able to obtain 3 “intent to hire” commitments from employers and more in the works for our current participants! The event was a great success and we have plans to host this recruitment event on a quarterly basis. In addition, we are looking at how we can use this model of bringing together employers, training providers, Career Path, and job seekers in other industries.

(2) What benefits are there to employes who hire from within your program?

• We provide the employer with the technical assistance to  create and update their job descriptions.
• We provide the employer with important information regarding wage/salary scales, market trends, and growth within their industry.
• We educate employers on possible tax savings for hiring employees that qualify for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) and help them complete the required paperwork.
• We provide employers with ongoing applicant tools, advertising, recruitment, criminal background screening, drug/alcohol screening, bonding information and assistance, and assistance with tax credit paperwork.
• We educate employers about the benefits of the Career Jump program and the subsidized trial period for trainees.
• We offer employers help with the initial employee training, which may require on‐the‐job coaching or job shadowing.
• We offer employers the opportunity to provide qualified applicants with work‐required training certifications such as CPR/First Aid, HIV/Blood Borne Pathogens, Forklift certification, STARS training, NAR/NAC certifications, CDL, Food Handlers, and others.
• We provide employers with ongoing placement services while our relationship exists. When we cannot meet the employer's needs from our own applicant pool, we will explore other area employment programs, such as the Workforce Investment Act programs, to provide for the employer's requirements.
• We help support employers by providing employment follow‐up contacts and continued encouragement to their new trainees.
• We work with employers and trainees to resolve any initial training concerns and help stabilize situations that may result in trainee absences or distractions. We continue to provide employers support by providing on‐going mentorship and encouragement to their employees.
• We maintain our relationships with employers by continuing our contact with them upon request, or quarterly at a minimum.
• We provide all employers with a survey that will give them the opportunity to provide valuable program feedback.
• We follow up with employers during tax season to ensure they are receiving the full benefit of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit.

(3) What is your role as the program manager?

My role is to  lead, manage and supervise staff in all operations of community job program service funded by the Washington State Department of Commerce (COM).

(4) What are the requirements for obtaining assistance through your program?

We operate several different work programs. To qualify, a customer must first be receiving TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) through DSHS. Their DSHS case manager can then make a referral to Career Path Services for the most appropriate work program; Community Jobs, Job Connection/Career Jump, or Career Development. 

(5) Guide me through the steps a client would take to become employed through your program.

1. Be referred by DSHS to participate in a Career Path Services program.
2. Attend a group orientation on our services and afterwards, meet one-on-one with an employment practitioner to discuss your employment plan, training needed, etc.
3. Set a clear goal on when and where you would like to be employed.
4. Participate in employment readiness activities such as job clubs and resume classes to prepare for job search and employment.
5. Actively job search in addition to working part time on a temporary job site.
6. Network and work hard to obtain a good reference from your worksite supervisor which will help as you search for work.
7. Accept feedback on how to conduct the most productive, successful job search.
8. Interview and land the job!

(6) How do employers wanting to hire someone through your program contact you?

Please feel free to contact me directly if you have a position to fill, and I will share this opening with our team for recruitment to fill the position. Sarai Orth, Spokane Commerce Program Manager, (509) 227-2892 or by email, sarai.orth@dshs.wa.gov.

(7) How do job seekers looking for placement assistance through your program contact you?

Job seekers who are currently receiving TANF assistance can contact their DSHS case manager directly for information on our programs and to discuss a referral for services. Eligibility Requirements do apply; not all inquiries will result in program acceptance. Questions can also be directed to me; Sarai Orth, Spokane Commerce Program Manager, (509) 227-2892 or by email, sarai.orth@dshs.wa.gov.

(8) Do you have any words of advice you would give to clients seeking job placement?

Be persistent! Follow up in a timely manner with each place that you apply to find out what the next steps will be. Do something which will set you apart in a positive way from other candidates who may be applying, such as sending a thank you note after an interview. When interviewing, make sure to tell the employer why you are passionate about doing the job they have posted. Hit the pavement; most jobs are not advertised. You must walk in and ask about openings at places that you are interested in working. Be curious; stop into places to find out what they do! Network everywhere that you go; let all of your friends and family know that you are looking for work so they can be on the lookout for openings. Ask for feedback when you are not selected for an interview or for the job; learn from each application or resume you submit or interview you participate in so that you can do even better the next time. Do not get discouraged!

What more would you like to know about who we are?  Read on for a general summary of how we serve the community.

Who We Are

• We are made up of the Department of Commerce Work Programs and a WorkFirst Contractor.
• We serve Western Washington and Eastern Washington.
• Our programs include Community Jobs, Career Jump, Job Connection, and Career Development.

What We Do

• We provide Employment Services to participants who receive public assistance (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, TANF).
• These services include temporary job placements in the community to build work experience, job search activities, referrals for education services, career planning, resume and application assistance, support services related to employment.
• We also offer Employer Services.

Who We Serve

• Participants who receive public assistance such as TANF.
• Participants who receive public assistance and have other barriers to employment.

How We Provide Services

We provide services through the following means:

• On-the-job-training with employers in the public and private sectors
• Referrals to appropriate education and training programs
• Job readiness activities, career mentorship, and guidance
• Connecting participants with the local labor market

Where We Provide Services

We offer services in Spokane County, Lincoln County, Pend Orielle County, Ferry County, Stevens County, King County, Pierce County, and Okanogan County.

Fund Sources

Our funding is provide by the Washington State Department of Commerce (WorkFirst).