WorkSource may open more offices

Last year, nearly 30,000 workers who were either unemployed, sought a promotion at their current job or got a new job went to WorkSource offices in Snohomish County for help.

But changes are being planned in the way these services are delivered.

The organization has scheduled four meetings during the next week to hear from the public about its plans, with the initial meeting today in Lynnwood. Meetings also are scheduled during the next week in Monroe, Marysville and Everett.

Among the proposed changes is the addition of as many as four more local offices, in Marysville, Monroe, Bothell and Edmonds, to make it more convenient to get help, said Amy Persell, a director at the Workforce Development Council of Snohomish County.

That group oversees the local WorkSource offices, which are part of a statewide employment services program.

The Workforce Development Council's board "wants to spread services into other areas of the county" and serve more people, she said.

Moving the Lynnwood office, currently at 20311 52nd Ave. W., to another less expensive location also is being considered, Persell said.

The meetings have been scheduled to allow the public to comment on these plans as well as how it can better meet workers' needs, she said.

In addition to the Lynnwood office, the three other Snohomish County offices currently are located in Everett at 3201 Smith Ave. and at 9901 24th Place W. with a youth site at 3331 Broadway.

If approved, the proposals would mean major changes in the way workers receive services in the county, Persell said. "We don't want to make a change without input from the community."

The offices offer assistance to businesses in hiring and to workers with employment services, referrals for training programs and unemployment services and help for the disabled.

Examples of the services that can be provided include bus passes or child care to help workers during their job search.

Reporter Sharon Salyer at 425-339-3486 or salyer@heraldnet.com.