WorkSource doubles services in Everett

EVERETT — Officials cut the ribbon on newly expanded WorkSource offices at Everett Station June 17.

Jobseekers now have a dozen more computer terminals and 22 more WorkSource staffers to help them in their quest for employment. Offices, classrooms and the computer lab now fill all of the third floor with “employment specialist” case managers offering one-on-one job search assistance in half of the fourth floor.

Sue Ambler, director of the Snohomish County Workforce Development Council, said the Everett WorkSource office has the most foot traffic of any office in the state. Officials at the ribbon-cutting weren't shy about calling the old space on the first floor of Everett Station “claustrophobic.”

Designers made efforts to improve service wherever they could.

For instance, the computer lab now has a self-service check-in feature using a 10-key PIN pad where jobseekers type in their own Social Security numbers. Previously, a WorkSource staffer would have to enter the number manually from a piece of paper, which then had to be shredded for identity security.

Additionally, Ambler said the employment specialists give help to whoever needs it, minimizing delays and frustration for jobseekers.

Classrooms were dotted with jobseekers learning about household budgeting on unemployment benefits and effective interviewing techniques, among other subjects.

Ambler said WorkSource analysts try to gauge where jobs are going rather than reacting to changes after the fact. Anneliese Vance-Sherman and Samantha Spitzer mix their in-depth analysis of labor market information with jobseekers' word from the street to get a clearer picture of the ever-shifting job market. It's not a crystal ball, Vance-Sherman said, but it's more than an educated guess.

One corner of the third floor is dedicated to workers and employers who believe their jobs or businesses have been adversely affected by international trade. It was originally aimed at Boeing Machinists and engineers whose jobs were threatened or eliminated by outsourcing, Ambler said. Petitioners make their case to the state Employment Security Department commissioner for coverage, which includes COBRA health insurance continuation and college education for training in new “in-demand” careers.

Workers advocate for their own individualized education, but they're counseled so they're not set up for failure or train for another career that's on the wane.

Those who qualify for schooling have the traditional twice-weekly work-search report requirement waived during the training period.

“It's a hand-up,” Ambler said.

Learn more

Go to www.worksourceonline.com to search for jobs, post a resume, apply for unemployment benefits or find out about other resources.

Kurt Batdorf: 425-339-3102, kbatdorf@scbj.com.