Provides employment and training support to job seekers and businesses. Some eligibility requirements may apply.

-  Assists with career assessments, job search, applications, resume/cover letters, job readiness, and interviewing preparation. Assists business with recruitment, hosting employee training, labor market information, and finding candidates for openings. 

-  Economic Security for All (EcSA) serves families by building a partnership around the four pillars of support: transportation, healthcare, childcare, and employment. 

-  Unemployment Information: Provide computer and telephone access to apply for Unemployment Insurance benefits. Customers may call the UI hotline at (800)318.6022 or log into eServices at esd.wa.gov/unemployment. (Online application, weekly filing, and submission of documents is encouraged to expedite the process.)

Employment & Training Services offered at WorkSource Columbia Basin

Provides employment and training support to job seekers and businesses, Economic Security for All (EcSA), and unemployment information.

Programs that identify public or private sector employers that are willing to take on trainees who learn to perform the tasks that are associated with their position at the work site using the actual tools, equipment, documents and materials that they will use when fully trained. OJT trainees work under the supervision of skilled employees who serve as instructors following a training plan established by the employee, the employer and an external agency, if matching wages are being paid by that agency; and are engaged in productive work and earn a wage as they are trained. Employers may be offered cash training reimbursements (subsidized wages) or other incentives to hire difficult-to-employ individuals and are generally expected to hire the trainees upon successful completion of the training.

On the Job Training

Programs that make computers, printers and other electronic equipment available for public use, primarily for word processing, spread sheets and other document development applications. Public access computers can be found in libraries, schools, government buildings, science labs and research centers. Some companies such as Mail Boxes Etc. provide computers the public can use for an hourly fee.

Public Access Computers/Tools

Programs that maintain lists of current employment opportunities submitted by employers and which are available for review by people who are searching for a position. Included are programs that post job notices on bulletin boards which are available to the public as well as those that maintain computerized or other listings.

Job Banks

One-stop centers that provide information about business registration and incorporation; one-on-one business counseling; customized training; information about enterprise and empowerment zones for tax credits; access to government contracts; access to credit and financing resources; minority business development assistance; small business loan information; loan form preparation assistance; technical assistance on market research, marketing plans and business plans; and other support services for business owners and employers.

Business Assistance Centers

Organizations that are dedicated to protecting and improving the quality and affordability of health and long term care for all individuals and advocating for changes in the health care system that will achieve these goals; or which advocate more broadly for legislation and other measures such as bans on smoking that have a positive impact on public health. Specific issues may include extending the reach of childhood immunization programs, expanding services for people with specific disabilities or health conditions, funding medical research, supporting or opposing stem cell research, establishing the liability of managed health care organizations and nursing facilities for the consequences of their decisions, providing a prescription drug benefit for the elderly, passing a powerful patient's bill of rights, advocating for universal health care or taking a position on the merits of specific medical procedures or forms of treatment.

Health Related Advocacy Groups

Programs that help people navigate through the maze of doctors' offices, clinics, hospitals, outpatient centers, insurance and payment systems, patient-support organizations and other components of the health care system with the objective of supporting timely delivery of quality care and ensuring that patients, survivors and families are satisfied with their encounters with the health care system. Personal health care advocates are trained health care workers, often nurses, or volunteers familiar with the health care system who work independently of any health care institution. They help patients identify specialists, coordinate appointments with providers to assure timely delivery of diagnostic and treatment services, provide "cheat sheets" of questions, and lay out the choices patients have in plain English. They may also ensure that appropriate medical records are available at scheduled appointments, accompany patients to medical appointments, arrange language translation or interpretation services, facilitate financial support and help with paperwork, negotiate insurance claims, arrange transportation and/or child/elder care, provide access to clinical trials and facilitate linkages to follow-up services.  Some programs contract with employers to serve as personal advocates for employees who are ill. Others work exclusively with individuals who have specific illnesses, e.g., cancer.

Personal Health Care Advocate Services

Programs that maintain information about community resources that are appropriate for a specific target group or human services sector (for example, youth programs or addiction services) and which link individuals who are in need of specialized services with appropriate resources and/or which provide information about community agencies and organizations that offer specialized services.

Specialized Information and Referral

One-stop centers that provide an array of employment and training services in a convenient, easily accessible location. Services may include job counseling, testing and assessment; resume preparation assistance, interview training and other prejob guidance services; job matching and referral; unemployment insurance and job registration; labor market and career information; information on financial aid for education and training; and referral for job training, transportation, child care, personal and financial counseling, health care and other human services resources in the community.

Comprehensive Job Assistance Centers

Programs that provide assistance for people who are having difficulty understanding and/or obtaining the full benefits to which they are entitled by law through their state Unemployment Insurance program. The programs may help people understand the eligibility criteria for unemployment insurance benefits, the benefits provided by the program, and the rights of beneficiaries; provide consultation and advice; help them complete unemployment application forms; negotiate on their behalf with unemployment insurance benefits staff; prepare a written appeal; and/or represent them in administrative hearings or judicial litigation. Included are organizations that offer a range of advocacy services as well as legal aid programs which offer more formalized legal assistance.

Unemployment Insurance Benefits Assistance

Programs that maintain listings of available employment opportunities and assign a staff member to help people who are searching for a position to choose and obtain the most suitable option.

Job Search/Placement

Programs that provide information and guidance for people who need to evaluate their aptitude, abilities and interests in order to choose a vocation or career and select the type of training that will enable them to obtain and progress in positions in the public or private sector that are productive and fulfilling.

Career Counseling

Programs that provide training that is designed to enable employees to perform a job that their previous training has not equipped them for or to adapt to changes in the workplace. Retraining may be needed when new methods or equipment are introduced or when jobs for which employees have trained are phased out. It may also be provided by employers or governments for employees who have been laid off and are no longer able to find employment using the skills they already possess. The need for retraining may arise because of a decline in a particular industry sector or because of rapid technological change.

Job Retraining

Programs that provide instruction for people who need to acquire the basic "soft skills" and tools that are required to successfully apply for and secure employment, and retain a position once they have been hired. These programs provide information and guidance regarding preparing a resume, writing job application letters, completing job application questionnaires, responding to job ads and taking employment tests; offer tips regarding appropriate dress, personal appearance and interview techniques; and address other similar topics.

Prejob Guidance

Programs that provide instruction for individuals of all ages who want to learn about or perfect their skills in using computers, computer-related hardware and specific home and business applications including word processing, spreadsheet development, presentation development, database management, electronic publishing and image processing. Included are both introductory classes for people unfamiliar with computers and the Internet and more advanced courses, as well as programs that provide instruction in the use of related technology such as smartphones and social media. Instruction may focus on publishing tools such as blogs, video logs (vlogs), photo sharing, podcasting or wikis.

Computer Literacy Training Programs

Programs that seek out and create job opportunities in various fields for individuals with special needs, limitations and abilities. Activities may include development of jobs that can be done in a home setting; development of markets for crafts and other items produced in the home; and identification of other work projects of benefit to the community that individuals with special needs, limitations and abilities are uniquely qualified to pursue.

Special Needs Job Development

Programs that provide transportation, generally by automobile or van, for people who need to go to a job interview, need a reliable way to get to and from work in a timely manner, participate in work-related training sessions or engage in other similar activities, and have no other options. Some programs may work with designated populations such as low-wage earners, older workers, people with disabilities, veterans or homeless families; and other eligibility criteria may apply.

Employment Related Transportation

Programs that provide door-to-door (or curb-to-curb) transportation for purposes of shopping, medical or welfare appointments, accessing services, recreational or social events, trips to and from the individual's place of employment, or other similar activities for very low-income people who otherwise would have no means of transportation.

Indigent Transportation

Provides a wide range of services for youth 12-24 years of age. Services focus on housing support, mental health, education, parent support, healthcare, criminal/legal support, and advocacy services. 
-  Advocates can help access services based on unique situation & need, such as transportation, phone cards, obtaining a State ID, food banks, DSHS benefit applications, and job search. 
-  Housing support may include housing search, referral to a shelter, temporary housing, or rapid/immediate housing, depending on the client's circumstances. 
-  Refers to Okanogan Behavioral Healthcare or online counseling for mental health support. 
-  Connects clients to criminal/legal support and services, such as defense attorneys, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, or Northwest Justice Project. 
-  Parenting support includes baby items, free books, referrals to child services, and more. 
-  Bilingual tutoring is available on site.

Wrap Around Support Foundation for Youth Resiliency and Engagement (FYRE)

Provides a wide range of services for youth 12-24 years of age. Services focus on housing support, mental health support, education, healthcare, parenting, criminal/legal support, and advocacy.

Programs that provide legal counseling and/or representation for low-income individuals who need assistance in routine legal matters, usually in the area of bankruptcy, housing, public benefits, family law, elder law or immigration/naturalization.

General Legal Aid

County or state offices that accept applications and determine eligibility for the TANF program. Also included are other programs that help people prepare and file TANF applications and/or are authorized to do eligibility determinations for the program.

TANF Applications

Programs that provide advocacy and/or other forms of legal assistance for students, their families, advocates and others who have issues that have an impact on the learning environment in public and private educational institutions and affect the ability of students to attend and succeed in school. Specific issues may include school choice, student discipline and dismissal, search and seizure, privacy rights, freedom of expression, religion in schools, student testing, student achievement, promotion and retention policies, graduation requirements, student use of the Internet and other technologies, bullying on campus, student-to-student sexual harassment and school safety. General education advocacy relates to issues that have relevance for all students rather than focusing more narrowly on those related to special education.

General Education Advocacy

Programs that work to ensure that children and youth with disabilities receive a free, appropriate, public education often by providing assistance for parents who need support in seeking and obtaining needed early intervention, educational, medical or therapeutic services for their children.

Special Education Advocacy

Programs that pay for or provide cloth or disposable diapers.

Diapers

Programs that help individuals and families experiencing episodic or transitional (as opposed to chronic) homelessness transition more quickly out of the shelter system or avoid it altogether, and move into permanent housing ideally within 30 days of becoming homeless. Rapid re-housing assistance is generally offered without preconditions (such as employment, income, absence of criminal record, or sobriety) and the resources and services provided are typically tailored to the unique needs of each household. Services include housing search and selection support, assistance in negotiating the terms of a lease, short term rent subsidies and move-in assistance, individualized case management after the individual/family has moved into the home, ongoing crisis prevention and crisis management services as needed, facilitated access to community resources (e.g., benefits, employment) and other supportive services.

Rapid Re-Housing Programs

Organizations that support measures that address the needs of people who are, or are at risk of becoming, homeless including the need for shelter, transitional housing, permanent housing, medical care and basic human rights.

Homelessness Advocacy Groups

Programs that employ the Wraparound Facilitation model, a family centered, community-oriented, strengths based and highly individualized approach to meet the needs of children with complicated, multi-dimensional problems. The approach involves the development of a child and family team which creates and implements a wraparound plan that identifies a set of community services and natural supports to promote success, safety, and permanence in home, school and community. The Wraparound facilitator coordinates team meetings and ensures the team identifies and prioritizes goals, provides crisis and safety planning, and tracks the family's progress towards goal attainment.  The family is prepared and supported as they transition from formal services to independence. While the major initiative to develop Wraparound Facilitation originated with the mental health system and has been particularly successful for children and adolescents with severe emotional and behavioral problems, the intervention is being employed in a number of other child service sectors including education, juvenile justice and child welfare.

Wraparound Facilitation/Community Support

County or state offices that accept Food Stamp applications, determine eligibility for the Food Stamp program and allotments, and issue Food Stamp EBT cards which are presented at the grocery checkout counter when purchasing food. Certified households receive their EBT card and instructions for setting up a PIN number within 30 days of the date their application was filed. Expedited food stamps are available within seven days for people who are in an emergency situation and whose income and spendable resources for that month are within specified limits. Also included are other programs that help people prepare and file Food Stamp/SNAP applications and/or are authorized to do eligibility determinations for the program.

Food Stamps/SNAP Applications

Programs, usually sponsored by community organizations or coalitions, that provide temporary shelter for homeless people, generally in dormitory-style facilities with very little privacy. Most community shelters offer support services which may include counseling, advocacy, referrals and help with future plans; and enforce house rules including curfews and mandatory household chores. Participation in religious activities is either optional or not a part of the program. There may be differences in intake, length of stay and amenities in family oriented facilities and those that target other specific populations.

Community Shelters

Programs that provide individualized or small group instruction for people who need assistance in learning one or more components of a prescribed curriculum. Tutoring usually supplements a regular school program and may be provided at school, in the person's home or at a community agency site.

Subject Tutoring

Programs that pay for or provide new or secondhand clothing and layettes for infants and young children.

Baby Clothing

Organizations that advocate for the development and ongoing improvement of local and regional transportation options for community residents that increase safety, reduce air and noise pollution, improve walking and cycling conditions, increase opportunities for physical activity and reduce automobile travel. Specific issues may include improved access to transportation services for older adults, people with disabilities, rural area residents and other groups; improved paratransit services; support for the development or expansion of specific transportation modes, e.g., light rail transit systems, ferry systems, inter-city rapid rail; increased use of the local public transit system, bicycle commuting, walking and other alternatives to automobile travel; safe and easy pedestrian access to popular destinations; highway construction and other infrastructure improvements such as bicycle paths/trails from outlying/suburban to city centers, pedestrian-oriented streets and safe bicycle parking facilities; and multimodal navigation tools that offer guidance for walking, cycling, driving and public transit use.

Transportation Advocacy Groups

Organizations that advocate for or oppose measures that affect the terms or conditions of employment or the workplace environment. These measures may address equal pay standards; minimum/living wage requirements; occupational health and safety concerns; worker/employer rights; employee benefits including workplace child care; employment discrimination based on age, race, gender, or ethnic background; affirmative action/equal opportunity practices; sexual harassment on the job; workplace violence; hours issues including a shortened work week and flexible work hours; telecommuting; unemployment benefits; self-employment; and other similar issues.

Employment Related Advocacy Groups

Programs that provide financial assistance to help people pay fees associated with obtaining an identification card or replacing an identification card that has been lost or stolen in situations where they cannot otherwise afford one.

Identification Card Fee Payment Assistance

Programs that provide money or vouchers to purchase gasoline, most frequently for individuals who need their automobile for necessary local or out-of-town travel but cannot afford to run their vehicle without assistance, but occasionally for people driving through the local area who have become stranded.

Gas Money

Programs that supply infant formula and/or baby food, usually in addition to other groceries.

Formula/Baby Food

Programs that assign a staff member to assist people who are looking for housing to survey the available residences and to choose and obtain the most suitable option.

Housing Search Assistance

Programs that link people who are in need of counseling services with private therapists who are qualified in the desired area of specialization.

Therapy Referrals

Programs that pay all or a portion of the telephone expenses of people whose telephone service has been or is at risk of being disconnected including any reconnection fees that may apply. Also included are programs that help qualified low-income consumers connect or hook up to the telephone network by paying a portion of the hook-up fee or encourage telephone companies to offer a deferred payment schedule for hook-up charges. Telephone service payment assistance programs may have age, income, disability, need or other eligibility requirements.

Telephone Service Payment Assistance

Organizations that promote a particular practice like bilingual education, support the passage and enforcement of laws and other social measures that will result in specific types of educational reform or other improvements in the educational system, or support specific changes in local educational institutions that will improve the delivery of services to local students.

Education Advocacy Groups

Organizations that advocate for constructing, renovating or otherwise improving the availability of safe, affordable rental and purchasable housing for low-income individuals and families, older adults, people with disabilities, migrant workers and others who are unable to purchase a home or rent a home or apartment under current market conditions or who are forced to spend an excessively large proportion of their income on housing to the detriment of other necessities.

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Employment & Training Services offered at WorkSource Columbia Basin

Wrap Around Support Foundation for Youth Resiliency and Engagement (FYRE)