SELF SUFFICIENCY CALCULATOR CONTACTS

 

 

If you are interested in learning more about the self sufficiency calculator, please contact one of the following individuals in your county:

 

 

*If you do not see your county listed above, please contact a person in King County for more details.

 

 

JOB OPENINGS

 

If you would like to search for jobs in Washington state, click here for recent job postings:
https://fortress.wa.gov/esd/worksource

 

 

JOB SEARCH HELP

 

Free Job Assistance Services
Washington WorkSource offices provide free job search and referral activities for youth and adults.  Services for job seekers include:

• Free use of computers, copiers, phones, faxes and other career resources
• Internet access to jobs
• Job referral and placement
• Workshops on career exploration and how to get and keep a job
• Skills assessments
• Information on the fastest growing jobs and wages
• Referral to training and other services
• Access to Unemployment Insurance
• Translation services

 

To find your nearest WorkSource office, click here: https://fortress.wa.gov/esd/worksource/StaticContent.aspx?Context=WSDirectorySeeker

 

If you have a disability, WorkSource offices offer services and equipment that can help you find a job.

 

 

WIA Programs

There are many subsidized training programs in Washington State that provide financial assistance to you if you are needing to get a first time job, change jobs, and/or developing your skills and training. To find out if you qualify for one or more of such programs in Washington State, click here: https://fortress.wa.gov/esd/worksource/StaticContent.aspx?Context=TrainingPrograms

 

 

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

 

If you are unemployed and want to enroll in unemployment insurance or learn more about it, go to: www.go2ui.com

 

 

FINDING YOUR DREAM JOB AND THE RIGHT TYPE OF TRAINING

 

There are many web sites that offer important information on wages and jobs that are in demand. Here are a few links to resources that will help you with your career planning:

 

 

www.workforceexplorer.com: This web site offers information for Washington state residents only on thousands of careers, jobs that are in demand, wages, job openings in your county, and training programs that offer courses that prepare you for a specific job.

 

If you don't know what you might like to do for a living or if you are thinking of changing your job, this is also a great web site to explore different career paths.

 

http://online.onetcenter.org: This web site is similar to Workforce Explorer except it provides job vacancy and pay information for the entire country and not just Washington state. This site also allows you to list your basic skills and then tells you what jobs you would be good at doing.

 

www.careeronestop.org: Career One Stop provides information on WorkSource offices or "One Stops" around the country as well as resume writing and interviewing tips. You may also plan your education and career goals or find an educational institution or apprenticeship program in your area related to something you are interested in doing. There is much more to explore!

 

www.bls.gov: The Bureau of Labor Statistics is an independent national statistical agency that collects, processes, analyzes, and disseminates essential statistical data to the American public. The BLS also serves as a statistical resource to the Department of Labor. Information on this site includes data related to: high growth industries, national occupation outlook, wages by occupation and area, economic new releases, and cost of living information by state.

 

 

EDUCATION AND TRAINING RESOURCES

 

Apprenticeships

Ever thought about becoming an apprentice in carpentry, auto repair, welding, accounting, or hospitality? There are thousands of apprenticeship opportunities in Washington for people of all ages.

Click here to learn more: http://www.lni.wa.gov/TradesLicensing/Apprenticeship/Become/default.asp

 

Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (WSBCTC)

The state board for community and technical colleges is an excellent resource to learn about short term, certificate, or two year degree programs in high growth industries. There are many scholarships, tuition reimbursement programs, and loans for which you may qualify. This state agency can help you. They are linked to all 2 year colleges in Washington state.

If you haven't received your high school diploma, many colleges offer programs that help you not only graduate from high school, but also receive college credit at the same time!

To find out more, go to: http://www.sbctc.ctc.edu/

 

 

COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE

 

DSHS (DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES)

If you need support with issues related to child care, disability services, food, domestic violence, emergency assistance, mental health, medical care, or senior services, DSHS can help. The number to dial is: 1-800-737-0617 or click on the following link: www1.dshs.wa.gov

 

United Way

If you don't know where to begin in finding help, United Way has created an information web site for all community based organizations and services in Washington. Click here for more information: http://www.resourcehouse.com/en/WA/cgi-bin/location.asp

 

WORK SUPPORTS/SUBSIDIES

 

The Self Sufficiency Calculator has included a number of work supports in its database. You may test to see if you are eligible for one or more of these work supports by answering a few questions within the calculator.

 

Below is a list of the work supports and contact information if you want to find out more about these programs. Click once on the Work Support name to be directed to that program's web site.

 

 

 

IDA'S OR INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNTS

"Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) are matched savings accounts that enable low-income American families to save, build assets and enter the financial mainstream. IDAs reward the monthly savings of working-poor families who are trying to buy their first home, pay for post-secondary education, or start a small business. This reward or incentive is provided through the use of matching funds that typically come from a variety of private and public sources. Similar to 401(k)s, IDAs make it easier for low-income families to build the financial assets they need to achieve the American Dream."
- Definition from CFED website

 

ADVOCACY AND RESEARCH REPORTS

 

Asset Building Collaborative of King County

This collaborative meets quarterly and is comprised of agencies representing the following: public housing, employment and training, mortgage lending, food and social services, public benefits, financial education/advising, rental assistance, cultural diversity, elderly and family services, immigration advocacy, credit/debt counseling, and more.

The member agencies are committed to strengthening their services and helping individuals and families grow their assets. For more information about this group, contact Diana at Washington Appleseed: (206) 275-1811.

 

Northwest Area Foundation (8 state partners)

This group of philanthropic organizations identifies, shares, and advocates on initiatives that help reduce poverty for the long term. The foundation partners operate in select communities in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon, providing technical assistance and financial resources through their "Ventures, Horizons and Connections" programs. They also meet with other organizations and communities to gather and share practical knowledge.

For more information go to: http://www.nwaf.org

 

Self Sufficiency Standard Report for Washington State

To learn more about the self sufficiency standard and how it compares to other living wage standards click here: http://www.seakingwdc.org/pdf/sscalculator/wassr.pdf

This important report detailed information including:

• what it costs to live in specific areas of the state
• what occupations pay self sufficient wages for a particular family type
• recommendations for policy makers, program staff, and educators
• wage differences between men and women

 

Wider Opportunity for Women (WOW), based out of Washington,DC has been a strong leader in self sufficiency initiatives and asset building. To find out what they are doing nationally and with whom they are a partnering go to: http://www.wowonline.org