Technology & Resource Navigator – Okanogan, WA

Technology & Resource Navigator – Okanogan, WA

If serving others is important to you and want to be a member of our diverse team of WorkSource partners, we will be conducting interviews seeking two AmeriCorps members to be placed in the WorkSource Okanogan agency. The AmeriCorps members will engage customers from diverse backgrounds and experiences who need help in securing jobs through technology seeking equity in services to all customers. It is our responsibility to assess their skills and build a plan for job search success. The members will work with customers conducting workshops, providing outreach in the community, and engaging the customers in basic computer use. We start at the basics of no computer knowledge, to using the internet, and setting up job search accounts to submit resumes and apply for online jobs. Okanogan County is considered an economically depressed county as determined by Labor market information noting higher than normal unemployment and an economy experiencing an increase in major business closures in the timber and logging industries. The current 8.4% unemployment rates (WA State rate of 6.4%) are driven by this downturn in industry loss. As a result, individuals are experiencing limited employment choices and lower living wages. This impacts a lower yearly income and higher regional unemployment rates. The current poverty rate is 16.4%, with a per capita income that ranks 31st out of the state’s 39 counties. Limited access to technology has created an even higher need in Okanogan County with 22.8% of families lacking home internet connectivity. Poverty, access to technology, and higher unemployment rates have caused a significant digital divide that can be addressed in utilizing two AmeriCorps members to support the technology needs and success of our valuable customers.