Employment

=Interaction Transitions= The Employment Assistance Program fulfills the vital and important need in getting ex-offenders immediately employed post-incarceration. 1265 South Main Street, Suite 305-B Seattle, Washington 98144
 * General Employment Resources **

[|Federal Bonding Program]
The Federal Bonding Program provides fidelity bonding insurance coverage to individuals with criminal histories and other high-risk job applicants who are qualified, but fail to get jobs because regular commercial bonding is denied due to their backgrounds. Offender Employment Services Washington State Employment Security Department / WorkSource Operations P.O. Box 9046 Olympia, WA 98507 Contact: 800-339-3981 360-438-4777 fax

[|Tax Credits]
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal tax credit to reduce the federal tax liability of private for profit employers to be used as an incentive for employers to hire individuals from eight different targeted groups: TANF recipients, veterans, ex-felons, high risk youth, summer youth, Food Stamp recipients, SSI recipients, and vocational rehabilitation referrals. Washington State Employment Security Department WOTC P.O. Box 9046 Olympia, WA 98507 Contact: 800-669-9271 360-438-4941 fax

H.I.R.E. Network
Established by the Legal Action Center, the National Helping Individuals with criminal records Re-enter through Employment Network is both a national clearinghouse for information and an advocate for policy change. Link is to Washington State resources.

New Directions
Washington State Employment Re-Entry Guide (a planning resource) A 100+ page guide that includes: worksheet for self-assessment, time management planning, goal setting, key words for resumes, and a list of convictions that preclude applicant from working for any employer where the job has unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults. Also, many tips and resources are incorporated.

Step Ahead
Web based career planning tools for people with criminal convictions Helps job seekers with felony convictions and other criminal charges know their work options, set goals, get training, and be successful in their job search.

**Tacoma Division of Vocational Rehabilitation**
Services for Individuals with Disabilities Work plays a big part in an individual’s quality of life, and DVR provides services to individuals who want to work but need assistance due to a physical, sensory, cognitive or mental disability. A DVR counselor works with each individual one-on-one to design a customized, step-by-step plan to achieve the desired job goal.

Workforce Central
Adult and Dislocated Worker Services The Workforce Development System: a one-stop system that helps individuals obtain the skills necessary for employment. Funding for these services comes from the Workforce Investment Act. Individual services include a self sufficiency calculator.

WorkSource
Offers a variety of free employment services that can help assess skills, abilities and interests. Ask to meet with the Offender Employment Specialist (works with individuals who have a conviction history).

Labor Works
Offers jobs daily, with same day pay in a wide variety of industries. Must Have ID and Social Security Card. Opportunity for full time employment. **Volunteer Opportunities** If there are gaps in your work history, or you have limited work experience, you might consider volunteering as a way to build your resume. Volunteerism: a great way to build a strong social network and contribute to the community at the same time.

United Way of Pierce County: Volunteer Center
A referral service for hundreds of agencies and organizations throughout Pierce County that need volunteers.

City of Tacoma Volunteer Opportunities
Listing of local organizations in need of volunteers