1. W ork F irst W ork F irst Benefits BECOME A PARTNER IN WORKFORCE
W A S H I N G T O N
W ork F irst
W A S H I N G T O N
W ork F irst
BECOME A
PARTNER IN
WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT
An employee at no cost to you.
Recruiting provided based on your needs
Job retention support throughout the program
Benefits
Help participants gain work skills
Everyone has abilities needed in
today’s workforce
Save on payroll expenses
Getting Started
If you are interested in learning more or would like to participate, please visit for local contact information/
Supporting your community through job training
For statewide program information, contact Molly Onkka at
“The Community Jobs Program has opened doors to life changing opportunities. It has helped me realize that I CAN instead of always thinking I can’t.”
To inquire about the availability of this publication in an alternate format, please call or TDD/TYY
Kristina, Community Jobs Graduate

2. Commerce WorkFirst Employment Programs
How the programs work
Community Jobs provides paid job training to gain needed work experience, marketable employment skills, confidence, and an avenue to permanent employment for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) participants.
The Career Jump Program offers employment opportunities with an employer who has agreed to hire the participant when the training period ends.
WorkFirst Employment Programs provide employers like yourself with an employee for up to a three, six, or 12 month period at no cost to you.
Work hours are negotiable and payroll expenses are 100% covered
by the program.
Career Jump also offers an opportunity to build references, network, and demonstrate work skills directly through employment within the participant’s chosen field.
Community Jobs programs work within your community providing employment counseling, personal goal development, and support services to participants to increase employability.
You work with the contractor to develop a job description and then interview the potential employee. When the participant starts working, you report the hours worked, absences, and holidays on time sheets that are submitted to the contractor. You also submit a monthly evaluation of the employee’s work.
The Community Works Program provides flexibility through unpaid work experience for up to 12 months. This program offers career planning, identifies short and long term job goals, and provides tailored work- related support services.
"The WorkFirst program has been a life saver for my non-profit business. The partici- pants are sincere in getting work experience and give 100%. I have hired past partici- pants that I found were just too valuable to lose. The program is wonderful!"
Shannon Koskenmaki, Executive Director St Vincent de Paul Thrift Stores
Your local Commerce WorkFirst Employment Program contact will support you with regular contact on the participant’s progress and any support you may need.
WorkFirst Employment Programs and employers work together to provide the skills and work experience needed for the participant to obtain permanent employment.