About WorkSource

WorkSource is the name for “one-stop” centers in Washington State. It is an integrated, high quality delivery system for an array of employment and training services designed to enhance the effectiveness and coordination of employer and job-seeker services. No fees are charged for any of the services offered.

Background

In 1994, The Department of Labor began building One Stop Career Centers in response to the recognition that our employment and training system is characterized by fragmentation and duplication in which individuals and employers are often frustrated by a bureaucratic maze of programs and services.

The One Stop vision is of a transformed system in which fragmentation and duplication are replaced by comprehensive, integrated and individualized services. In this new system, all customers are provided real choices, high quality services and information, and programs and entities are held accountable in ways that make sense and which take into account the experiences of the people the system is intended to serve.

To achieve this system transformation, the National One Stop Team identified four major principles which represent the foundation of the envisioned system, guiding the actions, activities, and processes which must take place at the federal, state and local levels.

WorkSource Principles

Universality

All job seekers and employers have access to a defined set of core services related to employment development

Customer Choice

Services are easily accessed and information provided is complete, allowing customers to select the level and type of service that best matches their needs

Integration of Services

Previously fragmented and duplicative services are replaced with "use-friendly" coordination and consolidation

Accountability

WorkSource is performance driven and outcome based, soliciting regular feedback for improving and redesigning services so customer needs are met

WorkSource is an equal opportunity partnership of organizations that provide employment and training services. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. WA Telecommunications Relay 711.

Who We Are

WorkSource Seattle-King County is a joint venture of organizations dedicated to addressing local employment needs, including:

• Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County
• Local and State Government
• Community & Technical Colleges
• Business
• Labor
• Community Organizations

Together these organizations support WorkSource programs that serve adults, youth, and businesses throughout King County and connect job seekers with employers.

The Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (WDC) is a non-profit organization that supports and funds providers of employment and training services. The WDC’s work includes program leadership and oversight, systemwide coordination, technical assistance, program monitoring and evaluation, data tracking, fiscal management, and strategic planning. An important focus of the WDC is to provide guidance to the Seattle-King County WorkSource System.

Seattle-King County WorkSource Centers and Affiliates are managed by the Operator Consortium, in conjunction with the WDC. (Organizational Chart) The Operator Consortium is comprised of the Employment Security Department, King County Work Training Program, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Pacific Associates, and the YWCA. The role of the Operator Consortium is to provide vision and oversight for all local WorkSource site operations and services, according to the guidelines established by the WDC.

Partners of our two WorkSource Centers and five WorkSource Affiliates include state and local government agencies, private organizations, and non-profits.