Find Your Next Job With Help From Your Local Libraries
release date: July 1, 2020
The Seattle Public Library, in partnership with King County Library System (KCLS) and Seattle Jobs Initiative (SJI), has launched a new service called Your Next Job. You can get free, one-on-one help with your job and unemployment questions by phone, online or via text messaging. We can help you with basic technology skills, getting started with unemployment, help you learn new skills or apply for your next job.
Your Next Job is now available via online conferencing, email, phone and text. Book your one-on-one appointments with SPL staff by visiting www.spl.org/yournextjob and filling out the request form. And starting in August, KCLS staff will also be available for Your Next Job appointments to help expand the service’s hours, capacity and reach.
This new job-search resource is in response to the devastating loss of jobs in our community as a result of COVID-19. People who face language, literacy, and accessibility barriers are being left out of unemployment relief. These barriers can include: limited English proficiency, basic or no digital literacy skills, and disabilities. Your Next Job offers one-on-one reference appointments to help job-seekers with:
- digital literacy
- accessing employment/unemployment resources
- gaining new job skills
LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS
Your Next Job is presented in partnership with Seattle Jobs Initiative and King County Library System, with support from The Seattle Public Library Foundation and U.S. Bank Foundation.
“For over 20 years, SJI has provided career navigation services to underserved communities in Seattle and King County," said Ryan Davis, Executive Director of SJI. Our partnership with SPL creates an innovative new channel to connect those in need to economic opportunity as our community recovers from COVID-19.”
“Libraries have helped people in our community reach their career and financial goals for many years, especially in the decade since the Great Recession," said Audrey Barbakoff, Community Engagement and Economic Development Manager at KCLS. "That work takes on new urgency as COVID-19 exposes and exacerbates existing inequities in the economy. Your Next Job will help people develop the digital and information literacy skills they need to find work in a challenging and changing job landscape."
"As a public institution, we have a responsibility to address systemic inequities so that resources also reach those who face the greatest barriers," said Meira Jough, Program Manager for Adult Basic Education and Workforce Development at The Seattle Public Library. "We try to meet individuals where they are and provide support every step of the way."
MORE INFORMATION
Please note that we are not able to answer questions about any unemployment claims that have already been filed with the Washington State Employment Security Department.