In this series, we’ll be shining a light on the people who make WorkSource work. Today, we have RESEA Specialist Joshua Jackson.
WorkSource’s cast of characters is wide and impressive, but few are as affable and charismatic as Joshua Jackson. Joshua first came to our center about two years ago, where he started work with our Basic Food and Employment (BFET) program. While there, he co-located at Clark College to provide services to graduating students. But just recently, Joshua has joined our Re-Employment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) team—providing unemployment claimants with job seeking resources such as resume reviews, job logs, mock interviews, and referrals to community programs.
Josh is a gregarious character, unafraid to make friends and always ready for an adventure. What’s his favorite part of working at WorkSource? “Helping people get to know what they are truly looking for in a career.”
WorkSource staff, whether they realize it or not, are often the catalyst for personal transformation—and Josh is no exception to this. I asked Josh to give an example of the type of work he does on a day-to-day basis, and it quickly became apparent just how much of a difference WorkSource can make in a job seeker’s life.
“I had a customer in BFET that I helped obtain a career with the City of Vancouver. We were able to coordinate CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) training and I provided PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), clothing, and gas for the client who was able to complete the training and get the job.”
WorkSource does a lot more than just help people find jobs—they also connect them with training opportunities and support services, which can oftentimes be life-changing for our customers. “Josh has consistently demonstrated his passion for helping our customers and is fully engaged to support them on their journey,” says Employment Security Department Administrator Chad Sellers.
Before his time with WorkSource, Joshua graduated from WSU with degrees in Archaeology and Digital Technology, after two separate careers in the U.S. Army and Port of Portland, respectively.
Josh is an outdoorsman through and through, and his interests reflect that. He’s a mountain climber who loves to take his 11- and 6-year-old boys on hikes. He also collects, cuts, and polishes gemstones to make jewelry. In the winter months, you can find him tearing up the powder on Mt. Hood.
Josh has a simple word of advice for job seekers.
“Never undervalue yourself,” he says. “I have so many clients that have only looked for minimum wage jobs and after helping them recreate a proper resume and cover letter, many of them have been amazed at what careers are out there for them.”
When smart folks like Josh speak, we best listen, because they’re the people that make WorkSource the powerful resource that it is.
If you’re looking for work and ready to take your next step, contact your local center to speak to a knowledgeable and adventurous representative like Josh who can guide you through the job seeking process!
fb.com/WorkSourceSW
