Job Seeker + Community Resources
In these challenging and rapidly-changing times, it’s hard to know where to turn for the assistance you need. Below are some resources to help.
Unemployment Insurance
Update September 1: The requirement to “job search” to receive unemployment insurance benefits is suspended through October 1. Get details and sign up to receive alerts from the Employment Security Department.
Filings for unemployment insurance are at a historically high level. That means delays getting through on the phone and online. A little preparation before filing could save you time and reduce stress.
A few tips:
- Start by reading a list of Frequently Asked Questions WA State Unemployment Insurance FAQ.
- Then go to the unemployment website and review the checklist, watch the how to open a SAW account video, and see other resources. Spending a little time reading and preparing could make the filing process go more smoothly.
- An easy-to-read comparison guide lists some of the most common COVID-19 scenarios that may occur and the benefits that may apply (paid sick leave, unemployment insurance, paid family & medical leave, and industrial L&I insurance)
- Layoff assistance information
- Resources and FAQs for employees impacted by COVID-19
Looking to return to work check out the return to work page on ESD’s website.
If you can’t yet return to work due to the crisis, visit refusal of work page.
Update May 29: Governor Inslee extended until June 17:
- 20-21.3: Waives/suspends statues/rules relating to a one-week waiting period to collect unemployment insurance. (20-21.2)
- 20-30.3: Waives/suspends statutory job search requirements for applicants seeking unemployment insurance. (20-30.2)
Job Search + Training Support
We are available to assist individuals seeking job search and training assistance.
- WA State WorkSource resources
- Next for ages 16-24
- Companies that are hiring
Financial
- Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave Q&A for workers and employers
- WA State Department of Financial Institutions’ list of financial resources for Washington consumers impacted by the coronavirus
Utilities
- Clark PUD
- NW Natural
- City of Vancouver (water/sewer)
- Clark Regional Wastewater District
- Waste Connections
- Cowlitz PUD
- Search for internet service providers
Schools + Education
- K-12 schools across the State are closed through the end of the school year in June 2020
- School Districts
- Clark College and Lower Columbia College have moved to online instruction as of 3/17, and WSU Vancouver as of 3/23
- Kahn Academy has free tools for remote learning, daily schedules, online streaming, guides for parents and more
- Scholastic created a free “Learn at Home” website amid COVID-19 school closures
Child Care
- If your child care facility closed due to COVID-19 concerns, contact Child Care Aware of Washington’s Family Center at 1.800.446.1114 or familycenter@childcare.org for help searching for alternative child care. Child Care Aware is a nonprofit statewide child care resource and referral program for Washington State.
- Educational Service District 112 Child Care Resource and Referral line 360.952.3466
- If you are an essential worker or first responder and need immediate childcare, WeeCare is opening up its full directory across the nation and 24/7 service to find, locate and place you immediately at a home daycare for back-up care. To learn more visit https://weecare.co/daycare-near-me or call 310.929.9579.
Health + Health Care
- Free Drive-thru COVID-19 Testing for our Black and Latinx community members – Tuesday, August 18, 2020, from 2–7 p.m. English, Spanish, Chuukese
- Beginning June 26, Washingtonians, with some exceptions, are required to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces and in outside public spaces when unable to physically distance from others. Click this link to read more.
- World Health Organization – When and how to use masks (videos and infographics)
- WA State Health Care Authority Options for COVID-19 testing and treatment of the uninsured
- Free or low-cost healthcare coverage Washington Apple Health
- Washington State Department of Health
(Note: State hotline available 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily at 800.525.0127) - Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
- Washington State Corona Virus Response including resources for businesses and individuals and multilingual resources
- Clark County Public Health
- Mental Health Resources
- Resources for Immigrants (some in other languages)
Mental Health + Grief Support
- If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the Southwest WA crisis line at 800.626.8137
- Stepping Stones
- Columbia River Mental Health Services
- The Children’s Center
- Catholic Community Services
- Family Solutions
- Al-Anon Family Group Electronic Meetings
Resources for Hispanic and Latinx Communities
- Clark County Latino Youth Conference
- Fourth Plain Forward
- Latino Community Resource Group
- Southwest Washington League of United Latin American Citizens
- Business Resources – Columbia River Economic Development Council
Other Resources
Local Governments
Where to find updated information on what steps local governments are taking in response to COVID-19:
- Battle Ground
- Camas
- Castle Rock
- Clark County
- Cowlitz County
- Kalama
- Kelso
- La Center
- Longview
- Ridgefield
- Vancouver
- Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle’s Facebook Page
- Wahkiakum County
- Washougal
- Woodland
- Yacolt
Other Information
- Governor Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order and proclamation. Order extended through May 4.