RISNW provides a continuum of employment, training & ESL services targeting refugee and immigrants, through a variety of funding streams. Eligibility for services as well as the program offerings vary by funding source and program. Several programs target limited English speakers who are low income and/or receive TANF or Basic Food Assistance, or refugees in the US less than five years.
Our culturally and linguistically appropriately services are delivered by bilingual or multilingual case managers/career specialists who share similar experiences as refugees and immigrants. Our staff are co located in offices in Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties.
LEP PATHWAY EMPLOYMENT AND ENGLISH AS SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL)
We provide case management, work experience, job search preparation, job placement assistance and other services combined with ESL classes. These services assist newly arrived Refugees, Special Immigrant Visa (SIV), Asylees and victims of trafficking in the US less than 5 years as well as limited English proficient (LEP) WorkFirst (TANF) recipients.
We provide ESL classes through our partners, Everett and Edmonds Community Colleges. Funding is through DSHS Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance.
COMMUNITY JOBS
Refugee and Immigrant WorkFirst (TANF) recipients gain on the job, paid work experience at participating worksites. Types of jobs vary and participants are matched to sites that are best suited for them based on past experience, English ability, background and interests.
This program is funded by the Department of Commerce in partnership with Service Alternatives.
BFET PROGRAM
Qualified refugees, Asylees, and Special Immigrant Visa holders who have been in the US less than five years and receive only Basic Food Assistance are eligible for this program. Services include employment, training and support that can help them gain new job skills and increase earning potential.
WORKSOURCE SERVICES
Refugee and immigrant job seekers have access to a range of WorkSource services. These include workshops to prepare job seekers for employment, access to training or retraining, employer hiring events, job postings and other support services. Specialized services also target dislocated workers who lost their jobs to company closures or relocation.
WORKSOURCE SERVICES FOR YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS
RISNW is also a part of Snoco Futures providing services to eligible young adults and youth 16-24. Staff are located Everett and Lynnwood WorkSource and at other select locations.
RISNW part of a consortium with staff at the Everett and Lynnwood WorkSource and funded by WorkForce Snohomish.
SUPPORT TO EMPLOYERS
RISNW supports local businesses with various services including:
Employer tax incentives and subsidies for hiring workers who are low income and/or meet other criteria.
Cross cultural training for businesses to address cultural issues/barriers and effectively work with diverse employees and customers.
Job referrals.
Helping employers diversify their workforce.
Provide language interpretation and assist with cultural conflicts in the workplace.