Services and Programs

Staff use WorkForce tools to support skills assessment, career exploration, and job matching. Support for apprenticeships, self‑employment exploration, and financial planning is available. Pacific Associates staff are trained in EMPath Mobility Mentoring, which emphasizes coaching, skill‑building, and long‑term economic mobility beyond crisis intervention.

Employment Specialists provide individualized support to build modern job search skills, including ATS‑optimized résumés, mock interviews, and referrals to WorkSource workshops and online tools. Participants are encouraged to build networking skills and utilize LinkedIn and other resourcesStaff research training options, assist with funding, and guide participants toward in‑demand occupations and realistic wage expectations.

We can assist with funding training programs, transportation, short term rental assistance, childcare, interview clothes, and other needs that help maintain participation in our programs.

Participants receive coaching on effective resume posting, employer research, and identification of hiring trends. Employment Specialists encourage use of WorkSourceWA.com and participation in job fairs and hiring events, with structured debriefs to strengthen follow‑up strategies.

Follow‑up services are available for 12 months post‑exit to support job retention and advancement. Services may include workplace counseling to support retention, referrals to outside resources, mentoring and connection to relevant WorkSource Workshops.

Participants are offered assistance understanding benefit phase‑out and financial planning. Pacific Associates’ certified benefits counselors support participants in maximizing and transitioning benefits.

Since our inception in 1982, Pacific Associates has been assisting Dislocated Workers, defined as individuals who have recently lost their jobs due to layoffs, business closures or economic shifts, to get back to work. No-cost services include individualized career coaching, skills assessment, job search assistance, training opportunities, and supportive services to address barriers to employment. Our program prioritizes rapid reattachment to the workforce and jobs that lead to stable, living-wage employment in high-demand industries.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available for eligible workers who lost employment due to storms and flooding in Washington from December 5–19, 2025. The project establishes temporary employment opportunities aligned with priority recovery needs, including debris removal, environmental cleanup, and restoration of public infrastructure and facilities. The project also offers individualized employment and training services to help displaced and vulnerable workers achieve long-term economic stability.

Economic Security for All (EcSA) is a no-cost employment program designed for low income individuals. Our participants, who are largely from BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities, receive individualized coaching, access to training and education, and coordinated supportive services designed to address barriers such as housing instability, childcare, and transportation. Depending on budget and eligibility, Guaranteed Income Payments are sometimes available to participants in this program.

King County’s Financial Stability, Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy

Pacific Associates offers no-cost employment services to Veterans at both the Tukwila and North Seattle Veteran’s Programs. Participants receive individualized career coaching, skills assessment, job search assistance, training opportunities, and supportive services to address barriers to employment. Participants receive individualized employment planning.

Ticket to Work and King County’s Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy

Individuals with disabilities receive no-cost employment support. In addition to individualized career coaching, skills assessment, job search assistance, training opportunities, and supportive services to address barriers to employment, this program included expert help with benefits, accommodations and disability disclosure. Our program offers two Certified Benefits Counselors.

The Ticket to Work program specifically supports Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries. Funding from King County allows us to provide flexible financial assistance to Ticket customers and also to assist those individuals with disabilities who are not receiving disability specific benefits.

The Basic Food Employment & Training (BFET) program supports individuals receiving Basic Food (SNAP) benefits in gaining the skills, training, and support needed to obtain and retain employment. Services include job readiness training, vocational education, career coaching, and job placement assistance, along with supportive services such as tuition, transportation, and work-related supplies. The program focuses on reducing barriers to employment and advancing participants toward stable, living-wage careers and long-term economic self-sufficiency.