By Snohomish County Government | Press Release
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash, December 16, 2020 – Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers announced a countywide effort to assist job seekers and companies to keep talent local and preserve, build, and attract long-term partnerships with companies. Unlike other online employment portals, this is a unique connector given its special focus to “Support SnoCo” by targeting and connecting Snohomish County employers with job seekers within the local community. SnoCoWork.com provides a no-cost resource to employers to post job openings and an opportunity for job seekers to directly connect with local companies.
Snohomish County employers create an account, post open positions, engage with local applicants, and identify promising candidates. Only positions that are based in Snohomish County or can be performed from Snohomish County can be posted on the platform. Job seekers can create a profile, upload resumes, complete applications, engage with employers, and search for open positions.
Snohomish County has been leading in recovery efforts and building crucial resiliency tools, infrastructure, and plans to ensure all residents can access assistance during an ever-evolving pandemic. This portal is unique in that it directly helps local companies and residents. This is a powerful resource to assist those in need of jobs and companies that are looking for help. Hundreds of positions will be available on launch date, and it is expected that opportunities will continue to grow. This project was a recommendation of the Snohomish County Economic and Workforce Recovery Taskforce.
The online portal will enable job seekers to find local employment and give employers a powerful resource to fill hundreds of positions that are currently available in Snohomish County. This project has been funded through Federal CARES Act resources.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically impacted our business community and caused a significant increase in unemployment. This new tool, SnoCoWork, will be one of the ways to set us down a path toward economic and employment recovery,” said Executive Somers. “We know Snohomish County will be well positioned to recover quickly after the pandemic because of partnerships. We appreciate the leadership of Mayor Tolbert and businesses across the county, finding innovative solutions to our economic challenges.”
Arlington Takes Point
The concept for the project has been championed by Arlington’s Mayor, Barbara Tolbert. “There are many positions available in Arlington, and the success we’ve had in creating an economic development zone in the Cascade Industrial Center is only fueling opportunities,” said Mayor Tolbert. “It is important that our workforce is exposed to and has access to these career choices, not just in Arlington, but across the County.”
“SnoCoWork will provide a great platform which businesses and job seekers alike can utilize to connect for employment,” said Snohomish County Council Chair and Chair of Task Force Advisory Group Nate Nehring. “I appreciate Mayor Tolbert’s innovation in proposing this concept and look forward to the opportunity to continue to support our local businesses and workers during this difficult time.”
Rapid Development
SnoCoWork portal was developed by Southam Creative, a Snohomish County firm based in Brier. “SnoCoWork is a critical tool to help our community and neighbors. As a small business, this project was meaningful because we know it directly supports our community. We are proud to play a role in helping to create a resource to meet a need caused by COVID-19,” said Elliot Mersch, head of Southam’s coding team. “I can think of no better way to support those who live in Snohomish County, and my very own neighbors, than by connecting them with employment opportunities to ensure they are able to provide for their families.”
SnoCoWork.com coordinates with businesses across the County and partners with many key organizations, including but not limited to: Workforce Snohomish, Economic Alliance Snohomish County, Sno-Isle Libraries, Cascade Industrial Center, the Innovation Center Project, and WSU Snohomish County extension.
Author: Mario Lotmore
