EC Works Launches Search for WorkSource Benefits Navigator in Columbia Gorge
From East Cascades Works:
By Nickelle Haffey
The Dalles, Ore., April 16, 2024 — On April 15, 2024, East Cascades Works (EC Works) launched its search for a WorkSource Benefits Navigator provider in the Columbia Gorge: Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Hood River, and Wheeler Counties and is inviting proposals from qualified entities interested in providing comprehensive Benefits Navigation services.
Duties include meeting with customers to access resources needed to find and keep a job, collaborating with local partners, maintaining customer data, utilizing technology platforms for communication, attending required training and conferences, and facilitating outreach to community partners and customers who live in rural parts of the region.
This program is supported through a Future Ready Oregon Workforce Benefits Navigator Grant from the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission aimed at helping to increase job seekers’ access to local, state, and federal benefits and resources that reduce barriers to finding employment. Carefully selected Benefits Navigators, positioned at the greeter station within WorkSource Oregon offices and reaching the rural areas of the counties, will serve as the first point of contact for customers, offering immediate assistance and guidance.
"We are seeking contractors who are committed to providing high-quality, individualized support to jobseekers from diverse backgrounds," said Heather Ficht, Executive Director at EC Works. "The Benefits Navigation program plays a crucial role in ensuring effective engagement and support for individuals in navigating Oregon's workforce resources."
Entities interested in applying should review the full RFP at ecworks.org, along with the timeline detailed below.
Request for Proposals Released 4/15/2024
Deadline for Written Questions 5/1/2024, 11:59pm Pacific
Deadline for Submission 5/15/2024, 11:59pm Pacific
Provisional Award Notification 6/3/2024
Contract Start Date 7/1/2024
*EC Works reserves the right to extend any of the actual or proposed dates in the timeline.
About East Cascades Works: East Cascades Works (EC Works) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization designated by the Governor of Oregon to convene, oversee, and support the local workforce system. Headquartered in Bend, EC Works serves a ten-county area just east of the Cascades, including Crook, Deschutes, Gilliam, Hood River, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Sherman, Wasco, and Wheeler counties.
As the designated workforce development board for the region, EC Works partners with businesses, government entities, community-based organizations, and educational institutions to support the talent needs of employers and to align investments in the career goals of individuals, fueling a thriving economy.
About WorkSource Oregon: WorkSource Oregon is a statewide network of public and private partners working together to ensure businesses have a ready supply of skilled workers, help Oregonians find good jobs and careers, and provide workforce solutions to Oregon businesses.
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