By Minnie Knych
The San Juan County unemployment rate has improved.
Of course, it always does in the summer. At the end of July it was 5.6 percent.
That is a lot lower than the rest of the nation, but our usual summer rate is 3 percent, so we definitely haven’t returned to the “good old days”.
The 5.6 rate does not take into consideration the people who are no longer looking for work, nor the fact that many people who used to have year-round jobs have accepted summer employment just to pay their bills.
Another significant segment of our population that is not counted in the unemployment statistics is people who work “off the books”, in a cash economy. These people have earned a living by working for cash. They do not pay into Social Security nor do they pay unemployment insurance, so when they can no longer find work, they have no safety net.
The real rate of unemployment and under-employment in our county is much higher. No matter what the statistics say, if you are unemployed, your rate is 100 percent.
If you are one of those people looking for a job in our county but have been unsuccessful, check out the free services offered by the Career Center. I provide resume advice, help you improve your interview skills and assist you with focusing your job search. There are also training funds for some qualified individuals.
The Career Center is currently assisting employers in recruiting qualified individuals for the following year-round positions:
—Telephone receptionist, full-time, year-round.
— Administrative Assistant – 20-30 hours per week.
— Part-Time front desk clerk.
— Peace Health positions at the Friday Harbor facility including, janitorial, insurance billing, RN, LPN, CNA, and pharmacist.
— Marketing Director.
— Combination Retail/Office Administration, three days per week.
— Auto mechanic (must have certification & own tools).
Training is available for qualified individuals. If you want a job, come and get it.
Call Minnie Knych, 378-4662, for more information.
— Editor’s note: Minnie Knych is director of the Friday Harbor office of the Northwest Workforce Council.
