On April 15, 2024, East Cascades Works (EC Works) launched its search for a WorkSource Benefits Navigator
provider in Jefferson, Crook, & Deschutes 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 trainings 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 jobseekers 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 outreaching to
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.
This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.
This article appears in Source Weekly April 18, 2024.
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