Workforce Development
Workforce Development 
Workforce Development programs (WFD) provide pathways for clients and staff to begin and grow careers in housing and homeless services at CCS and agencies county-wide. WFD opportunities are an investment in the self-determination and dignity of program students and in the health and vitality of our communities.
WFD focuses on helping a diversity of clients and direct service employees gain knowledge, skills and confidence through two scholarship, in-person education/training programs in King County, ASSET (Aspiring Social Services Employee Training) and the Case Management Certificate.
WFD’s scholarship programs:
- Combine students’ strengths and lived experiences with professional development of skills, knowledge and confidence to secure in-demand jobs and excel on their career paths
- Provide social service agencies with skilled staff who are representative of the clients and communities served
- Provide opportunities for people who’ve experienced barriers to education and training by poverty, homelessness and racism.
Address
100 23rd Ave S
Seattle, WA 98144
Fax number: 206-324-4835
Contact Information:
Workforce Development Director: Kerry Cooley-Stroum
kerrycs@ccsww.org
206-773-3342
ASSET Program Coordinator: Awa Joof
AJoof@ccsww.org
206-556-5443
Case Management Certificate Program Manager: Candice Chico
CChico@ccsww.org
206-799-6237
Please contact for application and additional program information.
Aspiring Social Service Employee Training Program (ASSET)
The ASSET program provides a gateway to human services careers for current and former CCS and partner agency clients and residents. The three-month in-person program provides classes, coaching and hands-on experience to enhance the lived experience skills students bring to training.
Students benefit from a diversity of CCS teaching staff and class topics and participate in an internship at a CCS program to prepare for entry-level employment in low barrier housing, shelter and day-center settings. Students receive individualized guidance and case management from the ASSET program team.
ASSET has been successfully preparing client students to access and build careers since 2016 and is the only King County housing and homeless services agency program to offer training and in-house employment opportunities for client graduates.
Case Management Certificate
The CCS Case Management Certificate Program (CMC) in partnership with Highline College (HC) offers direct services staff employed at CCS and partner social service agencies an opportunity to begin/continue their post-secondary education.
There is no other college certificate program in the state specifically designed for direct services staff to develop social service and leadership skills to support career advancement in housing and homeless services.
Students pay no tuition or fees for the 4-quarter, 35-credit certificate. The in-person, cohort model is designed for adult learners. Certificate classes build basic college level proficiencies while providing robust course work that is contextualized for the broad diversity of needs and people served through housing and homeless services agencies. Certificate credits are transferrable to HC’s two and four-year degrees.