WorkFirst Commerce is a core part of Washington state’s assistance for recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). WorkFirst Commerce has two main programs that provide employment services, on-the-job skills training, and other support.
Help shape upcoming funding opportunities
Commerce’s WorkFirst team is preparing grant funding for 2027, and we need you! For this upcoming funding cycle, we are focused on making the grant application process easier and building a more equitable Washington for everyone. Come learn about our programs and help shape a fair, accessible funding process.
- Register for an upcoming WorkFirst Commerce grant planning session (on Microsoft Forms).
- Review WorkFirst Commerce informational material (on Box).
These sessions are for community-based organizations that provide intensive case management, employment services and job skills training.
How WorkFirst Commerce helps people
WorkFirst Commerce provides participants with opportunities to increase their job skills and to build their resume with recent work experience.
- Community Jobs provides TANF participants with up to nine months of paid, temporary employment that is combined with additional support. The goal of this program is to support participants as they address and obtain permanent employment.
- Career Jump provides the same services as Community Jobs. However, businesses make a commitment to hire the participant at 32 hours or more per week by the end of the training period.
- Community Works is a work experience program for TANF recipients that may last up to twelve months. This helps participants build their employment skills and resumes.
Finding a WorkFirst Commerce contractor
If you are receiving TANF and think one of these programs will help you succeed, please contact a service provider in your region using the WorkFirst External Contact List (PDF) or by visiting your local DSHS office.
WorkFirst Commerce Program Contractor Locations
Information about WorkFirst contractors is available by accessing the WorkFirst External Contact List (PDF) document or by accessing our mapped locations.