Job-Readiness Training Provides Path to Stability and Success

Carlos is a recent participant and graduate of Pioneer Human Services’ Roadmap to Success (RTS) program in Spokane. The job-readiness training program is offered in Seattle and Spokane and serves individuals with a conviction history that are trying to successfully transition back into their communities in the state of Washington. Once accepted into RTS, individuals learn the needed skills to find and retain employment. 

The course focuses on overcoming barriers to employment through cognitive thinking transformation, soft-skills development, professional communication, conflict resolution, time management, job search techniques, targeted resume building, interviewing techniques, handling different management styles and computer skills. Graduates of the program then receive follow-up case management for up to a year.

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Carlos was a student in the February 2023 cohort after recently moving to Spokane to be closer to his daughter. Previously, Carlos lived in Colorado spending years involved in their criminal legal system and struggling with his substance use disorder. While in recovery, Carlos made the decision to come to Spokane to continue his recovery journey and to nurture a relationship with his daughter. 

He was referred to RTS by the Way Out Shelter and really engaged in the program during his time in class. Darin Christensen, RTS Spokane director said, “The RTS curriculum taught Carlos many pro-social and cognitive behavioral skills he will be able to utilize throughout the rest of his life. It was inspiring to watch him click with what we taught and almost immediately apply the newly learned tools and skill sets to his everyday life.”

While in the RTS program, Pioneer staff worked with Carlos assisting him to acquire a Washington state ID card and other resources he needed to find employment and housing. Shortly after he graduated from RTS, Carlos was hired by a furniture company in Spokane as a warehouse stocker and recently started working on the floor as a merchandiser. 

Darin Christensen added, “Carlos continues to stay on his recovery journey and is moving his life forward on a positive path. He is now studying for his Washington state driver’s license, engaging in his recovery through community group work, and saving for an apartment of his own. We are very proud to have been a part of his success and look forward to following his achievements.”