ESD WorkSource orientation and career counselor assignment - how long does it take?

I went through this last month. After you register on WorkSourceWA.com, you need to actually visit your local WorkSource center in person to schedule the orientation. They don't make this clear AT ALL on the website. Bring your ESD approval letter and ID. The orientation is usually a group session (mine had about 15 people) and lasts about 2 hours. After that, they'll assign you a career counselor. Make sure you document this as one of your job search activities for that week!

The process is different in each county. In King County you CAN schedule online through WorkSourceWA. Click on "Workshops" tab, filter by location, and look for "UI Orientation" or "New Claimant Orientation." If nothing shows up, that means all current sessions are full. They release new dates every Monday morning around 8am, so log in exactly then to grab a spot. They fill up SUPER fast. Also, you don't automatically get assigned a career counselor. You have to specifically request one after completing orientation.

honestly the hole thing is a joke. i waited 6 weeks for my "mandatory" orientation and nothing happend. kept filing my claims and geting paid. then suddenly got an email saying i missed my orientation (never got the first email). my benefits got suspended for 2 weeks while i scrambled to reschedule. the counselors barely help anyway, just give you a list of websites you could find on google.

If you're having trouble reaching someone at ESD or WorkSource, I highly recommend using Claimyr. When I was stuck in the same situation back in January, I used their service and they got me connected to an actual ESD agent in about 25 minutes after I'd been trying for days on my own. They explained exactly what I needed to do for the orientation requirement. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 and sign up at claimyr.com. Totally worth it to get a clear answer directly from ESD.

Just to add some clarity here - there are two completely separate requirements that people often confuse: 1. The WorkSource orientation (mandatory within 30 days of your claim) 2. Meeting with a career counselor (only mandatory if you receive a specific notice) For the orientation, you must either attend in-person or complete it virtually depending on your local WorkSource office's procedures. This counts as ONE job search activity. For the career counselor, most people won't be assigned one automatically unless: - You've been on unemployment for 8+ weeks - You're in a declining industry - You've been identified as needing additional assistance Your 3 weekly job search activities are separate from both of these requirements. Document everything carefully on your weekly claim!

Just a quick tip - when you do finally get your orientation scheduled, make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early. My location in Tacoma actually locked the doors right at start time and several people weren't allowed in. They had to reschedule and it delayed their process by weeks.

did anyone complete thier orientation online? i hate going to in-person stuff and the esd website say you can do virtual orentation but doesnt say how????

Here's the exact process for 2025: 1. Register on WorkSourceWA.com (which you've done) 2. Call your local WorkSource office (keep trying - mornings are best) 3. Ask specifically for "UI Orientation scheduling" 4. Attend orientation (virtual or in-person) 5. After orientation, you'll be given instructions on how to request a career counselor if needed Important: The orientation MUST be completed within 30 days, but career counselor assignment can happen later. If you're struggling to get through on the phone, try emailing your local office with your name, last 4 of SSN, and a request for orientation scheduling. They typically respond within 48 hours. Also, while waiting for orientation, continue doing and documenting your 3 job search activities each week. The orientation itself will count as one activity for the week you complete it.