WAC 192-180-010   Job search requirements -- Directives -- RCW 50.20.010 (1)(c) and 50.20.240.  (1) Do I have to look for work? You must be actively seeking work unless you are:

     (a) Attached to an employer; or

     (b) Participating in a training program approved by the commissioner.

     (2) When should I start my job search? You must look for work every week that you file a claim for benefits, unless you are exempt under subsection (1).

     (3) What are my weekly job search requirements?

     (a) At a minimum, you must:

     (i) Make job search contacts with at least three employers each week; or

     (ii) Participate in three approved in-person job search activities at the WorkSource office or local employment center, or any combination of employer contacts or in-person job search activities for a total of three.

     (b) Based on your individual circumstances, such as your occupation, experience, or labor market area, the department may issue you a directive requiring more than three employer contacts or job search activities each week.

     (c) If you are a member of a referral union you must be registered with your union, eligible for and actively seeking dispatch, and comply with your union's dispatch or referral requirements (see WAC 192-210-120). Your benefits may be denied for any weeks in which you fail to meet these requirements and you may be directed to seek work outside of your union.

     (4) What is a "job search contact"? A job search contact is a contact with an employer to inquire about or apply for a job. You may use job search methods that are customary for your occupation and labor market area, including in-person, telephone, internet, or telefax contacts. The work applied for must be suitable (see RCW 50.20.100) unless you choose to look for work in a lower skill area. A contact does not count if it is made with an employer whom you know is not hiring, or if the department decides the contact is designed in whole or in part to avoid meeting the job search requirements.

     (5) What is an "in-person job search activity"? This is an activity provided through the WorkSource office or local employment center that will assist you in your reemployment efforts. It includes, but is not limited to, job search workshops, training classes, or other facilitated services provided by WorkSource staff and approved by the local WorkSource administrator. For claimants residing in Washington State, an in-person job search activity must be documented in the department's services, knowledge and information exchange system (SKIES) to qualify. For interstate claimants, the activity must be documented in the one-stop system in the state in which you reside.

     (6) What is a directive? A directive is a written notice from the department telling you that specific methods of job search are required in order to meet the job search requirements. A written directive need not have been issued to deny benefits for failure to meet the job search requirements in subsection (3).

     (7) When is a directive issued? The department can issue a directive to clarify or to increase the job search requirements you must meet. Examples include, but are not limited to, cases in which you need to:

     (a) Increase the number of employer contacts each week;

     (b) Change your method of looking for work (such as from resumes to in-person contacts);

     (c) Expand the geographic area in which you look for work; or

     (d) Look for work in a secondary occupation.

     (8) When is the directive effective? The directive is effective when it is given in writing by the department. It stays in effect until a new written directive is given, or it is rescinded in writing.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 50.12.010 and 50.12.040. 07-22-055, § 192-180-010, filed 11/1/07, effective 12/2/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 50.12.010, 50.12.040, 50.12.042. 05-01-076, § 192-180-010, filed 12/9/04, effective 1/9/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 50.12.010 and 50.12.040. 99-13-002, § 192-180-010, filed 6/3/99, effective 7/4/99.]