A study released today stated unemployment-insurance claimants who use Washington’s WorkSource job services are getting back to work faster, thereby earning more money than those who don’t.

Subjects of the study who received job-search assistance from WorkSource were as much as 37 percent more likely to find work within the subsequent six-month review period than those who didn’t receive the services. The increases ranged from 20 to 37 percent, depending on gender and employment history.

WorkSource job-service users surveyed as part of this study also were on pace to earn about $2,500 to $3,000 more a year than unemployment-insurance claimants who did not capitalize on the job services.

“The findings show strong evidence that WorkSource works,” state Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee said. “The job market is very tight right now, and it’s satisfying to learn that WorkSource is effective at helping people find work.”

People like 36-year-old Seattle resident Sandra Loving. A stay-at-home mom for several years, Loving had to find a job after her husband was laid off.

Loving visited the North Seattle WorkSource in September, took advantage of the assistance there and landed a job in October.

“It was a job looking for a job,” Loving said. “WorkSource provided me the tools and the focus to find a job and get the job. I think about all those people who don’t use WorkSource and I feel for them. I wish more people knew about it.”

After being laid off from the Seattle Times, Ray Godwin of Seattle sought job-search assistance as well as job-training opportunities that are available through WorkSource.

“WorkSource staff helped me map out a strategy for my job search, create a targeted résumé and prepare for job interviews,” said Godwin. “People should use the resources that WorkSource has to offer.”

The report – completed by state economic analysts and verified by independent third parties – measured the effectiveness of WorkSource job services by evaluating the activities and outcomes of more than 16,000 unemployed people over a 12-month period in 2007 and 2008.

WorkSource is a partnership of Employment Security, other state agencies, local governments, colleges and nonprofit organizations that work together to provide free employment and training services to job seekers and businesses. More than 270,000 people in Washington received assistance from WorkSource in 2008.

For more information, visit a local WorkSource career center or read about it Go2WorkSource.com.