virtual employment readiness workshop series (jan–june 2026)

In Partnership with:

quick details

• When: Saturdays, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM (Pacific)

• Format: Live on Zoom (recorded for registered attendees), small group sessions of a max of 6 attendees per session

• Cadence: Three Saturdays on, one Saturday off

• Choose your path: Attend all three sessions or pick what you need

• Recordings: Shared only with registered attendees (not public)

• Cost: FREE!!!

who it’s for

• Therapeutic court participants and alumni

• Community-based organizations serving justice-impacted individuals in Snohomish County

• Anyone with a criminal justice background who is actively job searching, starting over, or trying to keep a job

the three sessions

1) How to tell your story to an employer - Instructor, Ty Reed (click link to see bio)

Most people either overshare, undershare, or freeze when asked to explain their past to an employer. This session focuses on building a clear, professional three-part story that highlights growth, accountability, and readiness for work—without shame or unnecessary detail. Participants will learn how to prepare for interviews, communicate confidently during them, and follow up appropriately afterward.

Outcome: participants leave with a written letter of explanation and a repeatable framework they can use in interviews and workplace conversations.

2) Let AI Do the Hard Part: Resume & Cover Letter Writing with ChatGPT  - Instructor, Dash Wood (click link to see bio)

Writing resumes and cover letters can feel overwhelming, especially when work history includes gaps or transitions. This session shows participants how to use ChatGPT responsibly to identify strengths, translate lived experience into employer language, and create clear, professional application materials. The approach is practical, supportive, and focused on momentum—not perfection.

Outcome: participants leave with a usable resume, a cover letter template, and simple AI prompts they can reuse for future applications.

3) Professionalism In the Workplace - Instructor, Ramon Cazarez (click link to see bio)

Many justice-impacted workers lose their jobs not because of their skills, but because of workplace dynamics and unspoken expectations. This session focuses on behaviors and communication skills that protect employment, including reliability, professionalism, accountability, and relationship-building in the workplace. Participants will explore common workplace challenges during reentry and practice practical strategies for navigating them successfully.

Outcome: participants leave with a personal action plan focused on everyday behaviors that build trust, strengthen reputation, and support long-term employment.

schedule + registration

Cycle 1 (SnoCo Therapeutic Court participants and alumni only): Jan 17, Jan 24, Jan 31 (break Feb 7)
register: Click Here

Cycle 2 (Any community organization referrals or individuals with a criminal background): Feb 14, Feb 21, Feb 28 (break Mar 7)
register: Click Here

Cycle 3 (SnoCo Therapeutic Court participants and alumni only): Mar 14, Mar 21, Mar 28 (break Apr 4)
register: Click Here

Cycle 4 (Any community organization referrals or individuals with a criminal background): Apr 11, Apr 18, Apr 25 (break May 2)
register: Click Here

Cycle 5 (SnoCo Therapeutic Court participants and alumni only): May 9, May 16, May 23 (break May 30)
register: Click Here

Cycle 6 (Any community organization referrals or individuals with a criminal background): Jun 6, Jun 13, Jun 20 (break Jun 27)
register: Click Here

simple prep checklist

• Join from a quiet space if possible

• Bring a job idea you’re considering (or a posting if you have one)

• Optional: bring an existing resume (even if it’s rough)
  
  📧 Questions or referrals? Email ty.r@recoveryandwork.org