Here’s an updated list of businesses hiring Whatcom staff during coronavirus outbreak
It’s been a devastating week for the Whatcom County job market, but there are companies that are looking to ramp up staff during this coronavirus outbreak.
With the restrictions and social distancing rules placed on a wide range of businesses, hundreds of companies have either cut staff or temporarily closed.
Here’s a list of companies that have said on social media or to reporters of The Bellingham Herald that they are currently hiring. Know a company that is hiring? Send an email to business reporter Dave Gallagher at dave.gallagher@bellinghamherald.com.
▪ Walmart announced that it is hiring more than 2,100 workers across Washington state for its stores and distribution centers.
It plans to have the job hires completed by the end of May, according to a news release.
Along with hiring more workers, Walmart plans to give more than $365 million in bonuses to its current hourly employees. Every hourly worker employed by the company as of March 1 will qualify, and it will pay out on Thursday, April 2.
Anyone interested in applying can go online to careers.walmart.com.
▪ Domino’s pizza is hiring more than 1,000 people in the Greater Seattle area, including around 10 positions in Bellingham and Ferndale. Current listings are available at jobs.dominos.com.
▪ Bellingham Cold Storage wants to hire 10 or more fork lift operators. Details about applying can be found at bellcold.com/careers.
▪ Support.com, Inc., a national company that handles technical and customer support for businesses and consumers, announced on Friday, March 20, that it is hiring for a large number of remote support agent positions.
Support.com agents work fully-remotely and receive a wide range of benefits, including paid training, health insurance, paid time off and a pay-for-performance bonus program, according to a company news release. Agents are also eligible for certain non-taxable reimbursement for utilizing their own equipment such as laptops, phones, etc.
Details can be found at support.com.
▪ Puffin Island LLC is hiring Certified Nursing Assistants and Home Care Aide Certified workers for its organization, which has provided services to vulnerable adults with disabilities in a private home setting in Whatcom County since 2001.
The agency is certified in the state of Washington to provide the services.
To learn more about the organization and to apply, visit puffinisland.org.
▪ Retirement and senior facilities throughout Whatcom County are hiring, particularly caregiver positions. Some examples include Bellingham At Orchard, Brookdale Senior Living and The Willows.
▪ Viking Food: Looking for drivers, will prioritize for laid off restaurant workers. Those interested can apply online or call 360-922-0819.
▪ Haggen: Announced on Facebook that it is looking for workers at all stores, all departments. Here’s a link to Haggen’s employment page
▪ Fred Meyer’s parent company, Kroger, announced on Facebook that it is hiring 10,000 workers nationwide. Fred Meyer has two stores in Bellingham. Here’s a link to Fred Meyer’s employment page.
▪ Safeway, which has stores in Bellingham and Lynden, is also hiring.
▪ Prestige Care, a family-owned operator of Prestige Care and Rehabilitation – Burlington, is looking to expand its team of part-time staff members to help provide personalized care to its residents, patients and their families during this coronavirus outbreak.
Full position and application details can be found at prestigecare.com/careers.
“Like the rest of the nation, we are closely monitoring the impact COVID-19 has had and want to make sure we are doing everything we can to not only protect the well-being of our residents, patients and staff – but also our communities,” said Jason Delamarter, chief operating officer at Prestige Care, in a news release. “We know that COVID-19 is costing a lot of hard-working people their jobs, and we want to stand by our neighbors during this time. If you are service-minded and want to help make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, please reach out – we’re here for you.”
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, and previous experience is preferred but not required. Essential duties will include helping residents and patients with non-direct care requests, such as delivering food, housekeeping and laundry services.
Delamarter added that successful candidates must pass a comprehensive health screening for COVID-19 and other related medical conditions before hiring.
This story will be updated.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
COVID-19, the new coronavirus, is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2.
The disease is spread through contact between people within six feet of each other, especially through coughing and sneezing that expels respiratory droplets that land in the mouths or noses of people nearby.
Although most of the cases have been mild, the disease is especially dangerous for the elderly and others with weaker immune systems.
Click the drop-down icon in the upper right of this card for more information on symptoms and how to stop its spread.
What you can do
Here’s what you can do to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, according to the Whatcom County Health Department.
▪ Keep six feet between yourself and others when in public.
▪ Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
▪ Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth with hands that haven’t been washed.
▪ Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue in the trash and then wash your hands.
▪ Stay home if you feel sick. Avoid others who are sick.
▪ If your symptoms are severe and require medical care, call your doctor first.
This story was originally published March 20, 2020 at 9:42 AM.
