Need a job? Here are 26 chances

POST FALLS - Twenty-six employers are participating in a hiring event Wednesday in Post Falls.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to noon at the Idaho Department of Labor's Kootenai County office.

Last month, a similar hiring event attracted 400 job seekers, said Vicki Isakson, the office's manager.

"We're hoping to get that many or more," Isakson said. "There are a lot of openings out there right now."

She said many employers are having a hard time filling positions.

"The unemployment rate is back down there where it was before the recession," she said. "There's a lot of competition (among employers) to find good quality employees."

A call center, Qualfon, is hiring a lot of people, she said. Qualfon acquired Center Partners earlier this year.

Kootenai County has some current job openings. They include hiring jail staff, a 911 communications officer, court clerk, and administrative assistant for the sheriff's office.

"The county is having trouble filling positions," she said.

Another employer, Alliance Data in Coeur d'Alene, a collection center is hiring. She said Alliance collects for high-end retail businesses.

"They are super soft about how they approach that," Isakson said.

Staffing and labor companies - such as Aerotek, Humanix and Labor Ready, Integrated Personnel - also will be looking for job seekers at the event.

"They're just screaming for people as well," Isakson said.

Other employers who are participating: Sears, Silverwood Theme Park, Sunshine Minting, Home Instead Senior Care, All Valley Home Care, Dave Smith Motors, Regal Entertainment, Idaho Army National Guard, Cabela's, McDonald's, Kootenai Health, Creekside Inn, Star West Satellite, Trans-System Inc., ResCare, Addus HomeCare, Energy Recruiting Services and Skils'Kin.

Job seekers are encouraged to bring their resumes and be prepared to fill out applications and be interviewed.

The labor office is at 600 N. Thornton St. in Post Falls.