Posting number: 2026-05848
Department: Employment Security Department
Division: Workforce Services
Job classification: WORKSOURCE SPECIALIST 4
Posting type: Open
Categories: Human Resources, Social Services, Community Development, Economic Development, Customer Service, Education, Training & Library, Career Exploration, Instructor
SummaryThe Employment Security Department (ESD) is seeking a customer-focused workforce professional to serve as an Employment Specialist (WSS4).
The ideal candidate is an empathetic, solutions-oriented problem solver—someone who builds trust quickly, listens deeply, and helps people navigate barriers with confidence. You are skilled at assessing needs, developing individualized plans, and coaching customers toward meaningful employment. You collaborate naturally with partners and employers, communicate clearly, and maintain meticulous documentation. You thrive in a fast-paced environment where every interaction can change someone’s life.
Note: The salary listed above includes the scheduled 2% general salary increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.
About the Workforce Services Division:
Workforce Services Division (WSD) is made up of three Lines of Business: WorkSource, Central Operations System Support, and Washington Service Corps (WSC). WSD administers the Labor Exchange (LEX), Migrant Seasonal Farmworker (MSFW), Veterans Services, Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), and WorkFirst and RESEA programs for job seekers and employers in Washington and provides job seekers with referrals to partners providing Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) adult, youth, and dislocated worker training and support services.
Employment Specialists deliver comprehensive employment and training services designed to help individuals achieve self-sufficiency. This role conducts assessments, develops individualized service strategies, manages caseloads, and connects customers with training, resources, and job opportunities. You will support talent pipelines, facilitate workshops, and work closely with partners and employers to ensure strong service delivery and positive employment outcomes.
Examples of dutiesIn this role, you will provide individualized employment and training services, guide customers through barriers, and support their progress toward sustainable employment. You will administer assessments, develop employment plans, facilitate workshops, and maintain accurate documentation in multiple systems. You will also collaborate with community partners and employers to identify opportunities, coordinate resources, and promote WorkSource programs. Your work ensures customers receive high-quality support and that program requirements are met with consistency and care. This position is located in Everett, WA and requires in person-attendance to the WorkSource Everett office.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct needs assessments, develop individualized service strategies, and help customers establish and manage self-sufficiency goals
- Manage a caseload, provide case management, identify barriers, and coordinate support services or referrals
- Develop individualized employment plans and guide customers in effectively using WorkSource programs and services
- Perform staff-assisted job development, job matching, job referrals, and job-search verification
- Provide coaching, mentoring, and life-skills instruction to customers with employment barriers
- Facilitate group and one-on-one orientations, workshops, and job-preparation activities using in-person and virtual methods
- Administer formal and informal assessments, explain results, and incorporate findings into employment plans
- Collaborate with WorkSource partners to confirm eligibility, coordinate resources, and align training recommendations
- Maintain accurate case notes, service plans, expenditures, and outcomes; enter and update data in multiple systems
To request a full job description, click here
QualificationsQualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:
Option 1: One year as a WorkSource Specialist 3 or equivalent class within the Employment Security Department, or another state’s Employment Security agency
Option 2: Three years of professional experience in workforce development, social or human resource services, public relations, or professional public contact work
Option 3: A combination of education and/or relevant experience that totals three years
Required experience includes:
- Client-Centered Service Delivery: Needs assessment to evaluate client situations, goal setting to establish realistic objectives, case management to develop and oversee service plans, problem-solving to address barriers, and communication skills to guide and support clients effectively.
- Eligibility Assessment Expertise: Ability to evaluate and determine client qualifications.
- Employability Plan Development Expertise: Ability to structure personalized career growth strategies.
- Career Coaching and Follow-Up Expertise: Ability to provide ongoing workforce guidance.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
- Must be able to pass an Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Paid Family Medical and Leave (PFML) claim and fraud check.
Please submit ONLY the required documents as noted below and ensure all Personal Identifying Information (PII) such as Social Security numbers etc. are edited out of your materials for privacy. Additionally, we ask that you not include photographs or external links within your documents. Any documents uploaded through this platform will be securely transmitted electronically to support application review.
Please submit your Cover Letter and Resume with your Online Application through the "Add Attachments" field. A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields, or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see attachments" may be considered incomplete.
Supplemental informationWhy work with us?
Our agency's mission and values drive every decision that we make, determine how we interact with others, and are at the core of who we are. We value Access, Love, Belonging, Equity, and Stewardship. We understand that a work environment that respects your work/life balance is key; that's why many of our positions are eligible for flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities. Through support, value, and trust, our employees are empowered to grow and develop into their best self.
Opportunity for All
We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people over 40 years of age, people with religious beliefs, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
The Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
If you are a person needing assistance in the application process, if you need this job announcement in an alternate format, or if you have general questions about this opportunity, please contact Katie Swanson, 360-742-8208 or the Talent Acquisition Team, or Washington Relay Service 711 prior to the recruitment closing. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please contact careershelp@des.wa.gov or (360) 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960, Washington Relay 711.
This recruitment may be used to fill additional agency-wide positions in accordance with Article 4 of the WFSE Collective Bargaining Agreement.