Employment Specialist 2 (WSS2) Dual Language - Spanish: WorkSource Columbia Basin - Part Time

State of Washington; Kennewick (WA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

State of Washington is seeking an Employment Specialist 2 (WSS2) for WorkSource Columbia Basin in Kennewick. This part-time role (32 hours/week) provides personalized support to job seekers, helping them access services and resources in person at the WorkSource Columbia Basin office.

The position requires strong customer service and communication skills, with occasional Spanish reading and writing. You will collaborate with program teams to connect job seekers with opportunities and maintain

Qualifications

• Two years of customer service experience assisting clients with inquiries or problems.
• Experience combining education and/or work experience totaling two years.
• Ability to read and communicate in Spanish occasionally.

Responsibilities

• Explain agency programs, services, policies to customers.
• Respond to inquiries via phone, email, and in person; route to correct teams.
• Provide labor market information and job search guidance.
• Assist customers in registering in the WorkSourceWA system.
• Maintain accurate case notes and service plans.
• Schedule orientations and job search workshops.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Referral

Program awareness

Labor market knowledge

Data management

Job description

* Reopening posting until November 6, 2026, to allow for a larger candidate pool. If you have already submitted an application, there is no need to reapply.*

We have a great opportunity for a dynamic, customer-focused Employment Specialist 2 (WSS2) at WorkSource Columbia Basin. Our ideal candidate believes that great customer service starts with listening to understand, approaches their work with kindness and compassion, and has a commitment to valuing diverse perspectives.

Please note: This is a part-time position that is projected for 32 hours/week (5 days/week).

Additionally, this position requires the ability to occasionally speak and write in Spanish.

WorkSource is Washington state's public workforce system, connecting job seekers with employment opportunities and helping businesses find qualified talent. Through a network of centers and online tools, WorkSource offers free services like job search assistance, career counseling, training resources, hiring events, and labor market information. The goal is to support individuals in achieving meaningful employment while strengthening the local economy through workforce development.

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 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.

As an Employment Specialist (WSS2), you’ll provide personalized support in the office through the Resource Room to help individuals achieve their employment goals. Your excellent communication and tech skills will be crucial in building trusting relationships and managing program requirements. Occasional use of Spanish for speaking, reading, and writing is required to support our diverse customer base. If you’re passionate about helping others and enjoy a dynamic, collaborative environment, apply today to support our mission of connecting job seekers with employers! This part-time role is located in Kennewick, Washington and requires in-person attendance reporting to the WorkSource Columbia Basin office.

Some of your daily tasks include but are not limited to:

• Clearly explain agency programs, services, policies, and procedures to customers; answer basic questions and refer them to appropriate services.
• Respond to customer inquiries via phone, email, virtual platforms, and in-person; route calls and requests to the correct program teams in a timely manner.
• Provide labor market information and job search guidance; help customers identify job matches using WorkSourceWA.com, social media, job boards, and industry-specific tools.
• Assist customers in accessing and interpreting employment assessment tools; support them in using the virtual resource room.
• Assist customer in updating or completing registration in the WorkSourceWA system.
• Manage customer flow both virtually and in person; provide support in the resource room to ensure smooth access to services.
• Help customers navigate the WorkSource Washington website and other online employment resources.
• Collect, verify, and enter customer data into multiple systems to track services provided; deliver Equal Opportunity and Data Share notifications.
• Maintain accurate case notes, service plans, and exit outcomes; coordinate with other employment and training programs as needed.
• Schedule customers for orientations and job search workshops; track attendance and distribute relevant labor market materials.

Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:

For all options below, you must be able to occasionally read and communicate effectively in person, via telephone and in writing in Spanish.

Option 1: Two (2) years’ customer service experience providing assistance to clients/customers regarding inquiries, complaints, or problems.

Option 2: A combination of education and/or relevant experience totaling two (2) years.

The required experience includes:

• Customer Service Skills: Proficiency in assisting individuals with job search resources.
• Communication Skills: Proficiency in delivering workforce information to individuals and groups.
• Referral Expertise: Proficiency in directing individuals to appropriate employment services.
• Program Awareness Expertise: Proficiency in explaining WorkSource system benefits.
• Labor Market Knowledge: Ability to provide accurate employment trends and statistics.
• Data Management Expertise: Ability to input and track job search information accurately.

Required equity competencies:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

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.

Why 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.

This recruitment may be used to fill additional agency-wide positions in accordance with Article 4 of the WFSE Collective Bargaining Agreement.

This Organization Participates in E-Verify