Employment Specialist 3 (WSS3): WorkSource Cowlitz Wahkiakum

State of Washington; Kelso (WA); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedule

Remote work 1 day/week

Job summary

State of Washington seeks an Employment Specialist to connect job seekers with employers through in-person and community outreach in Kelso, WA, with one day of remote work weekly. The role emphasizes empathy, professionalism, and strong communication as core to helping clients achieve employment goals.

The position supports Workforce Services Division programs and requires coordinating with partners, analyzing needs, and maintaining program records. End date: 2028-06-30.

Qualifications

• Experience providing career guidance and training.
• Knowledge of outlining employment options and program guidelines.
• Ability to track job seeker and employer interactions.
• Ability to assess job seekers’ needs and make referrals to services.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to direct to correct resources.

Responsibilities

• Provide staff-assisted customer services, including group/individual interviews and registrations.
• Use tests to identify employment goals and develop service plans.
• Inform customers about agency services and refer to resources.
• Meet one-on-one with customers to discuss job search strategies and provide LM information.
• Assist with resumes, cover letters, and interview skills; provide job search support.
• Assist with unemployment benefits information and UI/PFML questions.
• Monitor program performance and prepare reports for supervisors.

Skills

Employment coaching

Workforce development

Data management

Customer support

Digital literacy

Communication

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

The ideal candidate for this position will excel in serving a diverse range of customers, whether individually or in groups, with both empathy and professionalism. They should confidently engage in community outreach to connect job seekers with employers. Demonstrating exceptional customer service skills and computer proficiency is crucial. Additionally, the candidate must be highly organized and adaptable, especially under pressure, to thrive in this role.

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.

NOTE: This is a project role with an anticipated end date of 6/30/2028.

As an Employment Specialist, you’ll provide personalized support both in the office and through community outreach to help individuals achieve their employment goals. Your excellent communication and tech skills will be crucial in building trusting relationships and managing program requirements. If you’re passionate about helping others and enjoy a dynamic, collaborative environment, support our mission of connecting job seekers with employers! This role is located in Kelso, Washington and offers one day a week of remote work (subject to schedule needs), with the remainder of the week reporting in-person to the WorkSource Cowlitz Wahkiakum office.

Some of your daily tasks include but not limited to:

• Provide staff-assisted customer services, such as group and individual in[depth interviews, partial and full registrations, and review job readiness, employment barriers, and customer needs.
• Use skill, interest, and aptitude tests using informal tools to identify employment and/or training goals, develop and monitor service plans, and develop recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Provide information in person, virtually, and over the phone about the full range of agency services and programs and refer to appropriate agency and community resources.
• Meet one on one with customers to answer questions about job search strategies, provide Labor Market information, review resumes and cover letters, and assist with interviewing skills.
• Answer phone calls and direct to the appropriate team as well as providing timely responses to email and face-to-face interactions.
• Assist customers in the use of resource center services including technology, resumes, applications, and interview skills training to prepare for job openings.
• Provide basic information on how to apply for unemployment benefits, direct UI customer concerns, issues, and problems to the liaison or supervisor.
• Monitor WorkSource program performance management activity within agency reporting systems and create and disseminate reports as required by supervisors and managers.
• Collaborate with WorkSource partners regarding enrollments, program guidelines, training recommendations, and negotiate and confirm customer eligibility.
• Represent the workforce partnership, communicate, and work closely with partners and stakeholders; be responsive to requests.

Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:

Option 1:

• One year (1) as a WorkSource Specialist 2 within the Employment Security Department, or in an equivalent class with another state’s Employment Security agency.

Option 2:

• Two years (2) years ofprofessional 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 equals two (2) or more years.

Required experience includes:

• Employment Coaching Expertise: Ability to provide career guidance and training.
• Workforce Development Knowledge: Proficiency in outlining employment options.
• Data Management Expertise: Ability to track job seeker and employer interactions systematically.
• Employment Support and Referral Expertise: Ability to assess job seekers’ needs effectively.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Proficiency in finding solutions and directing individuals to the correct services.
• Digital Literacy and Online Navigation Expertise: Ability to support job seekers in using web-based employment tools.
• Customer Assistance Skills: Proficiency in guiding individuals through digital job search platforms.

Required equity competencies:

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

Education to Experience Equivalences:

Associate Degree = 2 years | Bachelors Degree = 4 years | Master's Degree or Higher = 5 years

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must be able to pass Unemployment Insurance (UI) & Paid Family and Medical 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 Organization Participates in E-Verify