Employment Specialist 4 (WSS4): Oak Harbor-BFET Program/Project

State of Washington; Oak Harbor (WA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Washington Employment Security Department is seeking an Employment Specialist 4 for the BFET project, based in Oak Harbor. This project-based role is in-person with the potential for at least one telework day per week after training, supporting individuals toward long-term self-sufficiency through employment and training services.

You will develop individualized service plans, conduct interviews, manage caseloads, document outcomes, and collaborate with WorkSource partners to

Qualifications

• Experience delivering client-centered employment services and supports.
• Ability to assess needs and develop personalized service plans.
• Experience coordinating with partners and employers to connect customers with opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Develops individualized service strategies and manages service plans to promote self-sufficiency.
• Conducts individual interviews to articulate program services and eligibility components.
• Manages caseload, provides case management, referrals, and removes barriers.

Skills

Assessment

Case management

Employer engagement

Workforce development

Job description

This is a Project position that is expected to last through June of 2027.

This position works in-person at the WorkSource office in Oak Harbor.

This position will be eligible for at least 1 day of telework per week after training.

The ideal candidate for the Employment Specialist 4 (WorkSource Specialist 4), on our Basic, Food, Employment and Training (BFET) project is a compassionate, customer-focused workforce professional who excels at helping individuals overcome barriers and move toward long-term self-sufficiency.

They bring strong skills in assessment, case management, and individualized service planning, using a client-centered approach to understand each person’s needs, goals, and challenges. They are adept at developing tailored employment and training strategies, guiding customers through program requirements, and providing coaching, mentoring, and instructional support that builds confidence and employability. This candidate thrives in dynamic environments where collaboration, outreach, and relationship-building are essential. They work closely with WorkSource partners, training providers, community organizations, and employers to coordinate resources, confirm eligibility, and connect customers with opportunities that align with labor market needs. They are skilled at job development, employer engagement, and facilitating workshops and orientations that prepare customers for employment. Their ability to navigate varied service settings—office, field, and remote—demonstrates adaptability and a commitment to meeting customers where they are. They are also detail-oriented, organized, and committed to maintaining high-quality documentation and compliance. They manage caseloads effectively, track expenditures, authorize support services, and ensure accurate, timely data entry across multiple systems. They use assessments, labor market information, and instructional strategies to support informed decision-making and positive outcomes. Their blend of empathy, technical expertise, and problem-solving ability makes them a trusted partner in delivering equitable, impactful employment and training services through the BFET program.

Develop and/or provide comprehensive, customer-centered employment and training services. This includes:

• Develops individualized service strategies based on needs assessment and assist customers in establishing self-sufficiency goals and developing and managing service plans to attain those goals
• Conduct individual interviews to articulate program services and activities; identify components such as individualized and training services, applicable to customer need
• Manage caseload; provide case management; facilitate appropriate support services and/or make referrals; identify and evaluate barriers and explore solutions to assist in removing barriers; assist in obtaining needed documentation

Assess knowledge, skills, and abilities to assist in determining employment and training activities and benefits. This includes:

• Administer a variety of assessments and informal and formal career tools; review and explain results; incorporate assessment results into employment plans in conjunction with relevant labor market information; prepare and present information to customer
• Develop and utilize a variety of instructional strategies appropriate to the needs of students, including the integration of technology, and guest speakers.

Develop and maintain relationships with partners, other service providers and businesses. This includes:

• Collaborate with WorkSource partners regarding enrollments, program guidelines, and training recommendations; negotiate and confirm customer eligibility
• Attend community meetings and events; represent the workforce partnership process; communicate and work closely with internal and external partners; be responsive to requests
• Coordinate resources with partners; communicate and promote agency and partner programs and services to encourage maximum utilization of available incentives

• 1 year as a WorkSource Specialist 3 or equivalent class within the Employment Security Department, or another state’s Employment Security agency
• OR 3 years of professional experience in workforce development, social or human resource services, public relations, or professional public contact work
• OR A combination of education and/or relevant experience

Required equity competencies:

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

The 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.

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.

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