Employment Specialist 4 (WSS4): Union Gap/Project

State of Washington; Union Gap (WA); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Washington’s WorkSource Union Gap is seeking a Project Specialist to deliver customer-centered employment and training services in a WorkSource setting. The role emphasizes needs assessment, individualized service plans, and navigating program guidelines with a commitment to removing barriers for job seekers.

The ideal candidate guides customers through assessments, training options, and resources, builds relationships with employers and partners, and maintains compliance with program

Qualifications

• Client-centered needs assessment to set goals and design service plans.
• Ability to evaluate client qualifications and determine eligibility.
• Structured career growth strategies and tailored service plans.

Responsibilities

• Develops individualized service strategies based on needs assessment.
• Conducts interviews to articulate program services and activities.
• Manages caseloads, provides case management, and coordinates referrals.

Skills

Client-Centered Service Delivery

Eligibility Assessment

Employability Plan Development

Career Coaching and Follow-Up

Job description

This is a Project position that is expected to last through June of 2028

This position works in-person at the WorkSource office in Union Gap.

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

The ideal candidate for the WorkSource Specialist 4 role is a dynamic and resourceful professional deeply committed to delivering customer-centered employment and training services. They possess a proven ability to conduct insightful individual assessments, manage complex caseloads, and facilitate critical support services to help job seekers overcome barriers and achieve sustainable employment.

Skilled in developing tailored employment service plans, they are adept at navigating program regulations, securing training resources, and guiding customers through every step of their workforce journey. Their coaching and mentoring skills enable them to connect meaningfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with significant employment challenges.

This candidate is also a confident communicator and facilitator, capable of leading workshops and orientations that meet the unique needs of special populations. With a solid grasp of instructional strategies, they can adapt learning experiences to accommodate various styles and interests. They utilize labor market information and formal assessment tools to craft personalized employment and training solutions, bringing clarity and direction to each customer’s goals.

Their background includes facilitation of job search curriculum, reflecting a genuine commitment to educational and workforce empowerment.

Beyond individual service, the ideal candidate is a skilled collaborator and community ambassador. They build and maintain productive relationships with employers, partners, and service providers, actively promoting agency programs and cultivating job opportunities. Their organizational savvy enables them to manage records with precision and maintain compliance with program protocols. Whether supporting front-line office operations or representing WorkSource in the field, these professionals thrive in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment where making a measurable impact in people’s lives is the ultimate reward.

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 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

To request a detailed position description, click here.

• 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.

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. 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 Caleb Baldwin, or at 253-306-2999 or the Talent Acquisition Team, prior to the position closing. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please contact [e-mail] or [phone] or toll free [phone], 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.

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