Employment Specialist 4 (WSS4): Union Gap/Project

State of Washington

Yakima (WA)

Hybrid

USD 52,000 - 72,000

Full time

23 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Telework after training

Public sector benefits

Job summary

State of Washington WorkSource is seeking a Project-position Specialist 4 to deliver customer-centered employment and training services in Union Gap, WA. The role requires conducting assessments, managing complex caseloads, and guiding customers through workforce commitments.

The ideal candidate will communicate effectively, facilitate workshops, and collaborate with employers and partners to promote programs and opportunities.

Qualifications

1 year as a WorkSource Specialist 3 or equivalent class
OR 3 years of professional experience in workforce development or related fields
OR A combination of education and/or relevant experience

Responsibilities

Develop and provide comprehensive, customer-centered employment and training services
Develop individualized service strategies and assist customers in establishing goals
Manage caseload; provide case management and referrals
Administer assessments and labor market information to inform plans
Collaborate with WorkSource partners and coordinate resources

Skills

Communicator

Facilitator

Coaching

Partnership building

Job description

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.

Duties

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

Qualifications

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.

Supplemental Information

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.

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave