Employment Specialist 4 (WSS4): WorkSource Columbia Basin OCDL

State of Washington Employment Security Department; Kennewick (WA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Washington Employment Security Department is seeking an Employment Specialist in Kennewick. You will engage diverse job seekers and employers through in-person support, outreach, and program guidance, emphasizing empathy, professionalism, and technology fluency.

The role requires Spanish language proficiency and in-office work at the WorkSource Columbia Basin location, collaborating with partners to connect people with opportunities.

Qualifications

• Spanish language proficiency is required (read, speak, write).
• Experience in workforce development or public service is preferred.
• Ability to assess eligibility and develop employability plans.
• Strong customer service and technical skills are essential.
• In-person attendance in Kennewick, WA is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide staff-assisted customer services, including interviews and registrations.
• Use tests to identify goals and develop service plans.
• Explain agency services in person, virtually, or by phone and refer to resources.
• Meet one-on-one with customers to discuss job search strategies and resumes.
• Answer calls, respond to emails, and guide inquiries to the right team.
• Assist customers with workforce resources, resumes, and interview skills training.
• Provide unemployment benefits information and route issues appropriately.
• Monitor performance data and prepare/disseminate reports as required.
• Collaborate with WorkSource partners on enrollments and eligibility.
• Represent the workforce partnership and coordinate with stakeholders.

Skills

Customer service

Community outreach

Computer proficiency

Organizational skills

Adaptability under pressure

Excellent communication

Education

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree or Higher

Tools

Informal testing tools

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.

This is an OCDL (Occasional Dual Language) vacancy and requires the ability to read, speak, and write proficiently in Spanish in order to qualify for further consideration.

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.

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, apply today to support our mission of connecting job seekers with employers! This 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 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 3 within the Employment Security Department, or in an equivalent class with another state’s Employment Security agency.

Option 2:

• Three years (3) years of professional 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 equalsthree (3) or more years.

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.

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?

Ouragency'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 Katie Swanson (360-742-8208), the Talent Acquisition Team, or Washington Relay Service 711 prior to the recruitment 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.

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