Employment Specialist (WSS4): WorkSource Thurston

State of Washington; Lacey (WA); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Employment Specialist (WSS4) role at the State of Washington is based in Lacey, WA and supports WorkSource Thurston with in-person service delivery. The position requires managing LEX caseloads, administering assessments, and guiding customers through eligibility, training, and employment contracts while coordinating with employers and partner agencies.

Strong coaching, collaboration, and equity-centered service are essential, with some travel to regional counties and one day of telework

Qualifications

• Experience delivering client-centered employment services and case management.
• Ability to evaluate eligibility and develop employability plans.
• Strong collaboration with employers, partners, and service providers.

Responsibilities

• Develop individualized service strategies based on needs assessments and set self-sufficiency goals.
• Manage a dedicated LEX caseload and provide comprehensive case management.
• Explain program activities, enroll participants, and develop training contracts per regulations.

Skills

LEX Case Mgmt

Client-Centred Service

Needs Assessment

Coaching & Mentoring

Education

Assoc Degree eq

Bachelors Degree eq

Masters+ eq

Job description

Description

The ideal candidate for the Employment Specialist (WSS4) role is a dynamic and resourceful professional deeply committed to delivering customer-centered employment and training services, with a strong focus on Labor Exchange (LEX) case management. They possess a proven ability to conduct insightful individual assessments, manage complex LEX and public labor exchange 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. 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, facilitating labor exchange connections, and cultivating job opportunities. Their organizational savvy enables them to manage records with precision and maintain compliance with LEX and 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.

This role is located in Lacey, Washington, with in-person attendance required at the WorkSource Thurston office. The position requires regular travel to other regional counties to support employer services. One day of telework may be approved after training is complete.

• Develop individualized service strategies based on needs assessments; assist customers in setting self-sufficiency goals and managing LEX service plans.
• Conduct interviews to explain program activities, identifying specific labor exchange, training, and Wagner-Peyser services that match customer needs.
• Manage a dedicated LEX caseload, provide comprehensive case management, deliver support services, and help resolve employment barriers.
• Determine program eligibility, enroll participants, explain LEX requirements, and develop training contracts based on regulations and assessments.
• Build individual employment plans and guide customers on how to effectively use public labor exchange networks and training resources.
• Lead staff-assisted job development, facilitate labor exchange matches, make targeted referrals, and verify customer job search activities.
• Conduct proactive outreach and continuous follow-up services for active LEX case management customers.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to guide customers with employment barriers, ensuring equitable access to labor exchange resources.

Qualifications

• 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) 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 equals three (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.

Supplemental Information

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.

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.

More than Just a Paycheck!

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.

Read About Our Benefits:

• 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. Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

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.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

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

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.