Employment Specialist (WSS4): WorkSource Thurston

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Washington is seeking an Employment Specialist (WSS4) to deliver customer-centered employment and training services through Labor Exchange (LEX) case management, conducting assessments, managing complex caseloads, and linking job seekers to support services and resources.

Based in Lacey with in-person duties at WorkSource Thurston, the role requires travel to regional counties and one day of telework after training.

Qualifications

• Client-centered service delivery: needs assessment to evaluate client situations and set realistic objectives.
• Eligibility assessment: ability to evaluate and determine client qualifications.
• Employability plan development: structure personalized career growth strategies.
• Career coaching and follow-up: provide ongoing workforce guidance.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Job 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.

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 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.

In this role, you will assess customer needs, determine eligibility for specialized programs, and create personalized employment and training plans, with a core focus on LEX case management. You will conduct interviews, provide coaching and mentoring, and help remove barriers to employment by connecting individuals to support services and resources. You will also lead workshops, deliver classroom instruction, and use assessments and labor market information to guide customers toward meaningful career pathways and direct labor market placement. This position requires maintaining accurate case notes and records within the LEX system, coordinating with partner agencies, and collaborating with local employers to identify job openings, facilitate job matches, and expand training opportunities.

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

Some of your daily tasks include but are not limited to:

• 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.

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) 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.

Please submit only the required documents as noted below and ensure all Personal Identifying Information (PII) such as Social Security numbers etc. are edited out of your materials for privacy.

Additionally, we ask that you not include photographs or external links within your documents. Any documents uploaded through this platform will be securely transmitted electronically to support application review.

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.

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.

This Organization Participates in E-Verify