Worksource Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description The Employment Security Department (ESD) is seeking a dynamic, business-focused workforce professional to serve as an Employment Specialist (WSS4). The ideal candidate is an energetic relationship-builder-someone who excels at outreach, communicates with confidence, and thrives in roles that blend customer service with sales, recruiting, or business development. You are persuasive without being pushy, skilled at identifying employer needs, and comfortable promoting government programs that support Washington's businesses.

You enjoy connecting with people, building partnerships, and opening doors to new opportunities. You bring curiosity, initiative, and a talent for helping both job seekers and employers succeed. Note: The salary listed above includes the scheduled 2% general salary increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.

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. WSD also connects job seekers with partners providing Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) adult, youth, and dislocated worker training and support services.

Duties Employment Specialists deliver comprehensive employment and training services that help individuals achieve self-sufficiency-but this role goes beyond traditional job-seeker support. As a WSS4, you will play a key role in business engagement, conducting outreach to local employers, promoting WorkSource services, and helping businesses access state and federal workforce programs. You will build relationships with hiring managers, identify workforce needs, and support talent pipelines that connect qualified job seekers to employers.

This position blends coaching, outreach, and consultative service to strengthen both sides of the labor market. In this role, you will provide individualized employment services to job seekers while also serving as an advocate for employers. You will conduct outreach to local businesses, promote WorkSource resources, and help employers understand how state programs can support their hiring and training needs.

You will administer assessments, develop employment plans, facilitate workshops, and maintain accurate documentation. You will collaborate with partners, community organizations, and employers to identify opportunities, coordinate resources, and expand awareness of WorkSource programs. This position is located in Everett, WA and requires in person-attendance to the WorkSource Everett office.

Key Responsibilities Conduct needs assessments, develop individualized service strategies, and help customers establish and manage self-sufficiency goals. Develop individualized employment plans and guide customers in effectively using WorkSource programs and services. Perform staff-assisted job development, job matching, job referrals, and job-search verification.

Conduct outreach to local employers to promote WorkSource services, identify hiring needs, and build ongoing business relationships. Provide coaching, mentoring, and life-skills instruction to customers with employment barriers. Facilitate group and one-on-one orientations, workshops, and job-preparation activities using in-person and virtual methods.

Administer formal and informal assessments, explain results, and incorporate findings into employment plans. Collaborate with WorkSource partners to confirm eligibility, coordinate resources, and align training recommendations. Maintain accurate case notes, service plans, expenditures, and outcomes; enter and update data in multiple systems.

To request a full job description, click here Qualifications Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options: Option 1: One year as a WorkSource Specialist 3 or equivalent class within the Employment Security Department, or another state's Employment Security agency Option 2: Three 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 that totals three 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. 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. 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.

Please submit your Cover Letter and Resume with your Online Application through the "Add Attachments" field. A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields, or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see attachments" may be considered incomplete.

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 or 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 careershelp@des.wa.gov or (360) 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960, 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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