Employment Specialist (WSS3) Bellingham in Bellingham, Washington at State of Washington
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Job Description
The Employment Security Department (ESD) is seeking a collaborative, customer-centered professional to serve as an Employment Specialist (WSS3).
The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and is passionate about helping job seekers achieve successful reemployment outcomes. They possess exceptional written and verbal communication skills, build trust with individuals from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds.
They demonstrate empathy while conducting comprehensive employment assessments, identifying barriers, and connecting customers to appropriate workforce, training, and community resources. The successful candidate is coachable, adaptable, and a strong team player who values inclusion and cultural awareness. They are skilled at developing service plans, maintaining accurate case documentation, navigating workforce technology and online employment systems. They balance multiple priorities with attention to detail.
Experience providing reemployment services, coordinating with internal and external partners, and promoting WorkSource programs is highly valued, as is the ability to embrace feedback and contribute positively to a collaborative team dedicated to improving economic security for Washingtonians.
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 and 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.
As an Employment Specialist (WSS3), you will deliver routine, customer-centered employment services by conducting interviews, assessing job readiness and barriers, and providing guidance, referrals, and support that connects individuals to appropriate employment, training, and resource options. This position is based in Whatcom County and requires in person attendance. Upon completion of probationary period may be provided 1 day of telework per week and dependent on the business needs of the office.
Some of what you will do daily:
- Provide individualized employment and reemployment services by assessing customer needs, identifying employment barriers and developing service plans that connect job seekers to employment, training and support resources.
- Coach customers throughout their employment journey by providing career guidance, job search assistance, digital resource navigation, and referrals to workforce and community services.
- Maintain accurate case records by documenting customer interactions, assessments, service plans, program activities, and outcomes in agency information systems.
- Build collaborative partnerships with WorkSource staff, employers, training providers, and community organizations to coordinate services and support successful customer outcomes.
- Promote WorkSource programs and resources by determining program eligibility, making appropriate referrals and encouraging customer engagement with available services.
- Deliver exceptional customer service by managing a diverse caseload, communicating effectively with customers from varied backgrounds, and adapting to a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
To request a detailed position description click here.
Required Qualifications:
One year as a WorkSource Specialist 2 within the Employment Security Department, or in an equivalent class with another state’s Employment Security agency.
OR
Two 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.
Required experience includes:
Employment Coaching Expertise: Ability to provide career guidance and training.
Workforce Development Knowledge: Proficiency in outlining employment options.
Data Management Expertise: Ability to track job seeker and employer interactions systematically.
Employment Support and Referral Expertise: Ability to assess job seekers’ needs effectively.
Problem-Solving Skills: Proficiency in finding solutions and directing individuals to the correct services.
Digital Literacy and Online Navigation Expertise: Ability to support job seekers in using web-based employment tools.
Customer Assistance Skills: Proficiency in guiding individuals through digital job search platforms.
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.
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 Sanyu.Tushabe@esd.wa.gov or at 360.867.8629 or the Talent Acquisition Team, prior to the position 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.