Employment Specialist (WSS4): WorkSource Kitsap

Full Job Description

WorkSource is Washington state's public workforce system, connecting job seekers with employment opportunities and helping businesses find qualified talent.

Through a network of centers and online tools, WorkSource offers free services like job search assistance, career counseling, training resources, hiring events, and labor market information.

The goal is to support individuals in achieving meaningful employment while strengthening the local economy through workforce development.

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.

Requirements

In this position, you’ll work directly with customers to assess their needs, determine eligibility for specialized programs, and create personalized employment and training plans.

You’ll conduct interviews, provide coaching and mentoring, and help remove barriers to employment by connecting people to support services and resources.

You’ll also lead workshops, deliver classroom instruction, and use a variety of tools to help customers explore career options and job opportunities.

This role includes maintaining accurate records, coordinating with partner agencies, and building relationships with local employers to identify job openings and training opportunities.

Occasional use of Spanish for speaking, reading, and writing is required to support our diverse customer base.

This role is located in Silverdale, Washington and requires in-person attendance reporting to the WorkSource Kitsap office. 1 day of telework may be approved upon completion of training.

Some of what you will do:

• Interview and assess customers to explain program services, identify needs, and create engagement plans
• Manage caseloads by offering case management, referrals, barrier removal, and documentation support.
• Determine eligibility, enroll participants, and develop employment/training contracts aligned with regulations.
• Facilitate job development, referrals, follow-up, and provide coaching to customers with employment barriers.
• Design and deliver instruction, workshops, and curriculum tailored to diverse learning styles and needs, including bilingual communication when necessary.
• Conduct assessments, interpret results, and integrate findings into employment and training plans.
• Maintain accurate records, generate reports, and collaborate with businesses, partners, and community organizations to connect customers with opportunities.

To request a detailed position description, click here.

Qualifications

Required:

One year as a WorkSource Specialist 3 or equivalent class within the Employment Security Department, or another state’s Employment Security agency

OR A Bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience in workforce development, social or human resource services, public relations, or public contact work, such as: education, social services, public relations, human resource services, unemployment insurance, benefits programs, insurance claims, law enforcement and banking OR a combination of education and/or relevant experience.

OR A combination of education and/or relevant experience that totals seven (7) or more years.

The 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.
• Employment Needs Assessment Expertise: Ability to identify workforce gaps through in-depth counseling. Barrier Resolution Skills: Proficiency in determining employment obstacles.
• Career Coaching and Follow-Up Expertise: Ability to provide ongoing workforce guidance. Post-Employment Support Skills: Proficiency in assisting clients with workplace transitions.
• Employability Plan Development Expertise: Ability to structure personalized career growth strategies. Collaboration Skills: Proficiency in working with service providers for coordinated support.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Expertise: Ability to maintain fair and accessible workforce programs. Regulatory Compliance Knowledge: Proficiency in applying nondiscrimination policies.

Desired Qualifications:

Required equity competencies:
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of other.

Education to Experience Equivalences:

Associate Degree = 2 years | Bachelor Degree = 4 years | Masters or Higher = 5 years

Additional Requirement 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.

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.

Additional 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 Organization Participates in E-Verify**