Employment Specialist - Business Services (WSS4): WorkSource Everett

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. Qualifications 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. Supplemental Information 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. 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 recruitment may be used to fill additional agency-wide positions This recruitment may be used to fill additional agency-wide positions in accordance with Article 4 of the WFSE Collective Bargaining Agreement. This Organization Participates in E-Verify 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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‑ratio 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. 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. 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‑ratio 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. 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. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. 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. 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. Updated 01-07-2026 #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Washington