Employment Development Specialist (WSS3): North Seattle-Non-Permanent

Description ESD is hiring for 2 non-permanent positions that are expected to last through December of 2026. The salary listed above includes the scheduled 2% general salary increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026. Note: King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible to receive a free ORCA card for transportation use. This position works in-person at the WorkSource office in North Seattle. The ideal candidate for the WorkSource Specialist 3 role is a dynamic and adaptable workforce development professional with a strong commitment to serving diverse communities. They bring a deep understanding of integrated service delivery and are passionate about connecting job seekers with meaningful employment opportunities while supporting employers in meeting their workforce needs. The incumbent will deliver employment services at the WorkSource Center for those customers who need job search support, training and assistance to find employment who are unemployed. This candidate thrives in a fast‑paced environment and is skilled at navigating multiple program areas including WorkFirst, Basic Food & Employment, Veterans Services, Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) and Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act, among others. They excel in providing customer‑centered employment services, conducting assessments to identify training and employment pathways, and facilitating engaging orientations and workshops. They are detail‑oriented and proficient in records management, ensuring compliance with agency and program procedures. Their ability to build and maintain strong relationships with businesses, community partners, and service providers enhances the reach and impact of WorkSource services. A collaborative team player, they contribute to regional service strategies and are committed to fostering innovation, continuity, and staff morale. They demonstrate a clear understanding of federal, state, and local policies and are dedicated to upholding agency performance standards. With a proactive mindset and a customer‑first approach, this candidate is well positioned to advance the mission of ESD and make a lasting impact in the community. Duties Provide staff-assisted customer services; conduct group and individual in-depth interviews, partial and full registrations, and review job readiness, employment barriers and customer needs; administer skill, interest, and aptitude tests using formal tools; identify employment and/or training goals; develop and monitor service plans; develop recommendations for continuous engagement Provide information about the full range of agency services and programs; direct to appropriate internal or external resources and/or support services; provide for continuous engagement Provide career and/or employment guidance and training information; refer customers to job search, training providers and/or resources through WorkSource and/or partner services Administer a variety of assessments and informal and formal career tools; review and explain results; incorporate assessment results into employment plans in conjunction with relevant labor market information; prepare and present information to customer Record and maintain case notes, service plans, program-related expenditures, and exit outcomes; coordinate with other employment and training programs as necessary; enter new and/or updated data in management information systems Facilitates general or program-related workshops and support group activities Facilitates customer orientation to WorkSource services Qualifications 1 year as a WorkSource Specialist 2 or equivalent class within the Employment Security Department, or another state’s Employment Security agency 2 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 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 is 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. Insurance 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. Retirement And Deferred Compensation 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. Social Security 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. Public Service Loan Forgiveness 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. Holidays 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 non‑overtime 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‑rata 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. Sick 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 accrual 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. Vacation (Annual Leave) 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 non‑overtime 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‑rata 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. Military Leave Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Bereavement Leave 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. Additional 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Washington