Employment Specialist - Business Services : WorkSource Everett

Employment Specialist (WSS4)

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:
Work Source, Central Operations System Support, and Washington Service Corps (WSC). WSD administers the Labor Exchange (LEX), Migrant Seasonal Farm worker (MSFW), Veterans Services, Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), and Work First 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.

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 Work Source 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 Work Source 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 Work Source programs.

This position is located in Everett, WA and requires in person-attendance to the Work Source Everett office.

• 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 Work Source programs and services.
• Perform staff-assisted job development, job matching, job referrals, and job-search verification.
• Conduct outreach to local employers to promote Work Source 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 Work Source 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.

Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:

Option 1:
One year as a Work Source 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…