Employment Specialist (WSS4): WorkSource Everett (Non-Perm

Employment Specialist (WSS4) – Description

The Employment Security Department (ESD) is seeking a customer-focused workforce professional to serve as an Employment Specialist (WSS4). The ideal candidate is an empathetic, solutions-oriented problem solver—someone who builds trust quickly, listens deeply, and helps people navigate barriers with confidence. You are skilled at assessing needs, developing individualized plans, and coaching customers toward meaningful employment. You collaborate naturally with partners and employers, communicate clearly, and maintain meticulous documentation.

You thrive in a fast-paced environment where every interaction can change someone’s life.

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 and provides job seekers with referrals to partners providing Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) adult, youth, and dislocated worker training and support services.

Employment Specialists deliver comprehensive employment and training services designed to help individuals achieve self-sufficiency. This role conducts assessments, develops individualized service strategies, manages caseloads, and connects customers with training, resources, and job opportunities. You will support talent pipelines, facilitate workshops, and work closely with partners and employers to ensure strong service delivery and positive employment outcomes.

In this role, you will provide individualized employment and training services, guide customers through barriers, and support their progress toward sustainable employment. You will administer assessments, develop employment plans, facilitate workshops, and maintain accurate documentation in multiple systems. You will also collaborate with community partners and employers to identify opportunities, coordinate resources, and promote Work Source programs. Your work ensures customers receive high-quality support and that program requirements are met with consistency and care.

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
• Manage a caseload, provide case management, identify barriers, and coordinate support services or referrals
• 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
• 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 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…