Employment Specialist (WSS3) RESEA - Kitsap

The Employment Security Department (ESD) is seeking a collaborative, customer-centered professional to serve as an Employment Specialist (WSS3).

The ideal candidate is passionate about helping individuals overcome barriers to employment and achieve meaningful career goals. They are skilled at building relationships, conducting comprehensive assessments, and connecting customers to employment services, training opportunities, and community resources.

A successful candidate is able to empower jobseekers by providing a structured and supportive process that helps the unemployed individuals navigate challenges, find clarity, and connect with valuable resources within Work Source and the community.

Staff who currently are employed in this role values the meaningful one-on-one impact by taking the opportunity to listen, guide, and offer insights that make a real difference in our customer’s journey.

They thrive in a dynamic environment, communicate with empathy and clarity, and balance customer needs with program requirements and regulatory expectations. They are comfortable utilizing data and technology to support service delivery and continuous customer engagement.

The successful candidate demonstrates strong problem-solving abilities, values, collaboration and is motivated to make a meaningful difference in the lives of job seekers, employers and the broader Kitsap County community.

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 and Seasonal Farm worker (MSFW), Veterans Services, Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), and Work First 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.

As an Employment Specialist (WSS3), will deliver routine, customer-centered employment services by

conducting interviews, assessing job readiness and barriers, and providing guidance, referrals, and

support that connects individuals to appropriate employment, training, and resource options.

From time to time use your exceptional customer service and deescalation skills to support and assist customers who may be unfamiliar with complex processes. This position is based in Kitsap County and
requires in person attendance. Upon completion of probationary period you may be provided 1 day of telework per week and dependent on the business needs of the office.

• Provide routine individualized employment and career services by assessing customer needs, identifying barriers to employment, and developing service plans and employment strategies.
• Deliver career coaching and workforce guidance by assisting customers with job search activities, training opportunities, career exploration, and employment readiness.
• Connect customers to resources and support services through referrals to internal programs, community partners, raining providers and supportive services.
• Facilitate workshops and orientations using in-person and virtual methods to educate customers on Work Source services, technology tools, and employment resources.
• Maintain case records and program documentation by recording customer interactions, service plans, expenditures, outcomes, and ensuring compliance with agency policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with employers and community organizations to coordinate services, promote workforce programs, and maximize opportunities and resources for customers.

To request a detailed position description .

• One year as a Work Source Specialist 2 within the Employment Security Department, or in an equivalent class with another state’s Employment Security agency.
• OR
• Two 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.

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

• 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.