Employment Specialist 3 (WSS3): WorkSource Cowlitz Wahkiakum

State of Washington • Cowlitz County – Kelso, WA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Employment Specialist 3 provides personalized employment support to job seekers in the office and through community outreach, helping customers work toward their employment goals. The position serves customers individually and in groups with empathy and professionalism, provides information about agency programs and services, and connects customers with employers, community resources, and workforce partners.

The role is based at the WorkSource Cowlitz Wahkiakum office in Kelso, Washington. It offers one remote-work day per week, subject to schedule needs, with the remainder of the week reporting in person. This is a project role with an anticipated end date of June 30, 2028. The position is part of the Workforce Services Division, which administers employment and related programs for job seekers and employers in Washington.

Requirements

• Meet one of the following qualification options: one year as a WorkSource Specialist 2 with the Employment Security Department or equivalent class with another state’s Employment Security agency; 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 relevant experience totaling at least two years.
• Ability to provide employment coaching, career guidance, and training.
• Knowledge of workforce development and ability to outline employment options.
• Ability to systematically track job seeker and employer interactions.
• Ability to assess job seekers’ needs and provide employment support and referrals.
• Problem-solving skills, including finding solutions and directing individuals to appropriate services.
• Digital literacy and ability to help job seekers use web-based employment tools and digital job-search platforms.
• Ability to take action to learn and grow, and to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Ability to pass an Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) claim and fraud check.
• Submit a cover letter and resume with the online application; complete the application work-experience section and supplemental responses.

Responsibilities

• Provide staff-assisted customer services, including group and individual in-depth interviews, registrations, and reviews of job readiness, employment barriers, and customer needs.
• Use informal skill, interest, and aptitude tools to identify employment or training goals; develop and monitor service plans; and recommend continuous improvements.
• Provide information in person, virtually, and by phone about agency programs and services, and refer customers to appropriate agency and community resources.
• Meet one-on-one with customers to discuss job-search strategies, provide labor market information, review resumes and cover letters, and assist with interview skills.
• Answer phone calls, route them to the appropriate team, and respond promptly to email and in-person inquiries.
• Help customers use resource center services and technology, including resumes, applications, and interview-skills training.
• Provide basic information about applying for unemployment benefits and direct customer concerns or problems to the appropriate liaison or supervisor.
• Monitor WorkSource program performance activity in agency reporting systems and prepare and distribute reports as requested by supervisors and managers.
• Collaborate with WorkSource partners on enrollments, program guidelines, training recommendations, and confirmation of customer eligibility.
• Represent the workforce partnership and communicate and work with partners and stakeholders, responding to their requests.

Benefits

• Flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities may be available for eligible positions.
• Employees are supported in their growth and development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed