Employment Specialist 4 (WSS4) - WorkSource Cowlitz/Wahkiakum - Internal Only

State of Washington•Cowlitz County – Kelso, WA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is open to current, internal ESD employees only. 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. 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 outcome. About the Workforce Services Division: Workforce Services Division (WSD) is made up of three Lines of Business: WorkSource, Central Operations System Support, and Washington Service Corps (WSC). WSD administers the Labor Exchange (LEX), Migrant Seasonal Farmworker (MSFW), Veterans Services, Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), and WorkFirst 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.

Requirements

One (1) year as a WorkSource Specialist 3 or equivalent class within the Employment Security Department, or another state’s Employment Security agency.
Three (3) years of professional experience in workforce development, social or human resource services, public relations, or professional public contact work.
A combination of education and/or relevant experience that totals three (3) years.
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 to address barriers, and communication skills to guide and support clients effectively.
Eligibility Assessment Expertise: Ability to evaluate and determine client qualifications.
Employability Plan Development Expertise: Ability to structure personalized career growth strategies.
Career Coaching and Follow-Up Expertise: Ability to provide ongoing workforce guidance.
The ability to take action to learn and grow.
The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
Must be able to pass an Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Paid Family Medical and Leave (PFML) claim and fraud check.

Responsibilities

Provide individualized employment and training services, guide customers through barriers, and support their progress toward sustainable employment.
Administer assessments, develop employment plans, facilitate workshops, and maintain accurate documentation in multiple systems.
Collaborate with community partners and employers to identify opportunities, coordinate resources, and promote WorkSource programs.
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 WorkSource 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 WorkSource 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.