Employment Specialist 4 (WSS4) - WorkSource Rainier

State of Washington•King County - Seattle - Rainier Valley, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Employment Specialist 4 (WSS4) position is located in Seattle, Washington, and becomes eligible for one day of hybrid remote work per week after successful completion of training and achievement of performance standards. The remaining workdays are performed onsite at the WorkSource Rainier office. This role is for a dynamic, mission-driven workforce professional committed to helping individuals overcome barriers to employment. The ideal candidate possesses a strong blend of analytical skill, cultural competence, and compassionate service to deliver individualized employment and training services. This role excels at conducting insightful assessments, managing complex caseloads, and providing above-basic-level services to support job seekers toward sustainable employment. The candidate should be comfortable working one-on-one with customers, facilitating group workshops, or representing WorkSource in community outreach settings. The Workforce Services Division (WSD) administers various programs for job seekers and employers, including the Labor Exchange (LEX), Migrant Seasonal Farmworker (MSFW), Veterans Services, Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), and WorkFirst and RESEA programs. It also provides referrals to partners offering Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) training and support services.

Requirements

Option 1: One year (1) as a WorkSource Specialist 3 within the Employment Security Department, or in an equivalent class with another state’s Employment Security agency.
Option 2: Two years (2) 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 equals two (2) or more 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

Deliver high-quality employment and training services to WorkSource customers both inside the WorkSource Rainier office and out in the community.
Conduct individualized interviews to explain program services, identify customer needs, and recommend next steps for continued engagement.
Manage a diverse caseload by providing case management, coordinating support services, making referrals, and helping customers obtain required documentation.
Identify and evaluate employment barriers and work with customers to explore solutions that support progress toward employment and training goals.
Determine program eligibility, enroll customers, explain participation requirements, and develop employment and training contracts in alignment with regulations and assessment results.
Administer assessments using formal and informal career tools; review results with customers and incorporate findings into individualized employment plans using relevant labor market information.
Prepare and present information to customers to support informed decision-making about training, employment pathways, and available services.
Monitor program performance using agency reporting systems; create and share reports as needed by supervisors and managers.
Maintain accurate case documentation including case notes, service plans, expenditures, and exit outcomes in accordance with state and federal protocols.
Enter and update data across multiple data management systems to ensure compliance and support program reporting.
Coordinate with other programs to ensure customers receive integrated services and seamless support across WorkSource lines of business.