Employment Specialist 4 (WSS4): Oak Harbor-BFET Program/Project

State of Washington • Island County - Oak Harbor, WA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Employment Specialist 4 (WorkSource Specialist 4) works on the Basic, Food, Employment and Training (BFET) project, providing customer-centered employment and training services. The project position is expected to last through June 2027. The role is based in person at the WorkSource office in Oak Harbor and is eligible for at least one telework day per week after training.

The specialist helps customers address barriers and move toward self-sufficiency through assessment, case management, individualized service planning, career coaching, and referrals. The role also coordinates with WorkSource partners, training providers, community organizations, and employers to confirm eligibility, coordinate resources, and connect customers with employment and training opportunities. Responsibilities include maintaining accurate documentation and data, managing caseloads and expenditures, authorizing support services, and facilitating workshops and orientations.

Requirements

• One year as a WorkSource Specialist 3 or equivalent class within the Employment Security Department or another state’s Employment Security agency; or three 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.
• Ability to take action to learn and grow.
• Ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
• Experience with client-centered service delivery, including needs assessment, goal setting, case management, problem-solving barriers, and effective client communication.
• Ability to evaluate and determine client eligibility.
• Expertise in developing individualized employability plans.
• Expertise in providing ongoing career coaching and follow-up.
• Must pass an Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Paid Family Medical and Leave (PFML) claim and fraud check.

Responsibilities

• Develop individualized service strategies based on needs assessments and help customers establish self-sufficiency goals and manage service plans.
• Conduct individual interviews to explain program services and activities and identify services appropriate to customer needs.
• Manage a caseload and provide case management, support services, referrals, barrier assessment, problem-solving assistance, and help obtaining required documentation.
• Assess customers’ knowledge, skills, and abilities to help determine appropriate employment and training activities and benefits.
• Administer formal and informal career assessments, explain results, and incorporate them and labor market information into employment plans.
• Develop and use instructional strategies suited to students’ needs, including technology and guest speakers.
• Build and maintain relationships with partners, service providers, and businesses.
• Collaborate with WorkSource partners on enrollments, program guidelines, and training recommendations; negotiate and confirm customer eligibility.
• Attend community meetings and events, represent the workforce partnership process, and communicate with internal and external partners.
• Coordinate resources with partners and promote agency and partner programs and services.
• Maintain high-quality documentation and compliance, manage expenditures, authorize support services, and ensure accurate, timely data entry across multiple systems.
• Facilitate workshops and orientations and support job development and employer engagement.

Benefits

• At least one telework day per week after training.
• Flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities may be available for many positions.
• Work-life balance support and opportunities for employee growth and development.

What This Job Offers

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