Employment Specialist (WSS3) Bellingham

State of Washington•Whatcom County – Bellingham, WA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Employment Security Department (ESD) is seeking a collaborative, customer-centered professional to serve as an Employment Specialist (WSS3). The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and is passionate about helping job seekers achieve successful reemployment outcomes. They possess exceptional written and verbal communication skills, build trust with individuals from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds. They demonstrate empathy while conducting comprehensive employment assessments, identifying barriers, and connecting customers to appropriate workforce, training, and community resources. The successful candidate is coachable, adaptable, and a strong team player who values inclusion and cultural awareness. They are skilled at developing service plans, maintaining accurate case documentation, navigating workforce technology and online employment systems. They balance multiple priorities with attention to detail. Experience providing reemployment services, coordinating with internal and external partners, and promoting WorkSource programs is highly valued, as is the ability to embrace feedback and contribute positively to a collaborative team dedicated to improving economic security for Washingtonians. 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 and 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 year as a WorkSource 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.
Must be able to pass an Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Paid Family Medical and Leave (PFML) claim and fraud check.

Nice To Haves

Experience providing reemployment services, coordinating with internal and external partners, and promoting WorkSource programs is highly valued, as is the ability to embrace feedback and contribute positively to a collaborative team dedicated to improving economic security for Washingtonians.

Responsibilities

Provide individualized employment and reemployment services by assessing customer needs, identifying employment barriers and developing service plans that connect job seekers to employment, training and support resources.
Coach customers throughout their employment journey by providing career guidance, job search assistance, digital resource navigation, and referrals to workforce and community services.
Maintain accurate case records by documenting customer interactions, assessments, service plans, program activities, and outcomes in agency information systems.
Build collaborative partnerships with WorkSource staff, employers, training providers, and community organizations to coordinate services and support successful customer outcomes.
Promote WorkSource programs and resources by determining program eligibility, making appropriate referrals and encouraging customer engagement with available services.
Deliver exceptional customer service by managing a diverse caseload, communicating effectively with customers from varied backgrounds, and adapting to a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.