Employment Specialist (WSS4): WorkSource Thurston

State of Washington•Thurston County – Olympia, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Employment Specialist (WSS4) provides customer-centered employment and training services, with a primary focus on Labor Exchange (LEX) case management. The role assesses customer needs and eligibility, develops individualized employment and training plans, and connects job seekers with services and resources to address barriers and achieve sustainable employment. The specialist conducts interviews, provides coaching and mentoring, leads workshops and classroom instruction, and uses assessments and labor market information to help customers pursue career pathways and employment. The position maintains accurate case notes and records in the LEX system, coordinates with partner agencies, and works with local employers to identify job openings, facilitate job matches, and expand training opportunities. It also includes outreach, follow-up, referrals, and representing WorkSource in the community and field. The role is based at the WorkSource Thurston office in Lacey, Washington, and requires in-person attendance. Regular travel to other regional counties is required to support employer services. One day of telework may be approved after training is complete.

Requirements

Meet one of the following qualification options: one year as a WorkSource Specialist 3 within the Employment Security Department or an equivalent class at another state's Employment Security agency; 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 totaling at least three years.
Demonstrate client-centered service delivery skills, including needs assessment, goal setting, case management, problem-solving, and effective communication.
Be able to assess and determine client eligibility and qualifications.
Be able to develop personalized employability plans and career growth strategies.
Be able to provide career coaching and ongoing follow-up guidance.
Demonstrate the ability to take action to learn and grow and to take action to meet the needs of others.
Pass an Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) claim and fraud check.
Attend in person at the WorkSource Thurston office in Lacey, Washington, and travel regularly to other regional counties.

Responsibilities

Develop individualized service strategies based on needs assessments and help customers set self-sufficiency goals and manage LEX service plans.
Conduct interviews to explain program activities and identify labor exchange, training, and Wagner-Peyser services that match customer needs.
Manage a dedicated LEX caseload, provide comprehensive case management and support services, and help resolve employment barriers.
Determine program eligibility, enroll participants, explain LEX requirements, and develop training contracts in accordance with regulations and assessments.
Create individual employment plans and guide customers in using public labor exchange networks and training resources.
Lead staff-assisted job development, facilitate labor exchange matches, make targeted referrals, and verify customer job-search activities.
Conduct proactive outreach and ongoing follow-up with active LEX case-management customers.
Coach and mentor customers facing employment barriers and support equitable access to labor exchange resources.
Lead workshops and deliver classroom instruction, using assessments and labor market information to guide customers toward career pathways and direct labor market placement.
Maintain accurate case notes and records in the LEX system and comply with program protocols.
Coordinate with partner agencies and collaborate with local employers to identify job openings, facilitate job matches, and expand training opportunities.
Travel regularly to other regional counties to support employer services.