Employment Specialist

Salary : $54,504.00 - $73,284.00 Annually
Location : Grant County - Moses Lake, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2025-08672
Department: Employment Security Department
Division: Workforce Services
Opening Date: 12/17/2025
Closing Date: 12/31/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Description
The ideal candidate for this position will excel in serving a diverse range of customers, whether individually or in groups, with both empathy and professionalism. Demonstrating exceptional customer service skills and computer proficiency is crucial.This position also requires the ability to occasionally speak and write in Spanish. Additionally, the candidate must be highly organized and adaptable, especially under pressure, to thrive in this role.
WorkSource is Washington state's public workforce system, connecting job seekers with employment opportunities and helping businesses find qualified talent. Through a network of centers and online tools, WorkSource offers free services like job search assistance, career counseling, training resources, hiring events, and labor market information. The goal is to support individuals in achieving meaningful employment while strengthening the local economy through workforce development.

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.

Duties
In this position, you'll work directly with customers to assess their needs, determine eligibility for specialized programs, and create personalized employment and training plans. You'll conduct interviews, provide coaching and mentoring, and help remove barriers to employment by connecting people to support services and resources. You'll also lead workshops, deliver classroom instruction, and use a variety of tools to help customers explore career options and job opportunities. This role includes maintaining accurate records, coordinating with partner agencies, and building relationships with local employers to identify job openings and training opportunities. Occasional use of Spanish for speaking, reading, and writing is required to support our diverse customer base. This role is located in Moses Lake, Washington and requires in-person attendance reporting to the WorkSource Central Basin office.

Some of what you will do:

• Interview and assess customers to explain program services, identify needs, and create engagement plans - occasionally providing information in Spanish.
• Manage caseloads by offering case management, referrals, barrier removal, and documentation support, with the ability to assist Spanish-speaking customers.
• Determine eligibility, enroll participants, and develop employment/training contracts aligned with regulations.
• Approve or deny support service requests, track resources, and create individualized employment service plans.
• Facilitate job development, referrals, follow-up, and provide coaching to customers with employment barriers.
• Design and deliver instruction, workshops, and curriculum tailored to diverse learning styles and needs, including bilingual communication when necessary.
• Conduct assessments, interpret results, and integrate findings into employment and training plans.
• Maintain accurate records, generate reports, and collaborate with businesses, partners, and community organizations to connect customers with opportunities.

To request a detailed position description, click here.

Qualifications
Required:

One year as a WorkSource Specialist 3 or equivalent class within the Employment Security Department, or another state's Employment Security agency

OR A Bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience in workforce development, social or human resource services, public relations, or public contact work, such as: education, social services, public relations, human resource services, unemployment insurance, benefits programs, insurance claims, law enforcement and banking OR a combination of education and/or relevant experience.

OR A combination of education and/or relevant experience that totals seven (7) or more years.

AND Must occasionally communicate effectively in person, via telephone and in writing in Spanish.
The required experience includes:

• 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.
• Employment Needs Assessment Expertise: Ability to identify workforce gaps through in-depth counseling. Barrier Resolution Skills: Proficiency in determining employment obstacles.
• Career Coaching and Follow-Up Expertise: Ability to provide ongoing workforce guidance. Post-Employment Support Skills: Proficiency in assisting clients with workplace transitions.
• Employability Plan Development Expertise: Ability to structure personalized career growth strategies. Collaboration Skills: Proficiency in working with service providers for coordinated support.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Expertise: Ability to maintain fair and accessible workforce programs. Regulatory Compliance Knowledge: Proficiency in applying nondiscrimination policies.

Desired Qualifications:

Required equity competencies:• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of other.
Education to Experience Equivalences:

Associate Degree = 2 years | Bachelor Degree = 4 years | Masters or Higher = 5 years
Additional Requirement of Employment:

• Must be able to pass Unemployment Insurance (UI) & Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) claim and fraud check.

Please submit only the required documents as noted below and ensure all Personal Identifying Information (PII) such as Social Security numbers etc. are edited out of your materials for privacy.

Additionally, we ask that you not include photographs or external links within your documents. Any documents uploaded through this platform will be securely transmitted electronically to support application review.
Please submit your Cover Letter and Resume with your through the "Add Attachments" field. A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields, or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see attachments" may be considered incomplete.

Supplemental Information
Why work with us?

Ouragency's mission and values drive every decision that we make, determine how we interact with others and are at the core of who we are. We value Access, Love, Belonging, Equity, and Stewardship. We understand that a work environment that respects your work/life balance is key; that's why many of our positions are eligible for flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities. Through support, value, and trust, our employees are empowered to grow and develop into their best self.
Opportunity for All

We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people over 40 years of age, people with religious beliefs, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
The Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
If you are a person needing assistance in the application process, if you need this job announcement in an alternate format, or if you have general questions about this opportunity, please contact Katie Swanson or the Talent Acquisition Team, orWashington Relay Service 711 prior to the recruitment closing. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please contact careershelp@des.wa.gov or (360) 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960, Washington Relay 711.
**This Organization Participates in E-Verify**
More than Just a Paycheck
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 07-21-2025
01

I understand that to be considered for this position I must include a resume and letter of interest with this applicant packet.

• Yes
• No

02

Are you a current or former State of Washington employee?

• Yes
• No

03

If you answered "yes" to the question above, please indicate which state agency(ies) you have worked for. If this does not apply to you, type N/A.
04

This position requires the ability to communicate proficiently in person, via telephone and in writing in Spanish. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

05

Select any of the following that best describes your WorkSource Specialist experience gained at ESD or in another state's employment security agency.

• 1 year or more as a WSS3 or equivalent class within ESD.
• 1 year or more as a WSS3 equivalent class in another state's ES agency.
• None of the above.

06

Select the Microsoft programs in which you have an intermediate to advanced skill level, generally attained through a minimum of 2-3 years of experience of use on the job.

• Word
• Teams
• Outlook
• Excel
• PowerPoint

07

The essential functions of this position require assisting customers with job search strategies such as, resume building, interview skills, navigating job boards, and networking. Please describe your experience with successful job search strategies.If you do not have this type of experience, type N/A
08

The essential functions of this position require assisting customers with general questions related to unemployment insurance, Paid Family Medical Leave, and a variety of community resources. What types of experience do you have related to these topics?If you do not have this type of experience, type N/A.
09

Please describe your experience working with customers to identify and remove barriers to employment, including how you have developed or connected them to resources that support their success?If you do not have this type of experience, type N/A
10

What is your approach to ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion is a priority in working in social service programs, customer service and with your peers?
11

How did you hear about this career opportunity (select all that apply)?

• Washington State's career website: www.careers.wa.gov
• Washington State WorkSource Center or website (WorkSourceWA.com)
• Washington State employee
• Employment Security Department's job web page: www.esd.wa.gov
• Monster
• College/university career fair or website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• VERG
• Diversity.com
• Handshake
• Other

12

If you selected "Other", please tell us how you learned about this job opportunity.If this does not apply to you, type N/A.
Required Question

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