Employment Specialist 3 (WSS3): WorkSource Cowlitz Wahkiakum

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. They should confidently engage in community outreach to connect job seekers with employers. Demonstrating exceptional customer service skills and computer proficiency is crucial. Additionally, the candidate must be highly organized and adaptable, especially under pressure, to thrive in this role.

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 and RESEA 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

As an Employment Specialist, you’ll provide personalized support both in the office and through community outreach to help individuals achieve their employment goals. Your excellent communication and tech skills will be crucial in building trusting relationships and managing program requirements. If you’re passionate about helping others and enjoy a dynamic, collaborative environment, apply today to support our mission of connecting job seekers with employers! This role is located in Kelso, Washington and offers one day a week of remote work (subject to schedule needs), with the remainder of the week reporting in-person to the WorkSource Cowlitz Wahkiakum office.

Some of your daily tasks include but not limited to:

• Provide staff-assisted customer services, such as group and individual in[depth interviews, partial and full registrations, and review job readiness, employment barriers, and customer needs.
• Use skill, interest, and aptitude tests using informal tools to identify employment and/or training goals, develop and monitor service plans, and develop recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Provide information in person, virtually, and over the phone about the full range of agency services and programs and refer to appropriate agency and community resources.
• Meet one on one with customers to answer questions about job search strategies, provide Labor Market information, review resumes and cover letters, and assist with interviewing skills.
• Answer phone calls and direct to the appropriate team as well as providing timely responses to email and face-to-face interactions.
• Assist customers in the use of resource center services including technology, resumes, applications, and interview skills training to prepare for job openings.
• Provide basic information on how to apply for unemployment benefits, direct UI customer concerns, issues, and problems to the liaison or supervisor.
• Monitor WorkSource program performance management activity within agency reporting systems and create and disseminate reports as required by supervisors and managers.
• Collaborate with WorkSource partners regarding enrollments, program guidelines, training recommendations, and negotiate and confirm customer eligibility.
• Represent the workforce partnership, communicate, and work closely with partners and stakeholders; be responsive to requests.

To request a full job description, click here

Qualifications

Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:

Option 1:

Option 2:

Option 3:

Required experience includes:

• 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.

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

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.

Please submit your Cover Letter* and Resume with your Online Application 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

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 (360-742-8208), the Talent Acquisition Team, or Washington 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.