What are the responsibilities and job description for the Employment Specialist 3 (WSS3): WorkSource Everett position at State of Washington?
Note: The salary listed above includes the scheduled 2% general salary increase that goes into effect on July 1, 2026.
The ideal candidate for the Employment Specialist 3 role is a compassionate, customer-focused professional who excels at supporting individuals with diverse backgrounds, needs, and employment goals. They bring strong interviewing and assessment skills that allow them to identify job readiness, uncover barriers, and guide customers toward meaningful employment, training, and community resources.
They are confident and effective in both one-on-one and group settings, demonstrating exceptional customer service, clear communication, and a genuine commitment to helping job seekers succeed. This candidate is highly proficient with computers and WorkSource tools, ensuring customers can easily navigate available services and remain engaged throughout their employment journey.
They thrive in dynamic environments, staying organized, adaptable, and solution-oriented even under pressure. With a natural ability to build relationships, they actively engage in community outreach to connect job seekers with employers and strengthen local workforce partnerships. Above all, they approach every interaction with empathy, professionalism, and a dedication to empowering individuals on their path to employment.
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.
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 Everett, Washington and requires in-person attendance reporting to the WorkSource Everett office.
Some of your daily tasks include but not limited to:
- Provide staff-assisted customer services; conduct group and individual in-depth interviews, partial and full registrations, and review job readiness, employment barriers and customer needs; administer skill, interest, and aptitude tests using formal tools; identify employment and/or training goals; develop and monitor service plans; develop recommendations for continuous engagement.
- Provide information about the full range of agency services and programs; direct to appropriate internal or external resources and/or support services; provide for continuous engagement.
- Provide career and/or employment guidance and training information; refer customers to job search, training providers and/or resources through WorkSource and/or partner services.
- Assist customers in the use of resource center services including technology, resumes, applications, and interview skills training.
- Conducts group and individual employment and/or job training, coaching, and outlines options with job seekers.
- Builds relationships to develop understanding of customer needs; blends resources and services to meet identified needs.
- Identifies customer needs/employment barriers. Refers to appropriate internal or external resources.
- Record and maintain case notes, service plans, program-related expenditures, and exit outcomes; coordinate with other employment and training programs as necessary; enter new and/or updated data in management information systems.
To request a detailed position description, click here.
Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:
Option 1:
- One year (1) as a WorkSource Specialist 2 within the Employment Security Department, or in an equivalent class with another state’s Employment Security agency.
Option 2:
- Two years (2) years of professional experience in workforce development, social or human resource services, public relations, or professional public contact work.
Option 3:
- A combination of education and/or relevant experience equals two (2) or more years.
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.
Required equity competencies:
- 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:
- Must be able to pass an Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Paid Family Medical and 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 ONLY 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.
Why work with us?
Our agency'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 Lydia White or at 360-819-6996 or the Talent Acquisition Team, prior to the position 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 recruitment may be used to fill additional agency-wide positions in accordance with Article 4 of the WFSE Collective Bargaining Agreement.
**This Organization Participates in E-Verify**
Salary : $51,600 - $69,348