Employment Specialist Lead (WSS5) : WorkSource Union Gap OCDL

Overview

We have a great opportunity for a dynamic, community-focused WorkSource Lead at WorkSource Union Gap. Our ideal candidate is a skilled workforce development professional who leads with integrity, communicates with compassion, and thrives in a collaborative environment. This position requires the ability to occasionally speak, read, and write in Spanish.

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.

As a WorkSource Lead, you will guide a team of professionals delivering direct services to job seekers and employers across all WorkSource lines of business. You'll support integrated service delivery, lead outreach efforts to businesses and community organizations, and ensure high-quality employment services are accessible to all customers. Your leadership will help connect graduating students, veterans, unemployed workers, seasonal farmworkers, and other job seekers with meaningful employment opportunities.

This role is located in Union Gap, Washington and offers a hybrid schedule of 1 day a week of remote work. The Yakima County offices include Sunnyside and Toppenish as well, with the remaining days of the week reporting to the WorkSource Yakima office and traveling to Sunnyside and / or Toppenish one to two days a week, utilizing an agency vehicle to provide services upon demonstrating proficiency within the position.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of WorkSource specialists providing labor exchange, business services, re-employment, and case management support.
• Coordinate outreach to employers, local tribes, and community-based organizations to identify job opportunities and meet hiring needs.
• Partner with educational institutions to connect students with job matching and employment services.
• Promote the value of WorkSource and WorkSourceWA to regional employers, schools, and community organizations.
• Represent the agency at career events, job fairs, and community meetings.
• Guide, coach, and mentor staff; assist with scheduling, training, and strategic planning.
• Interpret and apply state and federal policies; design and deliver onboarding and training.
• Lead workforce development initiatives, drive strategic planning efforts, and coordinate cross-functional projects to support organizational change and transformation.
• Monitor service delivery and conduct internal audits to ensure quality and compliance.
• Track team performance and present outcomes using visual management tools.
• Provide direct customer service including interviews, assessments, and employment planning.
• Support customers in navigating barriers to employment and accessing training and career services.
• Conduct job development, job matching, and follow-up services.
• Maintain accurate records, case notes, and data across multiple systems.
• Facilitate workshops and job preparation activities, including labor market information.
• Administer career assessments and incorporate results into employment plans.

To request a detailed position description, click here.

Qualifications

Required :

One year as a WorkSource Specialist 4 or equivalent class within the Employment Security Department, or another state's Employment Security agency

OR A Bachelor's degree and four 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 eight (8) years.

Education to Experience Equivalences : Associate Degree = 2 years | Bachelor Degree = 4 years | Masters or Higher = 5 years

Additional Requirement of Employment :

Application Instructions

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.

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 Katie Swanson or 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.

This Organization Participates in E-Verify

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