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Seattle-King County Area Director
WorkSource Operations Division

(1) Full-time position

Salary: Salary range EMS3 ($61,235 - 107,000 annually DOQ)
Recruitment number: B2508AD1088SA
Location: Seattle, Wash.
Opening date: February 25, 2008
Closing date: Open until filled

Join a team of leaders that is recognized for excellent performance, efficiency and value to the public, and is respected for the quality of its services and information.  

Agency profile
The Employment Security Department (ESD) is one of the largest executive agencies in Washington State government. The mission of the Employment Security Department is to help Washington's workers and employers succeed in the global economy by delivering superior employment services, timely unemployment benefits, and a fair and stable unemployment insurance system.

WorkSource Operations Division profile
WorkSource sites statewide and the Web site provide no-fee job-listing and referral services to match employers and job seekers. Special programs and services are available for employers, welfare recipients, veterans, farm workers, persons of disability, unemployment insurance claimants, youth and others.

The opportunity
The WorkSource Operations Division is looking for someone who is an effective leader ready to make an impact in the Seattle-King County community by administering Employment Security Department’s employment, training, and performance management programs in six WorkSource offices.

The Area Director will provide leadership and guidance to accomplish the agency and Workforce Development Council (WDC) mission. Through strategic planning and policy setting, help establish and maintain a viable WorkSource system in the King-County area.

Essential functions
In coordination with the local WDC, participate in the development of operational plans for multiple programs and entities involved in the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), and the One Stop system (WorkSource) for employment and training efforts in Seattle-King County.

Influence decision-making that establishes policy for the implementation of strategic goals of the system. Responsibilities include policy development, monitoring of program performance and achieving of program performance outcomes. Support and understand the Governor’s Government Management, Accountability & Performance (GMAP) process, and apply its principles in management.

Provide leadership, policy guidance and help remove barriers that impede the ongoing planning, design, and implementation of effective changes in the workforce development system. Coach and mentor management team members in the planning and development of integrated systems designed to accomplish the strategic and operational goals of the employment and training system.

Establish programs and service levels based on a balance between agency, community, and political concerns to achieve delivery of quality customer services.

Provide leadership and guidance in managing a diverse, multi-organizational workforce, ensuring adherence to affirmative action, ethical behavior, and equity of opportunity in all employment-related actions, and non-discriminatory delivery of services. 

Lead and direct the annual agency business and budget planning process in WDA 6. Based on customer feedback and strategic goals, identify outcomes and initiatives in support of the WorkSource system, WorkSource Operations Division (WSOD), Employment Security, and WDC goals. Review and monitor all expenditures, taking corrective action when needed, to assure appropriate expenditure of funds. Ensure that vendor payment procedures are followed. Identify resources available for support of the WorkSource system operation as required by the WIA. Negotiate with the agency and WDC regarding cost sharing for support of WorkSource system operations.

This position reports to Anthony Wright, assistant commissioner, WorkSource Operations Division.

Required qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and seven to ten years of experience managing 50 or more employees in a union environment. 

Experience managing an operational budget and managing within that budget.

Demonstrated leadership skills that motivate and inspire employees.

Organizational Awareness: Ability to facilitate, initiate, support and manage effective organizational change consistent with the needs of ESD. Understanding of ESD operations, including political and individual sensitivities that impact decision making in the organization. Understanding of leadership needs within the organization and adapt behaviors consistent with the role.

Planning and Organizing: Lead, plan, organize, prioritize and monitor WorkSource projects.

Flexibility: Adapts behavior and work methods in response to new information or changing conditions.

Creative Thinking: Stimulates ideas in self and others.

Self-Direction: Self-motivated and results-oriented.

Influencing: Establishes networks and coalitions across a broad range of groups. Builds consensus.

Teamwork: Understands how to collaborate and facilitate cooperation, trust, and group identity.  Fosters commitment and team spirit.

Judgment: Makes realistic and well-informed decisions based on sound reasoning. Perceives the impact and implications of decisions. Reconciles disagreements with reasoning and presentation of facts. Considers all external and internal factors when providing advice and solutions.

Communication: Writes facts and ideas in a succinct and organized manner. Expresses ideas and facts to individuals and groups effectively.

Honesty and Integrity: Promotes and maintains a high level of integrity. Demonstrates the highest level of business ethics.

Commitment: Goes beyond the obvious requirements for a situation.
 
Technical Expertise: Possesses a high level of managerial knowledge and an understanding of organizational leadership practices including strategic planning, human resources, and budgeting.

Customer Focus: Shows understanding, courtesy, tact and empathy when dealing with individuals.  Considers and responds appropriately to the needs, feelings, and capabilities of others. Adjusts approaches to suit different people and situations.

Why we work here
Employment Security employees:

  • Make a difference in the lives of people looking for work.
  • Receive affordable, quality healthcare, including medical, dental, and vision options.
  • Get a generous, paid time-off package.
  • Enjoy an employer-funded retirement plan.
  • Can sign up for a deferred-compensation program, flexible-spending accounts and tuition reimbursement.
  • Work in a challenging and fun environment with creative, talented, and diverse individuals.

Application process
Complete and submit: 1) Letter of interest 2) Résumé and 3) Three professional references

E-mail application materials to Susan Amico, human resource consultant. Only electronically submitted materials are accepted. Completed applications are screened for the requirements of the position and forwarded to the hiring office for further screening, testing, and interviewing.

Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer and provider of employment and training services. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities.

Individuals with disabilities needing assistance in the application process or needing this job announcement in an alternate format can contact Susan Amico at 360-902-9702, via e-mail, or via telecommunications device for the deaf at 800-676-3777.