(1) Full-time position

The opportunity
WorkSource Sunnyside is seeking a WorkSource Specialist 2 to provide bilingual services to both English and Spanish-speaking customers. Under the direction of the Operations Manager, this position delivers direct core services to WorkSource customers. Services include recruiting, screening, and engaging job seekers. This position completes initial assessments, conducts staff-assisted job matches, provides labor market information, job/employment referrals, data analysis, develops employability plans, and refers job seekers to Job Hunter employability preparation classes as well as to appropriate community-based resources. WorkSource Sunnyside and our community partners provide education and training opportunities suited to an individual job seeker’s needs. In addition, this position will deliver Job Hunter classes to prepare job seekers for employment.

Major duties

• In either Spanish or English, shares in easily understood language, information about employment and training programs, services, and referrals provided by WorkSource partners.
• Interprets and applies governmental laws, rules, regulations, and initiates actions in a way that gathers, records, and maintains pertinent customer information in SKIES data system.
• Gathers, interprets, and documents information to assist customers in identifying employment goals, experience, desires, needs, education, interests, skills/abilities, and barriers to employment. Refers job seekers to appropriate community resources.
• Interviews and screens clients and evaluates work history and education for employment opportunities.
• Assesses and interprets employment and economic data regarding labor market conditions, occupational demand, wages, etc. for presentation to job seekers on a one-on-one basis and in group settings, facilitating Job Hunter classes. Presents information in an interactive and understandable form while maintaining a controlled environment.
• Facilitates customer self-service in the Resource Center by assisting customers in the use of computers for job search, resume development, and on-line applications for employment.
• Informs, educates, and coaches customers about the options available in meeting individual employment goals and training needs. Assists customers to obtain and maintain individual employment and/or training goals.

Required qualifications
One year as a WorkSource Specialist 1 or in an equivalent class within Employment Security Department, or in another state’s Employment Security agency.

Or

A bachelor’s degree and one year of professional experience in social or human resource services, public relations, or public contact work, such as: unemployment insurance, education, public relations, benefits programs, insurance claims, law enforcement, banking, and real estate.

Additional experience in social or human resource services, public relations, or public contact work as defined above will substitute, year for year, for education, but NOT for the one year of "professional" experience.

Three years of experience with the Employment Security Department, at a level of Secretary Administrative or above, may substitute for the one-year of professional experience.

Volunteer experience in the above defined areas of work is acceptable.

Special requirements
Must be able to read, write, speak and understand English and Spanish.

Desired qualifications
Top candidates will clearly demonstrate the following qualifications in their letter of interest:

• Experience interviewing customers or clients to gather key facts and information.
• Experience using information gained through an interview to make appropriate referrals to government and community resources.
• Experience using information gained from interview assessment to make appropriate and relevant job matches or job referrals.
• Case management experience.

Salary Information
There is an additional five percent assignment pay for this position for required language skills.

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.

How to apply
Your application materials must be received no later than 5 p.m. on November 3, 2009, to be considered for this position.

Complete and submit:

1) To download an ESD application, click the link below.
ESD Application

2) Letter of interest describing how you meet the qualifications for this opportunity

3) Résumé

Send your complete applicant package via e-mail to HRrecruiting@esd.wa.gov. Please reference the recruitment number in your email subject line.

To be considered for this position, you must submit a complete applicant package and follow the application instructions. Incomplete applicant packages will not be considered.

• Application materials must be in Word format (no PDF or scanned files).
• A signature is not required on the application form.
• Please do not password-protect the application form.
• Only electronically submitted materials are accepted.

The application package will be evaluated on quality and completeness as part of the screening/evaluation process. Should you have any questions regarding the application process please check the Frequently Asked Questions - Jobs at Employment Security page.

Agency profile
Employment Security Department (ESD) is one of the largest executive agencies in Washington State government. The mission of 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.

Employment & Career Development 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. We are here to help workers find employment that leads to long-term career growth.

Other information
As a condition of employment, the successful candidate accepting this position must comply with the Union Security clause contained in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington and the Washington Federation of State Employees.

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 should provide contact information via e-mail, or via telecommunications device for the deaf at 800-676-3777.