(2) Non-permanent full-time positions
Expected Duration: December 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010

The opportunity
WorkSource Spokane is seeking two WorkSource Specialist 3s to provide the entire range of services to our unemployed customers, from assessments to job matching, job referring, and job developing. These positions allow our unemployed customers access to our programs and services sooner than by the normal processes. The end result is that our customers return back to work in less time then normal and use less unemployment insurance (UI) benefits. In addition, our local employers will get the workers whom they are looking for.

Major duties

• Share, in easily understood language, information about programs, services, and referrals provided by WorkSource partners.
• Interprets and applies governmental laws, rules, and regulations, and initiates actions in a way that the public perceives as fair, objective, and reasonable.
• Gathers, interprets, and documents information to assist customers in identifying employment goals, experience, desires, needs, education, interests, skills/abilities, and barriers to employment.
• Interviews 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.
• Informs, educates, and coaches customers about the options available in meeting individual employment goals and training needs.
• Assists customers in obtaining and maintaining individual employment and/or training goals.
• Provides group presentations and/or Job Search reviews as assigned by supervisor.
• Updates and maintains electronic records in Service, Knowledge & Information Exchange System (SKIES) for customers and may need to access General UI Design Effort (GUIDE, an UI benefits computer system) to gather customer’s UI information.

Required qualifications
One year as a WorkSource Specialist 2 or equivalent class within Employment Security Department, or in another state’s Employment Security agency.

Or

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

Or

A master's degree.

Additional experience in social or human resource services, public relations, or public contact work will substitute, year for year, for education, but noy for the two years of professional experience.

College course work will substitute, year for year, for the required years of experience specified above. Qualifying volunteer experience in the above defined areas of work is acceptable.

Desired qualifications
Top candidates will have the following experience and skills demonstrated in their applicant packet:

• At least two years of experience providing job placements, job referrals, and job matching services.
• At least two years of experience conducting group and individual employment and/or job training counseling.
• Knowledge of or experience administering UI benefit programs and laws.
• Experience using Microsoft Word, Outlook, and other database programs at a skilled level.

Preference will be given to candidates who have completed SKIES training or who have SKIES experience.

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 6, 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.

Unemployment Insurance Division profile
The Unemployment Insurance division administers and provides program services through statewide TeleCenters and its Web site. This division collects premiums from Washington employers and pays UI benefits to individuals who meet eligibility requirements. It also reviews, audits, and investigates instances of fraud.

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.