(1) Full-time position

The opportunity
WorkSource Whatcom is seeking a designated specialist for the WorkFirst program to manage and provide intensive services to an on-going caseload to make the most effective use of WorkFirst funds and outside resources for accomplishing client entry into unsubsidized employment with the goal of independence from Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).

Major duties

• Independently manage an active caseload of WorkFirst Program participants to provide direction, motivation and guidance in conducting an effective job search.
• Develop written employment plans with each participant and conduct follow-up interviews to monitor and support follow through with their plans.
• Provide technical assistance and feedback to participants as to methods of securing employment, locating potential employers, conducting interviews, completing applications, developing resumes, overcoming barriers and obstacles, arranging for necessary support services, and as to appropriate dress, grooming, and communication.
• Screen and refer to available job orders on automated systems and other job leads, and conduct job development activities as appropriate.
• Provide clients with information regarding services, responsibilities, sanctions and post-employment benefits.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify strengths and barriers to employment.
• Coordinate efforts with counselors, social workers, and TANF case managers at Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), Private Industry Council, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and other service providers.
• Monitor and track participation to ensure compliance with Federal and State regulations and with agency and partner agency policy and guidelines.
• Conduct job search workshop sessions; facilitate other employment related workshops/meetings; staff the resource room, or conduct job clubs for clients.

Required qualifications
One year's experience as a WorkSource Specialist 3 or equivalent class within Employment Security Department, or in another state’s employment security agency,

or

Two years 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 three years of professional level 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 or real estate.

A master's degree will substitute for one year of the required professional experience.

Additional experience in social or human-resource services, public relations, or public-contact work will substitute, year for year, for education, but not for the three years of professional experience.

College coursework 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

• Experience providing outreach and/or job development services (Preferred – 3 years)
• Experience evaluating job readiness of clients by conducting individual assessment and evaluation of individual’s employment and training needs (Preferred – 3 years)
• Experience with interviewing techniques and principles (Preferred – 3 years)
• Experience conducting group and individual employment and/or job training counseling (Preferred – 3 years)
• Experience monitoring and recording data into multiple management information systems (Preferred – 3 years)
• Demonstrated basic understanding and working knowledge of job matching, referral and placement, job readiness, assessment techniques, labor market, community resources, and job search techniques (Preferred – 3 years)

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.

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.