(4) Non-permanent full-time positions
Expected Duration: November 16, 2009 - June 30, 2010

The opportunity
WorkSource Pierce County is recruiting for four Universal Case Managers to support job seekers in our local community. These positions support WorkFirst clients, workers laid off by foreign imports,  and other customers who need case management and/or intensive skill development services by providing access to training, additional unemployment benefits, relocation assistance, support services, and job placement assistance so that they may go to work and/or return to work in a suitable position.

These positions are housed at Lakewood WorkFirst, Pierce South and Pierce NorthWest in Tacoma.

Major duties

• Manage assigned client caseload of WorkFirst clients or clients from other programs who need case management and/or intensive career development assistance.
• Assess customer's job skills, interest, work values, work history, and education level to determine employability and/or suitability for training.
• Identify challenges to re-employment and develop employability plans to assist customers in returning to the labor force.
• Provide ongoing career development, motivation, and job search guidance.
• Monitor job search and/or education and training progress toward identified goals.
• Work in groups as well as one-on-one.
• Partner with Business, Workforce Investment Act (WIA), WorkSource System, Community and Technical Colleges, other training institutions, and community-based organizations to provide the customer an opportunity to make a comprehensive evaluation of the best path to re-employment.
• Provide support services and referrals to local community resources when appropriate.

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
Preference will be given to candidates that demonstrate the following experience/skills in their letter of interest:

• Experience monitoring and recording data into multiple management information systems.
• Demonstrated basic understanding and working knowledge of job matching, referral and placement, job readiness, assessment techniques, labor market, community resources, and job search techniques.
• Experience providing outreach and/or job development services.
• Experience leading, evaluating, coaching and mentoring staff.
• Experience evaluating job readiness of clients by conducting individual assessment and evaluation of individual’s employment and training needs.
• Ability to independently multi-task in a high-volume environment.
• Excellent organizational 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 13, 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

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.