| Location | kelso, WA |
| Salary | $55,596–$74,748 Per Year |
Employment Specialist 4 (WSS4) - WorkSource Cowlitz/Wahkiakum - Internal Only
Salary
$55,596.00 - $74,748.00 Annually
Location
Cowlitz County - Kelso, WA
Job Type
Agency Internal - Permanent
Remote Employment
Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number
2026-06433
Department
Employment Security Department
Division
Workforce Services
Opening Date
08/07/2026
Closing Date
8/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information
The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
This position is open to current, internal ESD employees only.
The Employment Security Department (ESD) is seeking a customer-focused workforce professional to serve as an Employment Specialist (WSS4).
The ideal candidate is an empathetic, solutions-oriented problem solver-someone who builds trust quickly, listens deeply, and helps people navigate barriers with confidence. You are skilled at assessing needs, developing individualized plans, and coaching customers toward meaningful employment. You collaborate naturally with partners and employers, communicate clearly, and maintain meticulous documentation. You thrive in a fast-paced environment where every interaction can change someone's life.
Employment Specialists deliver comprehensive employment and training services designed to help individuals achieve self-sufficiency. This role conducts assessments, develops individualized service strategies, manages caseloads, and connects customers with training, resources, and job opportunities. You will support talent pipelines, facilitate workshops, and work closely with partners and employers to ensure strong service delivery and positive employment outcome.
About the Workforce Services Division:
Workforce Services Division (WSD) is made up of three Lines of Business: WorkSource, Central Operations System Support, and Washington Service Corps (WSC). WSD administers the Labor Exchange (LEX), Migrant Seasonal Farmworker (MSFW), Veterans Services, Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), and WorkFirst programs for job seekers and employers in Washington and provides job seekers with referrals to partners providing Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) adult, youth, and dislocated worker training and support services.
Duties
As an Employment Specialist 4, you will provide individualized employment and training services, guide customers through barriers, and support their progress toward sustainable employment. You will administer assessments, develop employment plans, facilitate workshops, and maintain accurate documentation in multiple systems. You will also collaborate with community partners and employers to identify opportunities, coordinate resources, and promote WorkSource programs. Your work ensures customers receive high-quality support and that program requirements are met with consistency and care. The role is located in Kelso, Washington, with in-person attendance required at the Cowlitz/Wahkiakum office.
What a typical day looks like:
To request a detailed position description, click here.
Qualifications
Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:
Option 1: One (1) year as a WorkSource Specialist 3 or equivalent class within the Employment Security Department, or another state's Employment Security agency.
Option 2: Three (3) years of professional experience in workforce development, social or human resource services, public relations, or professional public contact work.
Option 3: A combination of education and/or relevant experience that totals three (3) years.
Required experience includes:
Required equity competencies:
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Please submit only the required documents as noted below and ensure all Personal Identifying Information (PII) such as Social Security numbers etc. are edited out of your materials for privacy. Additionally, we ask that you not include photographs or external links within your documents. Any documents uploaded through this platform will be securely transmitted electronically to support application review.
Please submit your Cover Letter and Resume with your Online Application through the "Add Attachments" field. A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields, or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see attachments" may be considered incomplete.
Supplemental Information
Why work with us?
Our agencys mission and values drive every decision that we make, determine how we interact with others, and are at the core of who we are. We value Access, Love, Belonging, Equity, and Stewardship. We understand that a work environment that respects your work/life balance is key; thats why many of our positions are eligible for flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities. Through support, value, and trust, our employees are empowered to grow and develop into their best self.
Opportunity for All
We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people over 40 years of age, people with religious beliefs, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
The Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
If you are a person needing assistance in the application process, if you need this job announcement in an alternate format, or if you have general questions about this opportunity, please contact Lydia White or at 360-819-6996 or the Talent Acquisition Team, prior to the position closing. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please contact careershelp@des.wa.gov or (360) 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960, Washington Relay 711.
This recruitment may be used to fill additional agency-wide positions in accordance with Article 4 of the WFSE Collective Bargaining Agreement.
This Organization Participates in E-Verify
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
01
In order to be considered for this position, you must include a resume and a cover letter with your application. Please click below to indicate you have attached the required documentation.
02
This position is available to current internal ESD employees. Are you an ESD employee?
03
Please select the option that best describes how you meet the minimum qualifications for this Employment Specialist position. Select all that apply
04
For each required competency listed below, provide a brief explanation of how you have demonstrated that competency in your previous roles. You must address each competency in a numbered list (1-4). If you do not possess a competency, state that clearly. Your application will be evaluated based on your responses to all competencies. The required Competencies are: 1. Client-Centered Service Delivery: Needs assessment to evaluate client situations, goal setting to establish realistic objectives, case management to develop and oversee service plans, problem-solving to address barriers, and communication skills to guide and support clients effectively. 2. Eligibility Assessment Expertise: Ability to evaluate and determine client qualifications. 3. Employability Plan Development Expertise: Ability to structure personalized career growth strategies. 4. Career Coaching and Follow-Up Expertise: Ability to provide ongoing workforce guidance.
05
Do you have any experience working with marginalized, low-income populations? How did you assist others with their barriers while working in this role? If you do not have this experience, type N/A.
06
How did you hear about this job opportunity?
Required Question
Employer State of Washington
Address View Job Posting for Agency Information
View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Website http://www.careers.wa.gov