| Location | Silverdale, WA |
| Salary | $55,596–$74,748 Per Year |
Employment Specialist (WSS4): WorkSource Kitsap
Salary
$55,596.00 - $74,748.00 Annually
Location
Kitsap County - Silverdale, WA
Job Type
Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment
Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number
2026-08316
Department
Employment Security Department
Division
Workforce Services
Opening Date
10/19/2026
Closing Date
11/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information
The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
This position works in-person at the WorkSource office in Silverdale.
The ideal candidate for the Employment Specialist (WSS4) role is a dynamic and resourceful professional deeply committed to delivering customer-centered employment and training services. They possess a proven ability to conduct insightful individual assessments, manage complex caseloads, and facilitate critical support services to help job seekers overcome barriers and achieve sustainable employment.
Skilled in developing tailored employment service plans, they are adept at navigating program regulations, securing training resources, and guiding customers through every step of their workforce journey. Their coaching and mentoring skills enable them to connect meaningfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with significant employment challenges.
This candidate is also a confident communicator and facilitator, capable of leading workshops and orientations that meet the unique needs of special populations. With a solid grasp of instructional strategies, they can adapt learning experiences to accommodate various styles and interests. They utilize labor market information and formal assessment tools to craft personalized employment and training solutions, bringing clarity and direction to each customer's goals. Their background includes facilitation of job search curriculum, reflecting a genuine commitment to educational and workforce empowerment.
Beyond individual service, the ideal candidate is a skilled collaborator and community ambassador. They build and maintain productive relationships with employers, partners, and service providers, actively promoting agency programs and cultivating job opportunities. Their organizational savvy enables them to manage records with precision and maintain compliance with program protocols. Whether supporting front-line office operations or representing WorkSource in the field, these professionals thrive in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment where making a measurable impact in people's lives is the ultimate reward.
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
In this role, you will assess customer needs, determine eligibility for specialized programs, and create personalized employment and training plans. You will conduct interviews, provide coaching and mentoring, and help remove barriers to employment by connecting individuals to support services and resources. You will also lead workshops, deliver classroom instruction, and use assessments and labor market information to guide customers toward meaningful career pathways. This position requires maintaining accurate records, coordinating with partner agencies, and collaborating with local employers to identify job openings and training opportunities. The role is located in Silverdale, Washington, with in-person attendance required at the WorkSource Kitsap office; one day of telework may be approved after training.
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 totaling 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
To be considered for this position, you must include a resume and a cover letter with this applicant packet. Please submit ONLY the required documents. Please indicate you have attached the required documentation.
02
Are you a current or former State of Washington employee?
03
If you answered "yes" to the question above, please indicate which state agency(ies) you have worked for. If this does not apply to you, type N/A.
04
Under RCW 73.16.010, certain military spouses are eligible for preference. Do you attest that you meet one of the following eligibility criteria?
05
Please select the options that best describes how you meet the minimum qualifications for the Employment Specialist (WSS4) position. Select all that apply:
06
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. In one or two sentences, describe how your work experience demonstrates this competency. If you do not have this experience, type N/A.
07
Eligibility Assessment Expertise: Ability to evaluate and determine client qualifications. In one or two sentences, describe how your work experience demonstrates this competency. If you do not have this experience, type N/A.
08
Employability Plan Development Expertise: Ability to structure personalized career growth strategies. In one or two sentences, describe how your work experience demonstrates this competency. If you do not have this experience, type N/A.
09
Career Coaching and Follow-Up Expertise: Ability to provide ongoing workforce guidance. In one or two sentences, describe how your work experience demonstrates this competency. If you do not have this experience, type N/A.
10
What is your approach to ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion is a priority in working in social service programs, customer service and with your peers?
11
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