Employment Development Specialist 3: Colville



Employment Development Specialist 3: Colville

Salary

$22.84 - $30.70 Hourly

Location

Stevens County – Colville, WA

Job Type

Part Time - Permanent

Job Number

2023-14183 R

Department

Employment Security Department

Division

Employment Connections

Opening Date

12/05/2023

Closing Date

12/19/2023 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

Description

The ideal candidate will be open and respond well to change, with the ability to demonstrate empathy and adapt to approaches in problem solving while being respectful of cultural differences with clients and partners. They are highly organized, a strategic thinker, and skilled at remaining calm under pressure. 

The Employment Security Department is hiring a permanent, part-time Employment Specialist to join the team at the WorkSource Colville center. Our Employment Development Specialists are a critical piece of our mission of providing our services to job seekers and employers. As a member of our WorkSource center team, you will use compassion and empathy to provide our customers with information about the full range of agency services and programs. This position is anticipated to work closer to 40 hours during peak season (October-February) and maintain closer to 20 hours weekly as seasonal business needs vary.

Please Note: This position has been reposted. If you have already submitted an application, you do not need to reapply.  

Duties

As an Employment Development Specialist, you will provide direct and integrated services to job seekers and employers both inside the WorkSource office and out in the community. You will assist customers in the use of resource center services including technology, resume, application, and interview skills training. Your phenomenal computer and communication skills will be relied upon as you explain program participation requirements and complete enrollments. You will also be relied upon to communicate clearly and concisely in person, virtually, by telephone and in writing. Success in this role looks like consistency in addressing customer needs in a timely fashion, anticipating their needs and the ability to gain confidence and trust by ensuring long-term needs are met. 

Some of what you will do: 

  • Greet and engage customers at the front desk reception area to understand their needs and direct them to appropriate services. 
  • With the assistance of staff, conduct group and individual in-depth interviews, partial and full registrations, and review items such as job readiness, employment barriers, and other relevant areas to the customer's need. 
  • Provide information to customers about the full range of agency services and programs, explain the requirements, and direct them to the appropriate internal or external resources and/or support services. 
  • Provide career and/or employment guidance and training information, refer customers to job search training providers and/or resources through WorkSource and/or partner services. 
  • Outline labor market information and opportunities, assist with development of action/job search plans, and refer customers to WorkSourceWA and/or other external job openings.
  • Record and maintain notes, service plans, and performance outcomes in multiple data management systems. 
  • Facilitate Job Hunter series and other employment related workshops. 
  • Answer phone calls and direct to the appropriate team as well as providing timely responses to email and face-to-face interactions. 
  • Collaborate with WorkSource partners regarding enrollments, programs guidelines and services.
  • Maintain relationships with employers and the community and keep informed of available internal and external resources referrals. 

About the Employment Connections Division:

Employment Connections (EC) is made up of three Lines of Business: WorkSource, Central Operations System Support, and Washington Service Corps (WSC). EC 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 our partners. 

Qualifications

Required:

 A combination of education and/or relevant experience that totals six (6) or more years.

 

OR A Bachelor's degree and two years of relevant experience in workforce development, social or human resource services, public relations, or public contact work, such as: education, social services, public relations, human resource services, unemployment insurance, benefits programs, insurance claims, law enforcement and banking OR a combination of education and/or relevant experience. 

 

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

 

Additionally, the ideal candidate will be skilled in the following areas: 

Effective Communication: You have a talent for both written and verbal communication that expresses information quickly and effectively with the customer's perspective in focus. 

Critical Thinking: You use purposeful and reflective judgement to process, analyze, interpret, explain, and recommend ideas for improved effectiveness. 

Adaptability and Change Navigation: Everywhere, technology and external conditions have increased the need to genuinely engage with changing conditions and priorities. 

Customer Service: You demonstrate that excellent customer service begins with really listening to the customer, asking questions to discover highest need, and assisting the customer in creating an individualized solution that includes opportunities for continued collaboration. 

Inclusivity: You actively work to live out our Agency's values (see ESD mission and values) by embracing diversity, different perspectives, and ensuring our workplace is a welcoming, possibility-infused resource for all customers and coworkers. 

Team-Player: You support coworkers, encourage others to participate, and address conflict when necessary.

 

Education to Experience Equivalences:

Associate Degree = 2 years | Bachelor Degree = 4 years | Masters or Higher = 5 years

 

Additional Requirement of Employment:

  • Must be able to pass an Unemployment Insurance (UI) Claim & Benefit Information Review.
  • Must be able to travel. 

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 agency's 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, Stewardship.  We understand that a work environment that respects your work/life balance is key; that's 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 Katie Swanson or the Talent Acquisition Teamor Washington Relay Service 711. 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.

 

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. That's 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, are entitled to three (3) 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 12-31-2022

01
I understand that to be considered for this position I must include a resume and letter of interest with this applicant packet.
  • Yes
  • No
02
Are you a current or former State of Washington employee?
  • Yes
  • No
03
If you selected yes to the previous question, please identify below the state agency. If this does not apply to you type N/A.
04
Which best describes your professional experience in workforce development, social or human resource services, public relations, or public contact work?
  • I have less than 12 months
  • I have 12-23 months
  • I have 24-35 months
  • I have 36-47 months
  • I have 48-59 months
  • I have 60-71 months
  • I have 72-83 months
  • I have 84-95 months
  • I have 96 or more months
  • None of the above
05
In support of the question above, please describe how you gained this experience: what types of customer service or case management have you provided? Help us see how you have developed a Customer First mindset through work, classes, or volunteering. If you do not have this experience, type N/A.
06
What experience do you have working with marginalized, low-income populations? What are some barriers that these individuals face?
07
Select the Microsoft programs in which you have an intermediate to advanced skill level, generally attained through a minimum of 2-3 years of experience of use on the job.
  • Word
  • PowerPoint
  • Excel
  • Outlook
  • None of the above
08
Provide an example of when you had to learn a new software system or technology. How did you ensure you were successful?
09
How did you hear about this career opportunity (select all that apply)?
  • Washington State's career website: www.careers.wa.gov
  • Washington State WorkSource Center or website (WorkSourceWA.com)
  • Washington State employee
  • Employment Security Department's job web page: www.esd.wa.gov
  • Monster
  • College/university career fair or website
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • VERG
  • Diversity.com
  • Handshake
  • Other
10
If you selected "Other", please tell us how you learned about this job opportunity. If this does not apply to you, type N/A.
11
May we contact you to learn about your experience with this recruitment?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Agency
State of Washington
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact