WorkSource Specialist 5 - Lead - WorkSource Kitsap
State of Washington, Bay View, WA, United States
This role is located in Silverdale, Washington and offers a hybrid schedule of 1 day a week of remote work.
Our ideal candidate is a respected, service‑minded leader who embodies the Employment Security Department’s mission by delivering superior employment services with kindness and professionalism. You are someone who naturally supports and empowers others—offering technical expertise, thoughtful guidance, and steady leadership to both staff and supervisors. You thrive in a role where coaching and mentoring are central to your work. You bring a strong understanding of all WorkSource Services, and you know how to ensure these services are delivered with accuracy, efficiency, fairness, and accessibility. You take pride in helping staff grow their skills, strengthening team performance, and fostering a workplace where everyone feels supported and equipped to succeed. You are motivated by accountability and continuous improvement. Assisting the supervisor in overseeing staffing schedules, programs, and performance measures comes naturally to you, and you excel at establishing clear goals, expectations, and indicators that align with the agency’s mission, vision, and business objectives. You understand how to balance operational needs with compassionate service delivery.
Duties
Develop and support high-performance, integrated work‑team management approaches, consensus-based decision–making and continuous quality improvement practices. Plan, schedule, assign and direct work activities, guide, coach, and mentor staff.
Review and interpret state and federal rules and regulations; ensure all State and local policies and procedures are understood and followed; design and deliver related training and onboarding.
Develop processes to monitor that customers receive appropriate, timely, and effective services; routinely conduct an internal audit of program records.
Track team performance outcomes based on expectations set by Supervisor; conduct audits/evaluations and provide ongoing feedback; initiate continuous quality improvement practices; present performance information; identify best practices and/or strategies for improvements and training; recommend and initiate improvements.
Support the Supervisor to coordinate and manage staff workloads.
Serve Customers; provide basic career services and make appropriate referrals; identify and evaluate barriers and explore solutions to assist in removing barriers.
Conduct staff assisted job development, job matches and job follow-up; make job referrals; verify customer job search.
Conduct job search workshops, supply topic specific information, related service, and resource information.
Facilitate job preparation activities to include job club services and workshops; provide labor market information.
Qualifications
Option 1
One year (1) as a WorkSource Specialist 4 or equivalent class within the Employment Security Department, or another state’s Employment Security agency.
Option 2
A Bachelor's degree
AND
four (4) years of relevant experience in workforce development, 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 and banking OR a combination of education and/or relevant experience, which includes one year experience as a designated lead worker. A Master's degree will substitute for one year of the required experience.
Option 3
A combination of education and/or relevant experience totaling eight (8) years.
Required Core Competencies
Accountability – Accept personal responsibility for work and actions.
Communication Effectiveness – Effectively convey ideas and information.
Critical Thinking – Use purposeful and reflective judgment to process, analyze, interpret, explain, evaluate, illustrate, and compare information.
Customer Service – Commit to providing value‑added services to external and internal customers.
Inclusiveness – Actively contribute to a work environment that embraces diversity and uses diverse perspectives to help achieve organizational goals.
Interpersonal Abilities – The ability to relate to your co‑workers, mitigate conflict, and inspire others to participate.
Required Equity Competencies
The ability to take action to learn and grow.
The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
Special Requirements/Conditions Of Employment
Must be able to pass an Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Paid Family Medical and Leave (PFML) claim and fraud check.
Opportunities & Equal Employment Opportunity 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. This Organization Participates in E‑Verify.
Benefits 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.
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. 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 non‑overtime 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‑rated 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, 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 non‑overtime 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 CBA on a pro‑rated 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.
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
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Our ideal candidate is a respected, service‑minded leader who embodies the Employment Security Department’s mission by delivering superior employment services with kindness and professionalism. You are someone who naturally supports and empowers others—offering technical expertise, thoughtful guidance, and steady leadership to both staff and supervisors. You thrive in a role where coaching and mentoring are central to your work. You bring a strong understanding of all WorkSource Services, and you know how to ensure these services are delivered with accuracy, efficiency, fairness, and accessibility. You take pride in helping staff grow their skills, strengthening team performance, and fostering a workplace where everyone feels supported and equipped to succeed. You are motivated by accountability and continuous improvement. Assisting the supervisor in overseeing staffing schedules, programs, and performance measures comes naturally to you, and you excel at establishing clear goals, expectations, and indicators that align with the agency’s mission, vision, and business objectives. You understand how to balance operational needs with compassionate service delivery.
Duties
Develop and support high-performance, integrated work‑team management approaches, consensus-based decision–making and continuous quality improvement practices. Plan, schedule, assign and direct work activities, guide, coach, and mentor staff.
Review and interpret state and federal rules and regulations; ensure all State and local policies and procedures are understood and followed; design and deliver related training and onboarding.
Develop processes to monitor that customers receive appropriate, timely, and effective services; routinely conduct an internal audit of program records.
Track team performance outcomes based on expectations set by Supervisor; conduct audits/evaluations and provide ongoing feedback; initiate continuous quality improvement practices; present performance information; identify best practices and/or strategies for improvements and training; recommend and initiate improvements.
Support the Supervisor to coordinate and manage staff workloads.
Serve Customers; provide basic career services and make appropriate referrals; identify and evaluate barriers and explore solutions to assist in removing barriers.
Conduct staff assisted job development, job matches and job follow-up; make job referrals; verify customer job search.
Conduct job search workshops, supply topic specific information, related service, and resource information.
Facilitate job preparation activities to include job club services and workshops; provide labor market information.
Qualifications
Option 1
One year (1) as a WorkSource Specialist 4 or equivalent class within the Employment Security Department, or another state’s Employment Security agency.
Option 2
A Bachelor's degree
AND
four (4) years of relevant experience in workforce development, 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 and banking OR a combination of education and/or relevant experience, which includes one year experience as a designated lead worker. A Master's degree will substitute for one year of the required experience.
Option 3
A combination of education and/or relevant experience totaling eight (8) years.
Required Core Competencies
Accountability – Accept personal responsibility for work and actions.
Communication Effectiveness – Effectively convey ideas and information.
Critical Thinking – Use purposeful and reflective judgment to process, analyze, interpret, explain, evaluate, illustrate, and compare information.
Customer Service – Commit to providing value‑added services to external and internal customers.
Inclusiveness – Actively contribute to a work environment that embraces diversity and uses diverse perspectives to help achieve organizational goals.
Interpersonal Abilities – The ability to relate to your co‑workers, mitigate conflict, and inspire others to participate.
Required Equity Competencies
The ability to take action to learn and grow.
The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
Special Requirements/Conditions Of Employment
Must be able to pass an Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Paid Family Medical and Leave (PFML) claim and fraud check.
Opportunities & Equal Employment Opportunity 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. This Organization Participates in E‑Verify.
Benefits 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.
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. 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 non‑overtime 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‑rated 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, 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 non‑overtime 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 CBA on a pro‑rated 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.
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
#J-18808-Ljbffr