Education and Employment Specialist

Many talented candidates hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. At WFS, we welcome applicants with a range of experiences and perspectives, including those with direct experience in the communities we serve.

SUMMARY / OBJECTIVE
The Education & Employment Specialist connects people to education, training, and career opportunities by building strong community relationships and leveraging knowledge of public benefits and resources. Resourceful and solutions-oriented, this role supports participants in overcoming barriers, navigating systems, and achieving their goals. As both a connector and program leader, the Specialist helps strengthen community impact and open pathways to lasting success.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Assesses participant eligibility and participant needs for a variety of workforce development programs.
• Assists in identifying strengths and support with addressing barriers that may prevent successful completion of the program.
• Supports participants in building pathways to employment and achieving sustainable employment through individualized training plans, job counseling, job search workshops, and connections to employers while honoring each participant’s experiences and goals.
• Demonstrates empathy and understanding for participants from a range of backgrounds, drawing on lived or learned experience to support their unique challenges.
• Make appropriate referrals to related services such as perceived or self-disclosed physical or mental disabilities, housing, childcare, mental health, etc. Refers participants to internal and external programs, agencies and/or resources.
• Partners with community organizations to coordinate services for participants.
• Facilitates participant group learning opportunities including testing, workshops, orientations.
• Maintains case files as directed to meet participant and program needs. Self-audits files to ensure compliance.
• Build relationships and partner with community employers to place participants in jobs, and partners with Business Engagement team to bridge connections and opportunities.
• Listens to and partners with individuals across Snohomish County and the Puget Sound region to recognize skills and potential; develops strategies to create programs that connect and support these communities.
• Partners with Compliance department to ensure compliance with State and Federal laws, policies, and grant funding regulations; implements improvement needs to program.
• Develops detailed project management plans, tailoring to the parameters of funding and the specific program goals; communicates deadlines with program partners to ensure timeliness.
• Collaborates across internal departments to proactively and strategically meet organization’s goals.
• Monitors and records participant data into multiple management information systems. Provides reports as requested.
• Collaborates with internal partners to develop data metrics into clear and concise presentation formats that are easy for the program partners to understand.
• Updates program processes, materials, design, and delivery methods. Identifies areas for continuous improvement.

REQUIRED SKILLS / ABILITIES

• Strong relationship building abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. We especially welcome candidates who are bilingual in Dari, Pashto, Russian, Ukrainian, Spanish or French as well as those fluent in other languages spoken in our communities.
• Ability to successfully manage complex programs, working independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Strong coaching and career advising abilities.
• Ability to respond to problems and solve in difficult situations.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, and other technologies and software.
• Demonstrates a strong sense of purpose and dedication to the organization’s mission, approaching leadership and collaboration with humility.
• Shows respect for different perspectives and experiences, contributing to a supportive and inclusive workplace where all team members can thrive.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is typically performed sitting at a computer desk. Workdays and hours are subject to need and availability to ensure operational coverage throughout the work week. However, daily demands may require occasional early arrivals, late departures, extended hours, as well as weekend or holiday work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. As necessary, a physical abilities assessment may be conducted to determine the capabilities of the employee.

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Lift up to twenty pounds.

TRAVEL REQUIRED
Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-area and overnight travel may be expected.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma required.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• At least 3-5 years of workforce development direct services, adult education, case management or equivalent experience required.

EEO STATEMENT

Workforce Snohomish provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

OTHER DUTIES:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

**Upon offer of employment successful completion of a background check will be required.