H-1B Visa Employment Specialist Jobs
Employment Specialist roles qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship when the position requires a bachelor's degree in human resources, social work, counseling, or a related field. Many state workforce agencies and nonprofit workforce development organizations sponsor H-1B visas for these roles, and the annual 85,000-cap lottery applies unless your employer holds cap-exempt status.
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We are hiring for 2 non-permanent positions. The incumbents will work in person at the WorkSource Office in Tacoma.
The ideal candidate for the WorkSource Specialist 3 role is a dynamic and adaptable workforce development professional with a strong commitment to serving diverse communities. They bring a deep understanding of integrated service delivery and are passionate about connecting job seekers with meaningful employment opportunities while supporting employers in meeting their workforce needs.
The incumbent will deliver employment services at the WorkSource Center, for those customers who need job search support, training and assistance to find employment who are unemployed. They will provide services both in-person and virtually. This candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment and is skilled at navigating multiple program areas including WorkFirst, Basic Food & Employment, Veterans Services, Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) and Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA), among others. This individual excels in providing customer-centered employment services, conducting assessments to identify training and employment pathways, and facilitating engaging orientations and workshops. They are detail-oriented and proficient in records management, ensuring compliance with agency and program procedures. Their ability to build and maintain strong relationships with businesses, community partners, and service providers enhances the reach and impact of WorkSource services. A collaborative team player, they contribute to regional service strategies and are committed to fostering innovation, continuity, and staff morale.
They demonstrate a clear understanding of federal, state, and local policies and are dedicated to upholding agency performance standards. With a proactive mindset and a customer-first approach, this candidate is well-positioned to advance the mission of ESD and make a lasting impact in the community.
Duties
Develop and/or provide comprehensive, customer-centered employment and training services. This includes:
- Develop individualized service strategies based on needs assessment and assist customers in establishing self-sufficiency goals and developing and managing service plans to attain those goals
- Conduct individual interviews to articulate program services and activities; identify components such as individualized and training services, applicable to customer need
- Manage caseload; provide case management; facilitate appropriate support services and/or make referrals; identify and evaluate barriers and explore solutions to assist in removing barriers; assist in obtaining needed documentation
Assess knowledge, skills and abilities to assist in determining employment and training activities and benefits. Tasks include:
- Administer a variety of assessments and informal and formal career tools; review and explain results; incorporate assessment results into employment plans in conjunction with relevant labor market information; prepare and present information to customers
- Develop and utilize a variety of instructional strategies appropriate to the needs of students, including the integration of technology, and guest speakers
Develop and maintain relationships with partners, other service providers and businesses. This includes:
- Collaborate with WorkSource partners regarding enrollments, program guidelines, and training recommendations; negotiate and confirm customer eligibility
- Attend community meetings and events; represent the workforce partnership process; communicate and work closely with internal and external partners; be responsive to requests
- Coordinate resources with partners; communicate and promote agency and partner programs and services to encourage maximum utilization of available incentives
To request a detailed position description, click here.
Qualifications
- One year as a WorkSource Specialist 2 or equivalent class within the Employment Security Department, or another state’s Employment Security agency
- OR Two years of professional experience in workforce development, social or human resource services, public relations, or professional public contact work
- OR a combination of education and/or relevant experience
Required equity competencies:
- The ability to take action to learn and grow
- The ability to take action to meet the needs of others
Required experience includes:
- 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
- Eligibility Assessment Expertise: Ability to evaluate and determine client qualifications
- Employability Plan Development Expertise: Ability to structure personalized career growth strategies
- Career Coaching and Follow-Up Expertise: Ability to provide ongoing workforce guidance
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
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
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, and 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 Caleb Baldwin or at 253-306-2999 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
Description
We are hiring for 2 non-permanent positions. The incumbents will work in person at the WorkSource Office in Tacoma.
The ideal candidate for the WorkSource Specialist 3 role is a dynamic and adaptable workforce development professional with a strong commitment to serving diverse communities. They bring a deep understanding of integrated service delivery and are passionate about connecting job seekers with meaningful employment opportunities while supporting employers in meeting their workforce needs.
The incumbent will deliver employment services at the WorkSource Center, for those customers who need job search support, training and assistance to find employment who are unemployed. They will provide services both in-person and virtually. This candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment and is skilled at navigating multiple program areas including WorkFirst, Basic Food & Employment, Veterans Services, Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) and Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA), among others. This individual excels in providing customer-centered employment services, conducting assessments to identify training and employment pathways, and facilitating engaging orientations and workshops. They are detail-oriented and proficient in records management, ensuring compliance with agency and program procedures. Their ability to build and maintain strong relationships with businesses, community partners, and service providers enhances the reach and impact of WorkSource services. A collaborative team player, they contribute to regional service strategies and are committed to fostering innovation, continuity, and staff morale.
They demonstrate a clear understanding of federal, state, and local policies and are dedicated to upholding agency performance standards. With a proactive mindset and a customer-first approach, this candidate is well-positioned to advance the mission of ESD and make a lasting impact in the community.
Duties
Develop and/or provide comprehensive, customer-centered employment and training services. This includes:
- Develop individualized service strategies based on needs assessment and assist customers in establishing self-sufficiency goals and developing and managing service plans to attain those goals
- Conduct individual interviews to articulate program services and activities; identify components such as individualized and training services, applicable to customer need
- Manage caseload; provide case management; facilitate appropriate support services and/or make referrals; identify and evaluate barriers and explore solutions to assist in removing barriers; assist in obtaining needed documentation
Assess knowledge, skills and abilities to assist in determining employment and training activities and benefits. Tasks include:
- Administer a variety of assessments and informal and formal career tools; review and explain results; incorporate assessment results into employment plans in conjunction with relevant labor market information; prepare and present information to customers
- Develop and utilize a variety of instructional strategies appropriate to the needs of students, including the integration of technology, and guest speakers
Develop and maintain relationships with partners, other service providers and businesses. This includes:
- Collaborate with WorkSource partners regarding enrollments, program guidelines, and training recommendations; negotiate and confirm customer eligibility
- Attend community meetings and events; represent the workforce partnership process; communicate and work closely with internal and external partners; be responsive to requests
- Coordinate resources with partners; communicate and promote agency and partner programs and services to encourage maximum utilization of available incentives
To request a detailed position description, click here.
Qualifications
- One year as a WorkSource Specialist 2 or equivalent class within the Employment Security Department, or another state’s Employment Security agency
- OR Two years of professional experience in workforce development, social or human resource services, public relations, or professional public contact work
- OR a combination of education and/or relevant experience
Required equity competencies:
- The ability to take action to learn and grow
- The ability to take action to meet the needs of others
Required experience includes:
- 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
- Eligibility Assessment Expertise: Ability to evaluate and determine client qualifications
- Employability Plan Development Expertise: Ability to structure personalized career growth strategies
- Career Coaching and Follow-Up Expertise: Ability to provide ongoing workforce guidance
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
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
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, and 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 Caleb Baldwin or at 253-306-2999 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
See all H-1B Visa Employment Specialist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as an Employment Specialist
Verify your degree field matches the role
USCIS requires a direct connection between your degree and the Employment Specialist duties. A degree in human resources, rehabilitation counseling, or workforce development carries more weight than a general business degree when your employer files the H-1B petition.
Target cap-exempt employers first
Universities, nonprofit research organizations, and government-affiliated workforce agencies are cap-exempt, meaning they can file your H-1B petition any time of year without entering the lottery. Search Migrate Mate to filter Employment Specialist roles by employers with verified H-1B filing history.
Look up prevailing wage before salary talks
Your employer must pay the DOL prevailing wage for your job location and experience level. Run your SOC code in the OFLC Wage Search before you receive an offer so you can identify whether a compensation offer meets the legal minimum.
Confirm the role's O*NET classification upfront
Employment Specialist maps to multiple SOC codes in O*NET, including workforce development and rehabilitation counseling tracks. Ask your employer which code they plan to use in the LCA, because misclassification is a common source of RFEs on specialty occupation grounds.
Request a start date that clears the 60-day grace period
If you're transitioning from OPT or a prior H-1B, your authorized work window has a hard end date. Negotiate a start date that gives your employer enough lead time to file the H-1B petition, including any premium processing buffer if USCIS processing times are running long.
Separate public-sector from private-sector timelines
State workforce boards and county employment agencies often have longer internal hiring approval chains before they can file an LCA with DOL. Build that administrative lag into your timeline so a government employer's slower process doesn't catch you between visa statuses.
H-1B Visa Employment Specialist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Employment Specialist role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
It can, but it requires documentation. USCIS looks for evidence that the position normally requires a bachelor's degree in a specific field, such as human resources, social work, counseling, or a related discipline. Generic job descriptions that only list a degree as preferred, rather than required, often draw RFEs. Your employer's offer letter and job description should spell out the specific degree requirement clearly.
Which types of employers sponsor H-1B visas for Employment Specialist roles?
State workforce development agencies, federally funded workforce boards, nonprofit vocational rehabilitation organizations, and university career centers are common sponsors. Private staffing firms and HR consulting companies also sponsor this role, though their H-1B filing volume is more variable. You can find Employment Specialist roles at employers with active H-1B filing history on Migrate Mate.
How does the LCA process work for Employment Specialist positions?
Your employer files a Labor Condition Application with DOL before submitting the H-1B petition to USCIS. The LCA certifies that your wage meets or exceeds the prevailing wage for your job location and SOC code. DOL typically certifies LCAs within seven business days. The employer must also post a public notice of the LCA at the worksite for ten consecutive business days.
Can I work as an Employment Specialist at a nonprofit and avoid the H-1B lottery?
Possibly. Nonprofits affiliated with a university or a government research organization are cap-exempt, meaning they can file your H-1B petition outside the annual lottery. However, standalone nonprofits that are not affiliated with a qualifying institution are subject to the regular cap. Ask the employer directly whether they have filed cap-exempt H-1B petitions for other employees before.
What happens to my H-1B status if I switch Employment Specialist jobs?
Your new employer must file an H-1B transfer petition before your last day at your current employer, or you lose work authorization. Under AC21 portability, you can start the new job as soon as the transfer petition is filed and accepted, without waiting for USCIS approval, provided your current petition has been pending or approved for at least 180 days and the new role is in a same or similar occupational classification.