ES Benefit Specialist 3: Tax and Wage-Rates Unit/Lead-Internal Only

ES Benefit Specialist 3: Tax and Wage-Rates Unit/Lead-Internal Only

Salary

$61,332.00 - $82,440.00 Annually

Location

Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-06802

Department

Employment Security Department

Division

Unemployment Insurance

Opening Date

08/19/2026

Closing Date

8/26/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

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

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

This position is mainly virtual but may be required to come into the office for occasional trainings and meetings as requested.

This position is only open to internal Employment Security Department Employees only.

The ideal candidate for the ES Benefit Specialist 3 - Lead role in our Rates section is a seasoned unemployment insurance professional who brings deep expertise in tax rates, benefit charging, and the application of complex RCWs and WACs.

They demonstrate strong analytical ability, advanced problem-solving skills, and a commitment to protecting the integrity of the UI trust fund. A healthy UI trust fund is an integral part of paying unemployment benefit to claimants. Their foundation in accounting principles, regulatory interpretation, and employer account management enables them to navigate intricate tax issues with accuracy and confidence.

This candidate excels as a trainer, mentor, and technical resource. They are skilled at developing and delivering training on tax systems, benefit charges, separation reasons, and annual tax rate assignments. The incumbent will develop and provide technical training in tax rates and benefit charges, interpreting laws & regulations, and customer service. They will coach and mentor Tax Specialists of varying abilities regarding law/policy and procedures. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative environment, supporting team members, reviewing work for accuracy, identifying training gaps, and ensuring consistent application of policy and procedure across the Rates Unit.

Finally, the ideal candidate is a steady, reliable leader who contributes to unit performance, workflow management, and quality assurance. They are comfortable acting as a lead worker-assigning tasks, checking work, planning workloads-and stepping in for the supervisor when needed. They communicate effectively with employers, internal partners, and external stakeholders, even in challenging situations. They communicate with internal and external customers including uncooperative customers in stressful situations and provide clear guidance on regulatory requirements and appeal rights. Their adaptability, equity-focused mindset, and commitment to accuracy make them an essential contributor to the Rates Unit's mission of ensuring employers receive correct tax rates and equitable benefit charge decisions.

Duties

Develop and provide technical training in tax rates and benefit charges, interpreting laws & regulations, and customer service. This includes:

• Work closely with Rates supervisor to assist with training, orienting, directing, and coordinating the work of Tax Specialists
• Perform user acceptance testing for Rates program changes to ensure the correct actions are taken without unintended consequences
• Review work of Tax Specialists for accuracy and completeness. Monitor and correct the work of team members to ensure compliance with established departmental policies and procedures

Process Tax Rate review requests and relief of benefit charges. This includes:

• Assist Tax Specialists in investigating and resolving complex relief of benefit charging issues
• Identify training gaps and training needs
• Review team member recommendation of tax rate recalculations. Identify training gaps and training needs

Assist supervisor in monitoring quality, performance, and productivity of Tax Specialists. This includes:

• Assign and monitor work of team members to ensure agency and unit goals and standards are met
• Assist supervisor in the formulation of tax procedures, processes, and updates
• Assist supervisor to ensure performance goals are met and unit tasks are completed in a timely and accurate manner. Assist supervisor in identifying unit backlogs and prioritization of resources to reduce those backlogs

To request a detailed position description, click here.

Qualifications

• 6 years of equivalent education/experience of the required experience below
• OR 1 year as an ES Benefits Specialist 2
• OR 1 year of experience equivalent to the ES Benefits Specialist 2 with another state that administers tax programs
• OR An associate's degree in a health, social science, public administration, business administration, accounting, law, or a related field AND 4 years of the required experience below
• OR Bachelor's Degree in a health, social science, public administration, business administration, accounting, law, or a related field AND 2 years of the required experience below
• OR A master's degree in a health, social science, public administration, business administration, accounting, law, or a related field AND 1 year of the required experience below

AND

• A minimum of 12 semesters or 18 quarter hours of college-level accounting

Required equity competencies:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others

The required experience includes:

• Adaptability & Multitasking Skills: Flexibility to manage varied responsibilities
• Advanced Problem-Solving & Advising: Skill in addressing complex issues and providing guidance
• Data Analysis: to verify calculations, attention to detail to ensure accuracy, regulatory knowledge to comply with laws, problem-solving to resolve discrepancies, and communication skills to report findings
• Regulatory Knowledge & Communication Skills: Proficiency in explaining complex regulations clearly
• Subject Matter Expertise: Proficiency in navigating intricate employer account matters
• Working Knowledge of financial and accounting principles and practices; the analysis and reporting of financial data including GAAP and GAAS (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Generally Accepted Auditing Standards)
• Workload & Quality Monitoring: Ability using available data to monitor workload and ensure quality outcomes

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, and Transcripts 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 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 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

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

Are you a current or former Washington State government employee?

• Yes
• No

02

Have you attached your cover letter, resume, and transcripts to your application? Please ensure all documents are included as they are crucial for the evaluation process.

• Yes
• No

03

What kind of experience do you bring to this position?

• 6 years of equivalent education/experience as described in the job description.
• One year as an ES Benefits Specialist 2
• One year of experience equivalent to the ES Benefits Specialist 2 with another state that administers tax programs.
• An associates degree in a health or social science, public administration or a related field and 4 years of the required experience.
• Bachelor's Degree in a health or social science, public administration or a related field and 2 years of the required experience.
• A master's degree in a health or social science, public administration, or a related fieldand 1 year of the required experience.

04

Please describe your experience with the following competency-Adaptability & Multitasking Skills: Flexibility to manage varied responsibilities

05

Please describe your experience with the following competency-Advanced Problem-Solving & Advising: Skill in addressing complex issues and providing guidance.

06

Please describe your experience with the following competency-Data Analysis: to verify calculations, attention to detail to ensure accuracy, regulatory knowledge to comply with laws, problem-solving to resolve discrepancies, and communication skills to report findings.

07

Please describe your experience with the following competency-Regulatory Knowledge & Communication Skills: Proficiency in explaining complex regulations clearly.

08

Please describe your experience with the following competency-Subject Matter Expertise: Proficiency in navigating intricate employer account matters

09

Please describe your experience with the following competency-Working Knowledge of financial and accounting principles and practices; the analysis and reporting of financial data including GAAP and GAAS (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Generally Accepted Auditing Standards).

10

Please describe your experience with the following competency-Workload & Quality Monitoring: Ability using available data to monitor workload and ensure quality outcomes.

11

This position requires a minimum of 12 semesters or 18 quarter hours of college-level accounting. Do you have this experience and did you attach your transcript?

• Yes
• No

12

ESD How did you hear about this job opportunity?

• WWW.Careers.Wa.Gov
• WorkSource Center or Website (WorkSourceWA.com)
• Washington State Employee Referral
• ESD Employee Referral
• Employment Security Departments job web page: WWW.Esd.Wa.Gov
• Monster
• College/university career fair or website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• VERG
• Craigslist
• CareerBuilder
• Diversity Jobs
• Handshake
• Other

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