WorkFirst Coordinator

WorkFirst Coordinator

Salary

$66,072.00 - $78,504.00 Annually

Location

9401 Farwest Dr SW, Lakewood, WA

Job Type

Classified Full Time

Job Number

C2639

Division

Workforce, Economic & Professional Development

Department

Professional/Technical Education

Opening Date

10/08/2026

Closing Date

11/13/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Summary

Position Summary:

Pierce College is seeking to fill a vacancy for a Workforce Coordinator - WorkFirst (Program Specialist 3) position. The salary range for this position is $66,072.00 to $78,504.00, with most candidates starting at $66,072.00. This is a classified, overtime-eligible project position paid for in full through a grant, and is full-time, permanent; contingent upon continued funding. Funding for this position is currently available through June 30, 2027. This position may eligible for up to two days of telework after the 6-month probationary period, and the incumbent will be required to travel offsite and between campuses. The Workforce Coordinator - WorkFirst reports directly to the BFET/Workfirst Manager. This position requires regular and consistent attendance.

The mission of Pierce College is to create quality educational opportunities to a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world. The Pierce College District is committed to being an anti-racist institution; to truly be anti-racist we must work deliberately to eliminate barriers that have prevented the most promising and capable students from entering and thriving in college. We work to ensure that every student in the Pierce College District feels valued, respected, and inspired to achieve their goals. We provide a brave space for Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ/QTPOC students, students with disabilities, and all students and staff to seek refuge, and an opportunity for them to cultivate their strengths, intelligence, resilience, and creativity. To learn more about our Equity, Engagement, and Belonging efforts, please visit: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/equity-engagement-and-belonging.

The Workforce Coordinator - WorkFirst performs compassionate and empathetic direct student service and specialized tasks for District-wide Workforce Education & Development programs with a focus on the WorkFirst Grant program and eligible students. Collaboratively works with the Workforce Education and Development Team to provide quality service and responsibility for all students. Works independently to assess program participants' needs and develop specialized services and training unique to the needs of students and the program. Serves as a point of contact for Workforce Education & Development state-wide programs and partners; assisting students applying for and/or receiving Workforce Education & Development programs' resources; and providing required program administrative functions. Coordinate with internal and external partners to leverage funding and services for students. Recommend solutions and options concerning complex problems and issues related to students, programs, delivery of services, and budget coordination to Workforce Management Team (Director & Managers). Maintain, modify, and reconcile expenditure and revenue spreadsheets, review budgets, prepare monthly worksheets and billing for Workforce District Program budgets. Utilize MS Excel skills to create and manipulate large and complex spreadsheets using simple to complex formulas and import data from other sources.

Pierce's strength as a higher education institution lies in the diverse experiences, perspectives, and talents of every member of the workplace, where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute fully. We are committed to continuous learning, open dialogue, and intentional action to make our workplace a model of inclusion and equity for all.

About the District:

Named as a Top 5 Finalist and a Rising Star for the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, Pierce College Fort Steilacoom was recognized for exceptional achievements in student learning, certificate and degree completion while in community college and after transferring to a four-year institution, employment and earnings rates after graduation, and access for and success of minority and low-income students. Pierce College District was named as a Top 10 finalist for the 2021 Aspen Prize and a Top 25 for 2023.

Want a feel for our District? Take a peek with aerial campus views!

Pierce College Fort Steilacoom

Located on a beautiful 140-acre site adjacent to a 340-acre community, recreational park, and Waughop Lake.

Pierce College Puyallup

Located on an expansive site with 125-acres of wooded land with beautiful hideaways.

Pierce College at JBLM

Located at the Joint Base Lewis-McChord military sites, serving many of our military and active-duty families that are serving our country.

Essential Functions

Essential Functions:

Caseload Management

• Provide intentional, culturally responsive case management services that support the educational and employment success of students from non-dominant and historically underserved populations. Utilize expertise in workforce education and training programs to assess eligibility, coordinate services, and leverage resources through partnerships with agencies such as DSHS, ESD, WIOA providers, and community-based organizations.
• Conduct student interviews with compassion, empathy, and professionalism to assess educational goals, identify barriers to participation and completion, and develop individualized support strategies. Apply Workforce program policies and procedures while actively recognizing and addressing systemic inequities that may impact student success.
• Deliver comprehensive case management services by connecting students to appropriate campus and community resources. Build trusting and sustainable relationships that foster student engagement, retention, and achievement while honoring each students unique lived experiences and circumstances.
• Maintain regular and meaningful communication with assigned caseloads through a variety of methods, including in-person meetings, college-supported technology platforms, email, telephone, and text messaging. Monitor ongoing eligibility, participation, and progress to ensure compliance with program requirements and support continuous student engagement.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to assess student needs, address barriers to participation, and develop effective solutions that support educational and employment goals. Foster strong professional relationships, coordinate student-centered services, and proactively identify and resolve concerns to promote student persistence, engagement, and successful outcomes.
• Support co-enrollment efforts across all eligible Workforce programs by coordinating with colleagues to maximize student access to funding, services, and support opportunities. Work closely with the Financial Aid Office and external funding partners to guide students through funding processes and identify available resources.
• Assist students in developing comprehensive Funding Plans that integrate internal and external funding sources, including BFET, WorkFirst, Worker Retraining, Opportunity Grant, WIOA, tuition assistance programs, community-based funding, and district financial aid.
• Utilize specialized data and case management systems, including DSHS platforms (SAW and eJAS), employment systems (Handshake), and grant management systems (OGMS and OBIS), to document services, maintain accurate records, and ensure compliance with program, grant, and regulatory requirements.
• Analyze data, reports, and databases to identify trends, assess program effectiveness, ensure compliance, and develop recommendations that enhance student participation, retention, and successful outcomes.
• Demonstrate initiative in researching, interpreting, and implementing grant requirements, policies, and best practices. Collaborate with management and program leadership to develop, revise, and maintain policies and procedures that support effective service delivery, compliance, and continuous program improvement.

Assessment

• Assist students in developing Individualized Employment Plans and identifying clear education and career pathways aligned with their goals. Connect students with Success Coaches, faculty, and other appropriate resources to support the development of comprehensive education and pathway plans.
• Contribute to Career Center service delivery by providing guidance, tools, and resources that help students and community members explore educational, career, and employment opportunities. Collaborate with students and their support networks to identify areas of interest, establish achievable goals, and create actionable plans for pathway completion.
• Evaluate and adjust pathway options based on changing goals, academic progress, and personal or systemic circumstances, utilizing data and analytics to inform decision-making and empower students to achieve academic and career success.

Retention Management

• Track, monitor, and report student participation and outcomes in accordance with state, federal, and departmental requirements. Maintain accurate student records, including electronic files and case documentation, and provide data and reports to leadership as required. Conduct ongoing outreach and eligibility reviews to ensure continued program participation and compliance.
• Monitor and evaluate students academic progress by reviewing performance indicators, identifying current and potential barriers, and connecting students to appropriate college resources such as tutoring, library services, writing support, and other academic success programs. Empower students to navigate college systems independently and build skills that promote long-term educational self-sufficiency.
• Provide ongoing career exploration, employment readiness, and retention support through individualized coaching and resources, including career assessments, job and internship search assistance, resume and cover letter review, interview preparation, and employment planning to support student persistence, program completion, and successful employment outcomes.

College Support

• Serve on appropriate college committees and represent the college at community educational and outreach events. Provide outreach as determined by the Workforce Development Managers and/or Director. Participate in assigned Achieving the Dream groups or other campus communities to support retention and recruitment goals set by college leadership.
• Actively advance Pierce Colleges goals for equity and inclusion to provide access and support for our diverse community of learners. The Workforce Coordinator performs their duties while actively supporting Pierce Colleges mission, institutional values, and commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging. The position contributes to equitable access and support for a diverse community of learners and works collaboratively to identify and reduce barriers to student access, opportunity, and success
• Participate in professional development/growth opportunities.

Budget Coordination

• Prepare, maintain, and enter Time and Effort documentation each pay period to ensure accurate budget charging and compliance with grant requirements. Monitor variances, identify discrepancies, and coordinate adjustments as needed using ctcLink, SharePoint, and other applicable systems.
• Maintain, update, and reconcile WorkFirst expenditure and revenue tracking reports utilizing Excel, payroll reports, Power BI, and other financial management tools. Collaborate with the Workforce Manager and Finance Office to review monthly invoices, resolve discrepancies, and ensure timely and accurate submission.
• Prepare purchase requisitions and purchase orders in accordance with college and grant guidelines.
• Monitor grant budgets and expenditures to ensure alignment with approved funding allocations and program objectives. Analyze financial activity, identify budget trends and concerns, and provide recommendations regarding fund requests, reallocation of resources, or return of unused funds.
• Prepare and submit fiscal reports, budget updates, and supporting documentation required for grant management and compliance. Provide financial data and budget information that supports grant development, renewal applications, and monitoring visits.
• Develop expenditure projections and present budget status updates to the Workforce Team and leadership on a regular basis. Review financial performance against budget targets, alert management to potential issues, and prepare budget revision matrices and other fiscal documents required for reporting to SBCTC and other funding agencies.

Other Duties as assigned by Director/Managers

• Support special projects, events, and cross-functional team initiatives as needed.

Qualifications

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in counseling, psychology, education, social work, or a related field OR equivalent professional experience in workforce education or behavioral health in a post-secondary educational setting. For a Bachelors degree, the equivalent amount of professional experience is four (4) years.

Education to Experience Equivalences:

Associates Degree = 2 years | Bachelors Degree = 4 years | Masters Degree = 5 years

Required Experience:

• Experience working with Workforce Programs (Worker Retraining, BFET, WorkFirst, Opportunity Grant) and external agencies (ESD, WIOA, DSHS);
• Experience with educational and career advising, exploration, and planning practices, tools, and strategies;
• Possess a working knowledge of a variety of computer software programs and databases such as Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, MS Forms, and Adobe. Experience using PeopleSoft and eJas desired;
• Experience creating, using and navigating budgets.

Special Requirements

• The incumbent will occasionally be required to travel between campuses and scheduled to work at either campus.
• The successful candidate must consent to and pass a criminal background check after a conditional offer of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position

Required Competencies: Knowledge, skills, abilities, traits and characteristics:

Effective Communication

• Eagerly engages students in identifying issues, options, and desired outcomes. Develops a clear picture of the needs and best options from the student's perspective.

• Identifies resources and potential solutions that are practical and effective. Knows and explains where, when, and how to implement those options.

• Helps students navigate complex or sensitive issues, keeping the student's best interests in mind and advising on best practices. Follows up to make sure desired outcomes are realized.

• Adapts the content, tone, style, and form to suit the needs of the reader, the subject, and the purpose of the communication. Uses plain talk to explain complex or technical concepts.

• Provides a positive environment and engages in trauma-informed practices.

Problem Solving & Information Competency

• Ability to access, evaluate and apply information from all relevant sources, tools and contexts.

• Frames problems before trying to solve them. Breaks down problems and identifies all of their facets.

• Clearly documents sources, and organizes the information according to the research needs.

• Checks work to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Self-Management

• Prioritizes tasks by importance and deadline. Adjusts priorities as situations change. Easily transitions between tasks and picks up where left off when interrupted.

• Asks for and uses feedback to improve performance. Seeks and acquires new skills, work methods, ideas, and information that will improve own efficiency and effectiveness on the job.

• Responds positively to change, embracing and using new practices to accomplish goals and solve problems.

• Builds personal work habits that allow for retention of ethical standards in the face of deadlines, student/parent requests, and other professional/personal factors.

Valuing Diversity

• Demonstrates the ability to work effectively and positively with individuals from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, and other backgrounds, with a demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging in the delivery of student services.

• Strives to eliminate barriers to success for systemically non-dominant populations.

• Treats others with respect, honor, and offers grace and empathy.

• Respects the talents and contributions of all individuals. Creates an environment of learning about, valuing, encouraging, and supporting differences.

• Seeks different points of view and leverages diverse perspectives in group processes and decision-making. Listens to and objectively considers the ideas/input of others.

Establishing Rapport

• Maintains an open, approachable manner, and treats others equitably.

• Builds collaborative relationships characterized by acceptance, cooperation and mutual engagement.

• Seeks to constructively resolve confrontations and disagreements. Focuses on the situation, issues, or behaviors, rather than the individual.

Teamwork

• Demonstrates the ability and desire to work cooperatively with others on a team.

• Recognizes and appreciates the contributions and expertise of team members.

• Seeks to understand other programs in the department, including their services, deliverables, and measures.

• Knows and supports teammates' work and deliverables. Understands how the individual role integrates with larger departmental tasks and goals.

• Considers potential impacts to the team when making decisions.

Technical Expertise

• Ability to learn to effectively navigate complex operating systems.

• Demonstrates appropriate depth of knowledge in assigned areas.

• Initiates own learning about software and its efficiencies.

Application Process

Application Requirements:

To be considered for this position, applicants must:

• Meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.
• Complete the online application profile at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr.
• Apply for the specific job opening.
• Upload (attach) a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement. (Cover Letter)
• Upload (attach) detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience. (Résumé)
• Transcripts are not required in order to apply for this position; however, if you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to bring copies of unofficial transcripts showing completion of the required level of education. Please upload current copies of your transcripts, if available. Unofficial copies of all college and university transcripts must include degree received and conferral date. International transcripts must include a foreign transcript evaluation. For a list of approved credential evaluation services visit: https://www.naces.org/members (Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application process; official transcripts required upon hire). (Transcripts)
• Upload (attach) a list of at least three (3) professional references with names, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. At least one reference must be your current or most recent supervisor. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted. (References)
• Provide a response to the following question. (Supplemental Question): "How does this position impact the Colleges goal to support all students and to achieve racial and social equity in pursuit of mission? "Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words.
• For definitions of certain equity, engagement, and belonging language, please visit: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/eeb-definitions

Special Note: To ensure consideration, application materials should be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.

Terms of Employment:

This is a classified, overtime-eligible project position with the Pierce College District paid for in full through a grant, and is full-time (40 hours per week), permanent; contingent upon continued funding. Funding for this position is currently available through June 30, 2027. This position may eligible for telework after the 6-month probationary period. The Workforce Coordinator - WorkFirst reports directly to the BFET/Workfirst Manager. This position requires regular and consistent attendance. The primary work location will be at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom campus. Work hours are between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00p.m. Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings and weekend work. This position may be subject to reassignment between campuses or sites.

Salary & Benefits:

The starting salary range for this position is $66,072.00 to $78,504.00 annually with annual increments up to $80,496.00.The salary will be determined based on the candidates qualifications and related experience. Most candidates will start at $66,072.00. Your paycheck is just part of the total compensation package. There is an outstanding benefits package which is worth an additional value equivalent to about 30% of your salary. A comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and long- term disability insurance plans; vacation, sick and personal leave; reduced tuition; and retirement benefits are also provided. For more information, please visit our Benefits and Leave website at: https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr- benefits.

Physical Work Environment:

This position is required to work indoors in an open office environment, which requires visual concentration on detail, dexterity, precision, and is subject to frequent noise and interruptions.

Reasonable Accommodation:

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the application and employment process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible. Requests should be made to the District Human Resources Office by calling 253-964-7342. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the states free telecommunication access service.

Screening & Interview Process:

Only those candidates who have complied with the application process and meet the required qualifications will be considered. Following the review of application materials, the most qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Check the email account you used for the application process for communication regarding the status of your application. Application materials submitted to Pierce College are the property of the College and will not be returned. Please note:This is a competitive selection process. Your application materials will be reviewed and evaluated based on the minimum qualifications listed for the position. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the Districts needs will be eligible for further consideration.

Conditions of Employment:

Prior to the start of employment, finalist(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicants suitability and competence to perform in the position. Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law RCW 28B.112.080.An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the District to sponsor an H-1B visa. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire. Pierce College has adopted a Drug Free Workplace policy. As a condition of employment, employees must agree to abide by the requirements established in that policy.

Bargaining Unit:

This position has been designated as a bargaining unit position represented by the Washington Public Employee Association (WPEA).

Equal Opportunity:

Pierce College supports and values the dignity of each member of its community and visitors, and is committed to maintaining an environment free from discrimination and harassment. This commitment applies to all levels and areas of operations and programs and is intended to ensure that all students and employees are provided equitable opportunities to realize their goals and to function safely and effectively within the Pierce College environment.

Pierce College recognizes its responsibility under state laws and their implementing regulations to investigate, resolve, implement corrective measures, and monitor the educational environment and workplace to stop, remediate, and prevent discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal. Pierce College prohibits discrimination against and harassment of members of these protected classes, as well as any additional class(es) protected by local, state, or federal law. Any individual found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including the possibility of exclusion from Pierce College facilities, dismissal from Pierce College as a student, and/or dismissal from employment, as applicable.

Members of the college community, guests, or visitors who believe they have been the subject of discrimination or harassment should report the incident or incidents to the District Title IX/EEO Coordinator identified below. If the complaint is against that Coordinator, or if for some other reason a report cannot be made to the Coordinator, the complainant should report the matter to one of the alternate designees listed below.

District Title IX Coordinator and District Section 504 Coordinator

Kelly Benson

Pierce College Fort Steilacoom

Cascade Building, Room 237

9401 Farwest Drive SW, Lakewood, WA 98498-1999

253-964-6716

TitleIX@pierce.ctc.edu

District Affirmative Action Officer

Paula Henson-Williams

253-864-3229

PHenson@pierce.ctc.edu

Deputy Title IX Coordinator

District Athletics

Duncan Stevenson

253-964-6612

DStevenson@pierce.ctc.edu

Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Student Conduct

Julie Draper Davis

253-912-2331

JDraperDavis@pierce.ctc.edu

Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Pierce College at Joint Base Lewis-McChord

Ron Burleson

253-912-2242

RBurleson@pierce.ctc.edu

Deputy Title IX Coordinator

EEO/Human Resources

Deena Forsythe

253-964-6586

DForsythe@pierce.ctc.edu

More than Just a Paycheck!

Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. 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 families are covered by medical (including vision) and dental insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums ranging from $25.00 per month for individual coverage to $483.00 for full family coverage (the state pays dental premiums). 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 coverage choices and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.

Retirement and Supplemental Plans

Classified Pierce College 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 state Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) and the State Board Voluntary Investment Program (SBVIP), administered by TIAA-CREF. These are supplemental retirement savings programs (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.

Leave

Classified employees begin accruing 9.33 hours of vacation and 8 hours of sick leave starting their first month of employment. The amount of vacation an employee can accrue increases the longer they work with us (up to a maximum of 16 hours, 40 minutes per month after twenty-five years of service). A maximum of 30 working days (280 hours) of vacation may be accumulated. Employees also receive two personal leave days after four months of employment.

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Holidays

Full-time employees are entitled to ten paid holidays and a personal holiday of their choice (may be used after four months of employment).

Tuition Reimbursement

Permanent Classified employees working half-time or more may take space-available classes for $5 per quarter with the Tuition Waiver program (typically after a 6 month probationary period).

Public Service Loan Forgiveness:

At Pierce College, we value the contributions of our employees and strive to support their professional and personal growth. One significant benefit of working with us is our eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. As an employee of a qualifying public service organization, you may be eligible to have your federal student loans forgiven after making 120 qualifying payments (10 years). This program is designed to support those who dedicate their careers to public service, giving you the opportunity to significantly reduce your student loan debt while making a positive impact in the community.

Financial Peace of Mind: With Public Service Loan Forgiveness, you can focus on your mission to serve others without the burden of overwhelming student loan debt, allowing you to dedicate your skills and talents to providing quality educational opportunities to a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world.

Flexible Repayment Options: We encourage our employees to explore various repayment plans, including income-driven options that can make monthly payments more manageable during your service as a public employee.

Join Our Dedicated Community Now:

If you are committed to helping Pierce College become an anti-racist institution; ensuring that every student in the Pierce College District feels valued, respected, and inspired to achieve their goals than Pierce College needs you! We provide a brave space for Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ/QTPOC students, students with disabilities, and all students and staff to seek refuge, and an opportunity for them to cultivate their strengths, intelligence, resilience, and creativity. This role that not only enhances your career but also offers financial benefits through programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness. We encourage you to apply!

Bargaining Unit

Classified employees of Pierce College are covered by the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA). For more information, please visit http://www.wpea.org/.

Discounted Health Education Center Membership

Employees of the college receive a discount on Health Education Center membership, which provides access at both campuses to a complete set of cardiovascular and strength training equipment and a full gymnasium at the Fort Steilacoom campus. Personal trainers and physical education classes are also available for an additional fee.

01

"How does this position impact the Colleges goal to support all students and to achieve racial and social equity in pursuit of mission? "Please limit your response to a maximum of 500 words.

Required Question

Employer Pierce College

Address 9401 Farwest Drive SW

Lakewood, Washington, 98498

Phone 253.964.7342

Website https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr