L&I Program Specialist 4 – Russian/Ukrainian Outreach Specialist

About the role

We’re looking for a bilingual (Russian or Ukrainian/English) outreach leader to join our dedicated Community Relations Team and help ensure that all Washington workers—regardless of language—can access the workplace rights, benefits, and services they deserve.

Responsibilities

Some of what you’ll do:

• Serve as a trusted resource and advocate for Limited English Proficient (LEP) workers—helping them navigate L&I programs like workers’ compensation, workplace rights, and safety.
• Educate communities about their rights and responsibilities using culturally competent communication.
• Build strategic partnerships with community-based organizations, labor groups, employers, and medical providers.
• Organize and lead community forums and outreach events throughout the state.
• Provide bilingual interpretation and translation in English and Russian or Ukrainian.
• Collect and analyze data to identify service gaps, improve outreach strategies, and inform policy.

Qualifications

Required:

• Fluency in English and Russian or Ukrainian (verbal and written) – You must pass a language proficiency test.
• A Bachelor’s degree in public administration, policy, communications or a related field AND at least 2 years of relevant experience which could include planning, policy analysis, coordination and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government and supervisory experience.. OR 6 years of qualifying experience that includes three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in research, data collection and analysis, report writing, and designing and conducting complex projects.
• 3+ years of experience serving multicultural and multilingual communities.
• Valid unrestricted driver license and may not have convictions for driving under the influence or driving offense that endangered or harmed others within the past 7 years.
• Ability to lift 30–50 lbs and walk on uneven surfaces (e.g., agricultural or construction sites).
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Desired:

• Knowledge and working experience of the limited English-speaking communities in Washington state and ability to establish and maintain close relationships with those communities.
• Advanced level skills using Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Experience leading complex, multi-issue projects.

Skills

You’re the right fit if you have a proven ability to:

• Lead outreach efforts and community engagement.
• Communicate clearly across cultures.
• Analyze data and translate findings into impactful reports or recommendations.
• Adapt quickly and handle challenging situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Comfortable interacting with frustrated, vulnerable, or confused customers with professionalism and empathy.

Benefits

To help you maintain a proper work-life balance, teleworking is one of the work schedule options for this position. L&I also offers flexible custom work schedules. State employees who meet the qualifications will become eligible for a generous retirement package at the end of the employee’s career.

Pay

Employees with bilingual responsibilities receive a 5% increase in pay. WFSE CBA 42.21 King County Premium Pay - Employees assigned to a permanent duty station in King County will receive 5% Premium Pay calculated from their base salary.

Schedule

Telework is permitted on occasion. The assigned duty station for this position is Tukwila, Seattle, Bellevue, Everett or Tacoma, WA.