Based in Olympia, Washington, the Washington State Employment Security Department - ESD is a government administration that connects workers and employers statewide to empower careers and support transitions to new jobs. Founded in 1939, ESD's history began in 1935 when Congress passed the Social Security Act after economic and political turmoil ensued following the stock market crash of 1929. Washington State issued its first unemployment benefits in 1939 and grew its ranks before shifting its focus toward partnerships and workforce development by the end of the 1960s.

Although ESD's operations and responsibilities have changed significantly over the last 80 years, its goal remains to help workers and businesses succeed despite challenging economic times. With a vision to identify "the right job for each person, every time," the Washington State Employment Security Department offers an array of programs for workers and employers, such as job training and employment services for job seekers, including tax credits and unemployment benefits for eligible candidates; and job-posting, hiring events, and resume-screening for employers, as well as a layoff-avoidance program. Additionally, the department connects military veterans with veteran employment specialists.

As an employer, the Washington State Employment Security Department offers a modern workplace with flexible schedules, telework policies, and wellness programs, and continuously strives to develop new programs to improve its teams' work experience. In 2017, ESD's employee engagement scores skyrocketed from 8% to 71%. Flexible jobs offered by the Employment Security Department in the past include full-time jobs with remote work options. Select positions may entail travel requirements.

Based in Olympia, Washington, the Washington State Employment Security Department - ESD is a government administration that connects workers and employers statewide to empower careers and support transitions to new jobs. Founded in 1939, ESD's history began in 1935 when Congress passed the Social Security Act after economic and political turmoil ensued following the stock market crash of 1929. Washington State issued its first unemployment benefits in 1939 and grew its ranks before shifting its focus toward partnerships and workforce development by the end of the 1960s.

Although ESD's operations and responsibilities have changed significantly over the last 80 years, its goal remains to help workers and businesses succeed despite challenging economic times. With a vision to identify "the right job for each person, every time," the Washington State Employment Security Department offers an array of programs for workers and employers, such as job training and employment services for job seekers, including tax credits and unemployment benefits for eligible candidates; and job-posting, hiring events, and resume-screening for employers, as well as a layoff-avoidance program. Additionally, the department connects military veterans with veteran employment specialists.

As an employer, the Washington State Employment Security Department offers a modern workplace with flexible schedules, telework policies, and wellness programs, and continuously strives to develop new programs to improve its teams' work experience. In 2017, ESD's employee engagement scores skyrocketed from 8% to 71%. Flexible jobs offered by the Employment Security Department in the past include full-time jobs with remote work options. Select positions may entail travel requirements.