The Washington State Employment Security Department has changed a lot since our start in 1939.
We have changed a lot in the 21st Century, too. That's when the state Legislature added the Paid Family & Medical Leave program to our agency. It also added parts of the long-term care program — WA Cares.
Our vision, mission, values and strategic plan focus on supporting unemployment claimants, employers and Paid Leave recipients. Importantly, our guiding principles also focus on our exceptional employees. Because we can't serve the public with excellence without excellent staff.
Vision
Everyone in Washington has full access to the opportunities, power and resources they need to flourish and achieve their full potential.
Mission
We contribute to healthy communities by providing people equitable access to resources that improve economic security.
Core values
- Access.
- Love.
- Belonging.
- Equity.
- Stewardship
Read the definitions of our core values (PDF, 123KB).
Read our 2024-28 strategic plan (PDF, 197KB).
Our programs
Employment Security manages 2 main programs aimed at helping workers during transitions in their lives: Unemployment Insurance and Paid Family & Medical Leave. To learn more, start by visiting the unemployment benefits page on our website and the Paid Leave website.
We also are a major partner in Washington's workforce development system: WorkSource. On the WorkSource website, we help match those looking for work with jobs and help employers find qualified workers.
In addition to our programs, we are proud to host:
- The Governors Committee on Disability Issues & Employment.
And - The Washington Service Corps, the largest AmeriCorps program in the country.