Commerce Specialist 5 - Community Economic Opportunities Unit (00336)

Apply Early! The first review of applications begins January 27, 2023.

At the Department of Commerce (Commerce), we are creative, collaborative, and trusted. We identify opportunities to deliver critical funding and services to strengthen communities, we cultivate an environment in which we continuously learn, and we own our work.

The Community Services Division (CSD) partners with local governments and community organizations to promote individual and family self-sufficiency, address the causes and effects of crime and violence, and invest in community facilities.

Within the Community Economic Opportunities (CEO) Unit in theCSD, the Commerce Specialist 5 is responsible for specific tasks within the WorkFirst Program, and provides professional, journey-level program work for the WorkFirst Program and provisos. This position contributes to the strategic planning goal of moving low-income and vulnerable families to self-sufficiency.

This posting may be used to fill other vacant positions within 60 days once position is filled.The Commerce Specialist 5 commits to developing successful working relationships to enhance the services and assistance the CEO unit provides to individuals and communities in Washington. Here are some of the duties performed in this role.

Program and Policy Enhancement

• Manages administrative structure, procedures, practices, and execution for allocating funds through a Request for Proposal/Qualifications process per state and agency requirements.

• Uses technical expertise to review professional journals, research, practice standards and other appropriate resources. Develop papers, briefs, or other means of relaying information that informs service providers and policy makers regarding best standards.

• Researches, designs, and implements program enhancements, improvements, and pilot opportunities using industry best practices and stakeholder input.

• Engages and provides consultative input in national, state, and local workgroups, associations, and advisory councils.

• Leads and coordinates opportunities for stakeholder and partner input, feedback, workgroups, and advisory councils in regards to program development, modifications, and improvements.

• Represents program participant and contractor interests in discussions, public awareness efforts, media events, public meetings or other venues, as appropriate, to improve services for program participants.

Program Management

• Develops biennial work plans, including staffing or other resource needs and deploy staff to accomplish the tasks required. Develop and implement systems to measure the achievement and effectiveness of program goals and projects. Oversees program budgets, expenditures, and balances. Ensures the reconciliations of expenditures and all financial requirements/spending limits are adhered to. Communicates regularly with assigned budget and fiscal staff.

• Determines funding allocation methodologies.

• Acts as the recognized subject matter expert. Represents and speaks on behalf of the agency in regard to program area(s).

• Oversees and manages all aspects of contracts, grants, and/or IAGs related to funds received for program purposes.

• Ensures that all related contractual, statutory, regulatory, and program policy requirements are fulfilled through implementing program monitoring, technical assistance, and contractor training.

• Develops and implements program policies, procedures, measures, outcomes, and guidelines.

Staff Management

• Acts as the primary manager and provides consultation to program staff on actions, techniques, and/or approaches to assist grantees needing technical assistance.

• Provides consultation and oversight in the development, implementation, and monitoring of grantee corrective action plans.

• Delegates workload responsibilities and assignments to staff.

• Supervises agency personnel and provides regular feedback, coaching, and guidance to staff.

• Evaluates staff performance and addresses performance concerns as necessary.

• Recommends corrective and/or disciplinary actions to the Managing Director.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree AND five years of professional experience in community, trade or economic development with a focus in program enhancement. If the applicant does not have a Bachelor's Degree, nine years of professional experience, or nine years total of a combination of higher education and professional experience as described.

• A graduate or advanced degree may substitute for one year of the required professional experience.

• Three (3) years of experience supervising one or more employees including hiring staff, training and development, assigning work, evaluating performance, and taking corrective action.

• Demonstrated competency in diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism work, including: creating space that is inclusive and respectful for everyone who interacts with and within our agency; recognize that oppression and inequities such as racism, sexism, classism, etc., are real, exist and need to be addressed; implement practices and working conditions that achieve inclusion in the workforce and in the way we serve the public; identify where barriers and inequities exist in your area of expertise or responsibility and lead the removal, change or culture adjustment; co-create and support policies, programs, practices and procedures that increase the power, voice and influence of the most impacted and marginalized people; and use DEI data to inform and influence inclusive programs and services.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in contracting public funds to community agencies

• Experience working for, or in partnership with, non-profits, state entities, Tribal governments, or social services organizations.

• Experience working for, or in partnership with, WorkFirst or employment and training programs.

• Working knowledge of workforce development, case management, and social services practices

• Experience collaborating with stakeholders for program and policy application and development

• Experience working in the Department of Social and Health Services' Electronic Jobs Automated System (eJAS) or a similar case management database systems

• Ability to produce high-quality work in an efficient manner while managing multiple projects

• Ability to use software and cloudware programs to create complex documents and tools

• Skilled at creating and facilitating workshops, training, and presentations

• Demonstrated high-level interpersonal communication skills: two-way communication, strong writing skills, information sharing, gathering and using customer feedback

• Ability to develop and maintain meaningful relationships with community partners and stakeholders

To be considered for this position the following are needed:

• A complete and detailed online application
• A Cover letter (enter online);
• At least three (3)professional references(enter online).

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement

The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application. All information may be verified and documentation may be required. For questions about this recruitment, please contact Jose Dominguez at 360-810-0182 or jose.dominguez@commerce.wa.gov.

Work From Anywhere In Washington State

This position may be located anywhere within Washington state though occasional travel to a Commerce office building or in-state travel to attend events or meetings may be required. If selected, you will need to travel to pick up equipment and receive instruction. Many Commerce employees work remote or have a hybrid schedule. However, it is anticipated that interviews for this position will be held using virtual videoconferencing. You will work with your supervisor to identify an appropriate work schedule and balance, including telework and reporting to a duty station for work activities, if needed.

Important Notice

Per Governor Inslee's Proclamation 21-14 , state employees must be fully vaccinated prior to your first day of employment. Your vaccine status will be verified prior to an offer of employment. Please reach out to Human Resources Specialist Jimmie Wimberly at jimmie.wimberly@commerce.wa.govif you need information on medical or religious accommodation.

Additional Information:

The Washington State Department of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (360) 725-2650. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.