The Community Services Division (CSD) partners with local governments, Tribes, community-based organizations, and nonprofits to provide community assistance, promote individual and family self-sufficiency, address the causes and effects of crime and violence, and reduce poverty.

Within the Community Economic Opportunities (CEO) Unit of CSD, this position performs professional, journey-level program work for the Commerce WorkFirst Programs. These programs provide transitional employment and work training to low-income families in partnership with DSHS, other state agencies, and community-based organizations. The goal of this program is to improve the economic stability and mobility of vulnerable families through employment. This position is part of the Commerce WorkFirst contracts management team, and key skills include collaboration, curiosity, candor, synthesizing information, inventiveness, and efficiency. Primary responsibilities include managing complex and competing issues; coordinating program operations; conducting policy research and data analysis; facilitating contract improvements through gap analysis and collaborative work; and working closely with other staff, contractors, and key partners to connect ideas and support program performance.

Required Position Qualifications:
Seven (7) total years of professional-level experience or education in project management, policy development, compliance monitoring, technical assistance, performance management, human services, or related which includes:

Three (3) or more years of the following:
• Policy analysis, project management, data management and/or reporting, and/or improving operational systems.
• Reviewing, interpreting and implementing state and federal requirements
• Facilitating, coaching, and relationship-building skills across diverse partners

Lived experience with TANF, SNAP, or other publicly funded programs may substitute for two years of professional experience.
• What is lived experience? Lived experiences is relevant expertise derived from the accumulated personal life and professional experiences of an individual. Experience can be gained through life events.

Examples of how to qualify:
o 7 years of experience
o 6 years of experience and one year of education
o 5 years of experience and two years of education
o 4 years of experience and three years of education
o 3 years of experience and four years of education
o 2 years of experience and five years of education
o 1 years of experience and six years of education

AND
Demonstrated commitment to growth Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism competencies, including: able to learn and understand the language and concepts of DEI; commitment to growth, learning and self-awareness related to DEI; demonstrated the understanding that all people are valued by contributing to an equitable, inclusive and respectful environment when working with members of the team, agency, and
community; and commitment to being an active participant in continually evaluating and improving strategies that promote equity, belonging, and antiracism in our organization.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
• Working knowledge of workforce development, case management, and social services practices
• 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
• Demonstrated high-level interpersonal communication skills: two-way communication, strong writing skills, information sharing, leveraging customer feedback, and creating and facilitating presentations
• Ability to develop and maintain meaningful relationships with community partners and stakeholders
• Experience with data analysis, and/or policy research.
• Experience working for, or in partnership with, WorkFirst or employment and training programs
• Experience working in the Department of Social and Health Services’ Electronic Jobs Automated System (eJAS) or a similar case management database systems
• Experience in contracting public funds to community agencies

To be considered for this position the following are needed:

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

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 will be required. If selected, you will need to travel to pick up equipment and receive instruction. Many Commerce employees work remotely or have a hybrid schedule.

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next 60 days.

Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can't log in, password or email issues, error messages). DES job seeker support may answer general questions regarding the recruiting system at careershelp@des.wa.gov.

Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity
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 email Human Resources at Human.Resources@commerce.wa.gov. 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.

Department of Commerce also offers a competitive benefits package including: medical and dental insurance benefits, retirement and deferred compensation plans, 11 paid holidays each year, 14-25 vacation days per year (depending on length of employment), 8 hours of sick leave per month (if full time employed), bereavement leave, an employee assistance program, as well as other benefits. Please see the Benefits Tab for more details.