**This recruitment will remain open until filled. Initial screening of applications will begin October 30, 2017. We encourage all applicants to apply early. The hiring authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision and close this recruitment posting at any time after the initial screening date. 

The Housing Assistance Unit within the Community Services and Housing Division is seeking a Commerce Specialist 5. This position serves as a statewide expert on homeless housing best practices and leads a team of professional staff in developing policy and grant guidelines that align with our vision that no person is left living outside. This position also works with staff to design and enforce reporting requirements that further the performance contracting and research initiatives directed by the Washington State Homeless Housing Strategic Plan.

Does this sound like your perfect opportunity?  If so, we invite you to apply today!

• Lead the system integration and alignment of the Office of Adult & Family Homelessness (OFAH) grants: development of policies, guidelines and performance based directives. Ensure that grants are monitored for compliance based on risk assessments and address grant performance problems.
• Ensure that grants are aligned with statutes, funder requirements, performance expectations and the appropriate authorizing authority. Review and approve all grants prior to circulation to the grantee and Assistant Director for signatures.
• Lead integration of the OFAH and the Balance of State Continuum of Care policies.
• Support substantive evaluations of grant performance using Homeless Management Information System and financial data.
• Supervise and oversee work performed by a team of professional staff. Delegate workload responsibilities, priorities, and assignments to staff.
• Act as a subject matter expert. Represent OFAH and the agency at local, state, regional and national meetings, including legislative work sessions.  Provide guidance and consultation to staff, executive management, grantees and stakeholders.

Required Education, Experience and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or four years of combined experience in the qualifications below.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully supervise and lead professional staff.
• Demonstrated experience in advanced level management of homeless programs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of homeless housing best practices and their applicability to the federal HEARTH performance measures.
• Demonstrated experience in advanced level project management.
• Demonstrated experience in advanced level homeless program evaluation, including experience analyzing Homeless Management Information System data.
• Understanding of the federal Continuum of Care role and responsibilities and it relates to governance and the annual McKinney funding application
• Proven ability to work successfully with people who have opposing ideas and opinions on addressing homelessness.
• Proven understanding of the intersection of race and social justice as it relates to homelessness.

Required Competencies:

• Accountability. Meet commitments, works independently, accepts accountability, manages change, sets person standards, and stays focused under pressure.
• Customer service. Responds professionally to customer questions and complaints in a timely manner.
• Integrity. Accountable for actions, maintains confidentiality, works with staff in a straightforward and honest manner.
• Leadership. Leads through change and adversity, makes the tough calls, listens carefully to others and values all opinions; motivates and encourages others.
• People development. Provides feedback and coaching, recognizes hard work and risk taking, mentors, motivates and challenges staff and promotes team atmosphere.
• Results focused. Sets and achieves targets, prioritizes task, creative problem solver.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Masters in Social Work, Public Administration or equivalent advanced degree
• Training in Trauma Informed Services and Mental Health First Aid

I want to work for Commerce! How do I apply?
 
In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:

• A letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position;
• A current resume detailing experience and education; and
• A list of at least three professional references.

The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified and documentation may be required.

For questions about this recruitment, please contact Lindsey Henderson at 360-725-2650 or Lindsey.henderson@Commerce.wa.gov.
 

Who we are:

At Commerce, we’re a little different. But for you, it might just be the perfect fit.  We’re a state agency but operate like a business with the understanding we need to know our customer’s needs to fulfill them.  Our Olympia offices are open Monday through Friday (flexible schedules are available). We also have an active bicycle loaner program. 

Washington State offers commuting programs, including free, subsidized and reduced public transportation incentives.  There are approximately 300 employees in our agency. We are committed to our work and value balance in our personal lives. We hire people for a position and encourage them to train for growth opportunities.

If this sounds like a good fit for you and you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply today!

What we do:

We are the lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington. We administer a diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and several state boards and commissions, all focused on achieving one clear and simple mission: to grow and improve jobs in Washington.

Our key customers include businesses, local governments and community-based organizations. We also play the crucial role of convening numerous local, state, regional and federal partners and stakeholders, public and private. Together we work to support the Governor’s priorities and achieve shared goals and objectives for the citizens of Washington.

Not from Olympia?
 
As the state’s capitol, Olympia is located off Interstate 5 at the south end of the Puget Sound roughly half-way between Seattle and Portland, and less than a two hour drive to the coast, temperate rainforest, mountains, urban city, or farmlands.  With year-round art festivals, parades, theater shows, concerts, and community events, Olympia and its surrounding cities have something for everyone. For parents, it boasts some of the best schools in the nation and the renowned HandsOn Children’s Museum.  Home to two universities (The Evergreen State College and Saint Martin’s University), Olympia residents also have the opportunity to pursue a degree while working!


Special Notes:

This position is covered by a union security provision. Therefore, as a condition of employment, candidates who are appointed are required to become members of the Washington Federation of State Employees, or pay other representational fees within the first 30 days of employment.
 
 
Additional Information:
 
The Washington State Department of Commerce complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal Form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment. 

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.