The position reports to the Office of Homeless Youth Executive Director in the Housing Assistance Unit (HAU) within the Community Services and Housing Division (CSHD). CSHD partners with local governments and nonprofits to develop and preserve affordable housing, promote individual and family self-sufficiency, reduce homelessness, address the causes and effects of crime and violence, and invest in community facilities.

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

• Develop and maintain program policies, procedures, guidelines, goals, objectives, fund applications and work plans in support of grants to fund service providers to reduce youth homelessness.
• Expedite release of funds to grantees for contracting and reimbursement.
• Make professional level decisions, recommendations, and provide program oversight.
• Provide technical assistance to grantees to meet program requirements, performance outcomes, and ensure accountability for funding.
• Review and approve monthly reports and expenditures submitted by grantees.
• Analyze grantee budgets and track expenditures.
• Use housing data systems to analyze OHY program performance and grantee performance in accordance with stated outcome measures.
• Communicate performance results to internal and external stakeholders
• Inform decisions regarding performance and data collection to ensure the most meaningful analysis.
• Identify and promote best business practices and efficient program designs
• Develop risk assessment and monitoring tools.
• Evaluate program activities and monitor grant compliance by reviewing program fiscal and service delivery to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
• Work closely with Commerce’s fiscal teal and the OHY Executive Director to develop and adjust program budgets, prepare and review monthly and quarterly reports and expenditures with general ledger.
• Prepare budget documents to assist with procurements and funding decisions.
• Update internal budget documents as necessary, prepare budget modification forms as needed, and communicate all changes to relevant staff.

• Bachelor’s degree AND three years of professional experience in community development.
  • Additional years of professional level experience in community development, may substitute, year-for-year, for education.
  • A graduate or advanced degree may substitute for one year of the required years of professional experience in community development.
• Three years of high-level experience using computer and web applications such as Excel, Word, Internet Explorer, and other applications and databases.
• Three years of experience in grants financial management, finance, accounting, and/or auditing.
• Two years of experience managing and understanding the principles, practices and techniques of homelessness, housing and/or social service programs, including their application, intent, source of funds, legislation, regulation, and reporting.
• One year of demonstrated experience analyzing data from the Homeless Management Information System by creating queries to extract counts and subsets of data based on multiple logical criteria.
• One year of experience working in a policy, administrative or direct service role to serve homeless youth and/or young adults.

Required Competencies:

• Demonstrated high level of interpersonal communication skills–two way communication, information sharing, gathering, and using stakeholder feedback.
• Research and Analytical Skills/Abilities: Ability to research, evaluate and draw conclusions from data; support recommendations with facts and analysis; interpret and apply rules, laws, policies and procedures.
• Strong ability to meet budget, grant, and reporting deadlines with high degree of accuracy.
• Strong understanding of interpreting, writing, and applying detailed policies and procedures.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with state contracting procedures and systems
• Knowledge of specific housing and fiscal data systems such as the Department of Commerce’s Contracts Management System (CMS)

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.