Commerce Specialist 1 [02118]
- Description
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We are looking for a collaborative, friendly and customer centric Commerce Specialist to support the important work of creating and preserving affordable housing across the state. This person will provide first-level technical support for Housing Finance Unit (HFU) data systems and will assist with research and the production of publications and reports as part of the HFU Data Team.
The HFU Data Team is responsible for managing a complex, multi-tiered, fluid portfolio of contract and performance records that represent approximately 1 billion invested, and 47 thousand housing units developed.
- Duties
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- Provide primary technical assistance for users of both the internally facing HCMS system and externally facing Web-Based Annual Reporting Systems (WBARS).
- Respond to reported or discovered system errors and enhancement requests.
- Assist HFU Data Team in the development and maintenance of user guides and training tools for HCMS and WBAR system end-users.
- Conduct entry-level tutorials for individuals and small groups on HCMS and WBARS as needed to bring new system users on board.
- Coordinate with HFU and Combined Funder staff to hold online and in-person training workshops to provide guidance to WBARS end users.
- Collect property specific data from contractors and funding partners using standardized templates and communication tools.
- Reviews returned documentation for completeness and consistency with internal records.
- Serves on division communication team, coordinates HFU external website updates, as needed.
- Assist HFU Data Team with data requests, analysis, quality control and reporting.
- Maintain HFU Data Team’s internal SharePoint site.
- Qualifications
- Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree AND two years of professional experience in training and supporting customers in the use of reporting systems that collect data.
- Professional-level experience in training and supporting customers in the use of reporting systems that collect data may be substituted, year-for-year, for education.
- A graduate or advanced degree will substitute for one year of required experience.
- One year of professional experience using computer and web applications such as Excel, Word, Access, Internet Explorer and other applications and databases.
- One year of experience successfully communicating technical information to a non-technical audience.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse coworkers and customers in-person and remotely using a variety of technology platforms, such as Skype for Business, Skype IM, GoToMeeting, etc.
- Ability to independently determine, organize and prioritize workload.
- Ability to meet deadlines and to produce reports and documents with a high degree of accuracy.
- Strong communication skills, both orally and in writing, using the English language.
- Demonstrated maturity and sound judgment.
- Ability to operate standard office equipment (telephone, computer, copier/printer).
- Ability to work in an open, collaborative, team environment.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
- Knowledge and prior use of WBARS, Contracts Management System (CMS).
- Prior experience with affordable housing programs and/or property management.
- Strong understanding of statistics, performance and outcome measurement.
- Bachelor’s degree AND two years of professional experience in training and supporting customers in the use of reporting systems that collect data.
- Supplemental Information
- 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 Nona White at 360-725-2996 or nona.white@commerce.wa.gov.
Who we are:
At Commerce, we’re a little different. Our Olympia offices are open Monday through Friday. Our parking is free. Many of our employees bike year round. 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.
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.
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More than Just a Paycheck!Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.Insurance BenefitsEmployees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state. Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts. To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.Retirement and Deferred CompensationState Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems‘ web site.Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Vacation (Annual Leave)You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.Holidays
Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:HOLIDAYDATENew Year’s DayJanuary 1Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthdayThird Monday in JanuaryPresidents’ DayThird Monday in FebruaryMemorial DayLast Monday in MayIndependence DayJuly 4Labor DayFirst Monday in SeptemberVeterans’ DayNovember 11Thanksgiving DayFourth Thursday in November & Friday afterChristmas DayDecember 25Personal HolidayEmployee’s selection each calendar year*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Social SecurityAll state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.Sick LeaveFull-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.
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01Please select the highest level of education that you have completed:
- High School Graduation or equivalent
- Associates Degree
- Bachelor Degree
- Master Degree or higher
- None of the Above
02Please select the answer that best describes your professional level experience in training and supporting customers in the use of reporting systems that collect data- Fewer than 2 years
- 2-3 years
- 4-5 years
- 6 or more years
03If you answered yes to the above question, please explain how, where and when you gained this knowledge and experience (must be reflected in the work experience of your application). If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.]04Please list the computer software, web applications and databases you have professional level experience using. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.05Please select the answer that best describes your experience communicating technical information to a non-technical audience.- Less than 1 year
- 1-2 years
- 3-4 years
- 5 or more years
06Which one of the following best describes your highest level of Microsoft Excel skills? (To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level; to qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels; to qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.)- I do not have enough skills to meet the definition of the Basic level below
- BASIC: Create basic worksheets; create basic formulas; use basic functions; modify and format a worksheet; print workbooks
- INTERMEDIATE: Use advanced formulas; organize tables and worksheets; create and modify charts; analyze data using Pivot tables and Pivot Charts; insert and modify graphic objects in a worksheet
- ADVANCED: Create and edit macros; conditional formatting; apply data validation criteria; able to protect, share and merge files; trace cells and troubleshoot formula errors; uses data list outline; consolidate data and link workbooks; export and import text files and XML data; import data from the Web and create Web queries; analyze data using trend lines, Sparklines and scenarios
- EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all Excel functions listed above and uses advanced formulas, functions and arrays; uses information, date and time functions; uses advanced editing and formatting; advanced chart formatting; runs solver models and reports; embed and link information; set up customization including automation
07Which one of the following best describes your highest level of PowerPoint skills? (To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level; to qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels; to qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.)- I do not have enough skills to meet the definition of the Basic level below
- BASIC: Create, save, preview and print
- INTERMEDIATE: Create slides; format text; add and modify graphics; create tables in presentation; imports charts
- ADVANCED: Customize environment; set up a slide master; create custom layouts; add headers and footers; insert and modify SmartArt graphics; add special effect; customize slide animations; customize a design template; covert to video; secure and distribute
- EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all PowerPoint functions listed above
08Which one of the following best describes your highest level of Microsoft Outlook skills? (To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level; to qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels; to qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.)- I do not have enough skills to meet the definition of the Basic level below
- BASIC: Compose email messages; send and respond to messages; organize email into folders; create contact information; schedule appointments; schedule meetings, manage tasks and notes
- INTERMEDIATE: Set calendar options; sort, find and filter messages; create distribution lists; share and delegate folder access; customize toolbar, menu bar, quick access tool bar and the To-DO bar; customize message options; use the journal entry to track and record; assign, reply and track tasks; create public folders and send and post information
- ADVANCED: Personalize with stationary and themes; create signatures; configure email security settings; group items and create search folders; apply conditional formatting; manage data files; create mail merge using contacts; archive messages
- EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all Outlook functions listed above
09Which one of the following best describes your highest level of Microsoft Word skills? (To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level; to qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels; to qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.)- I do not have enough skills to meet the definition of the Basic level below
- BASIC: Create, save, preview and print a basic document; edit selected text; change font appearance; highlight text; format paragraphs with tabs, borders, shading and styles; page setup, use auto correct
- INTERMEDIATE: Insert graphic objects and visual effects to a document; add tables to a document or convert tables to text; add watermarks, borders, headers and footers; use the word look up (thesaurus, dictionary); customize tables and charts; modify pictures in document; create customized graphic elements; use templates
- ADVANCED: Insert content using quick parts; control text flow; perform mail merge function; uses macros for tasks; insert cover pages and table of contents; track changes and comments; insert bookmarks, footnotes and endnotes; add hyperlinks; cross-references and citations; link documents to excel worksheets; send document to PowerPoint; merge documents; redaction function; hide text; add digital signature, restrict access and use passwords; create, protect and automate forms
- EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all Word functions listed above
10The WA State Dept. of Commerce (Comm) Nepotism policy prohibits relatives or household members from working in any capacity that may create a conflict of interest. Answering “YES” to the following question will not automatically exclude you from employment opportunities. Are you related to or residing with any current Comm employee(s)? If so, please provide the employees name(s).11Please select the option below that best indicates where you heard about this job opportunity.- www.careers.wa.gov
- Aggregate job search website (Indeed.com, Simplyhired.com)
- Department of Commerce website
- Department of Commerce employee
- Social Media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter)
Required Question
- Agency
- State of Washington
- Address
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View Job Posting for Agency Information
View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504.
- Phone
- View Posting for Agency Contact
- Website
- http://www.careers.wa.gov