Commerce Specialist 3 - Office Of Family And Adult Homelessness [09604]

Description

Per Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14 (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader), state employees must be fully vaccinated no later than October 18, 2021. Your vaccine status will be verified at New Employee Orientation. Please reach out to the HR Office at Jimmie.Wimberly@commerce.wa.gov if you need information on medical or religious accommodation.

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.

SPECIAL NOTE: Currently, Commerce is closed to the public as a result of the pandemic. While the building is closed, most Commerce staff work remotely except for mission essential employees. For any staff working at Town Square, Commerce requires strict adherence to social distancing protocols and anyone entering the Town Square is required to wear a mask. It is anticipated that interviews for this position will be held using virtual videoconferencing.

This position works in the Office of Family and Adult Homelessness (OFAH) in the Housing Assistance Unit (HAU) of CSHD Manager. The OFAH manages state and federal funding and supports state efforts to reduce family and adult homelessness through the goals identified in the Homeless Housing Strategic Plan.

The new Grant Manager will work on a team with two other grant managers to administer the state’s primary homeless crisis response grants (Consolidated Homeless Grant/System Demonstration Grant) with local governments and nonprofits serving adults and families statewide. If you are passionate about people living unhoused accessing services and working to improve the housing crisis response system at the state level, this might be the right job for you. Your days will center on administration including grant making, developing guidance, technical assistance, interpreting data, monitoring for compliance, reviewing requests for reimbursement and working to make the system one that values equity and ensures accessibility, especially for people disproportionally impacted.

Duties

Some of what you will do:

• Develop and maintain funding applications and procedures, grant guidelines and risk assessment/monitoring tools.
• Develops, negotiates and monitors technical aspects of complex contracts.
• Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with grantees.
• Identify and promote best practices and efficient designs.
• Synthesize elements of grant requirements to bridge the gap between data and grant components. Communicate performance results to grantees and managers.
• Provide advanced technical assistance and training to meet grant requirements, performance outcomes and ensure accountability for funding.
• Assist with representation at the agency level at professional, local, state, regional, or national meetings.
• Make professional level decisions, recommendations and provide program oversight.
• Develop and execute work plans for general grant management.
• Expedite release of funds to grantees for contracting and reimbursement.
• Develop risk assessments and monitoring compliance tools and reports.
• You value diversity of identity, thought, and lived experience.
• You recognize that inequities and racism are real and they are evidenced in systemic barriers to access and opportunities.
• You engage in self-reflection and lifelong learning and your work demonstrates a commitment to anti-racism and advancing equity and inclusion.
• You recognize that although we cannot change the oppressive and discriminatory practices of the past, we do have control over the workplace culture we create today and in the future. You cultivate positive relationships and so you value working on a team that holds diversity, equity, and inclusion in high regard.

Who you are:

• You value diversity of identity, thought, and lived experience.
• You recognize that inequities and racism are real and they are evidenced in systemic barriers to access and opportunities.
• You engage in self-reflection and lifelong learning and your work demonstrates a commitment to anti-racism and advancing equity and inclusion.
• You recognize that although we cannot change the oppressive and discriminatory practices of the past, we do have control over the workplace culture we create today and in the future. You cultivate positive relationships and so you value working on a team that holds diversity, equity, and inclusion in high regard.

If this sounds interesting to you, please apply.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree and three years of professional experience in any combination of the following:
• Homeless housing (or related social service) contract or program management in a community based organization.
• Homeless housing service delivery including but not limited to outreach, diversion, intake, case management, shelter or permanent supportive housing staffing.
• Related social service delivery including but not limited to working with people in crisis, survivors of domestic violence, peer navigation, or residential counseling.

Additional years of experience in homeless housing service delivery, related social service delivery, or related program or contract management will substitute, year for year, for a Bachelor’s degree.

A graduate degree in social work or related social service field will substitute for one year of the required years of experience.

Required Competencies:

• Understanding of best practices in homeless service delivery.
• Experience developing and maintaining relationships with diverse communities, such as Tribes, communities of color, low-income communities, LGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, and other historically marginalized communities.
• Understanding and commitment to anti-racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Ability to apply an equity lens to program development and planning efforts.
• Ability to coach program grantees on homeless housing service best practices.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge gained from lived experience, being assisted by a homeless housing program, or other social service program.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills. Flexibility and willingness to work collaboratively with team members to accomplish responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in plain talking complex messages and instructions both verbally and in writing.
• 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 and desire to meet deadlines with quality work and high degree of accuracy.
• Desire to be focused on quality over quantity by examining processes and ensuring thoughtful work.
• Strong computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of specific housing and fiscal data systems such as, the Department of Commerce Contracts Management System (CMS) and the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).

Supplemental Information

I want to work for Commerce! How do I apply?

In addition to completing the online application and answering the supplemental questions, 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; (please include your pronouns in your cover letter so we address you correctly);
• 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.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

For questions about this recruitment, please contact Lindsey Henderson at: 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).

There are approximately 370 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.

What we do:
We are the lead state agency charged with strengthening communities. We administer a diverse portfolio of programs and services, and we support several state boards and commissions.

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.

Where we work:
Commerce's main office is located in Olympia; however we also have locations in downtown Seattle and Spokane.

Work From Anywhere
This position may be located anywhere within Washington state though occasional travel to the Olympia office 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 while observing social distancing. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telework (mobile-work) is expected. When approved to return, the incumbent will work with their supervisor to identify an appropriate work schedule and balance, including telework and reporting to the Olympia, Washington duty station for work activities, if needed.

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!

Spokane

Spokane is located in the heart of the Inland Northwest and is the second most populous city in Washington. The Spokane River runs through the city and beautiful Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane. An array of enjoyable outdoor activities are right out our back door; including ski resorts, white-water rafting, camping areas, hiking trails, lakes, and the Centennial trail. Amazed by the arts? Show some love to your artistic side with a trip to the Spokane Region. Broadway performances, intriguing art galleries, world-class museums and powerful stage performances are waiting to be discovered.

Seattle
Being surrounded by greenery year round has earned the Seattle the nickname of the Emerald City. Seattle is an exciting urban city surrounded by unmatched natural beauty with a wide variety of outdoor attractions within the city such as Discovery Park and Olympic Sculpture Park. Feel like getting away from the city? Seattle is centrally located surrounded by the Puget Sound and miles of hiking trails within driving distance. Seattle is home to a variety of attractions to include the Seattle Art Museum, Pike Place Market, and historic Pioneer Square. Art and Culture more your style? Seattle is home to more than 100 theater companies, the Seattle Symphony, as well as museums and galleries. Sports enthusiast? Seattle is home to professional football, soccer and baseball teams as well as a variety of collegiate sports to choose from.

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.