What are the responsibilities and job description for the Policy Specialist (MA3) position at State of Washington?
Description
We are dedicated to growing a culture of belonging through our values:
Respect | Trust | Diversity | Inclusion | Equity
At the Department of Licensing (DOL), we recognize the importance of work life harmony and work hard to create a culture where employees feel valued and respected. Our employees are trusted and encouraged to be a part of process improvements that impact their work, create value for our customers and help build trust in our government.
Our Driver and Vehicle Records team is looking for a curious, collaborative Policy Specialist who is committed to equitable service. If you enjoy solving problems, working with others, and bringing clarity to complex information, we encourage you to apply!
As one of the most visible state agencies and the second-largest revenue generator in Washington State, we engage with over 6 million residents each year and collect nearly $3 billion in taxes and fees. We understand that our services are vital to the daily lives of our customers, enabling them to live, work, drive, and thrive. We take this responsibility to heart and are dedicated to providing equitable and meaningful access to our services for every resident.
Duties
As the Policy Specialist for our Driver and Vehicle Records (DVR) team, you will establish and maintain clear, consistent, and equitable policy for the DVR program. You will bring curiosity and critical thinking to your work, asking questions, examining information, and identifying gaps or inconsistencies. Using independent judgment, you will develop policies that clarify expectations and connect state laws, rules, agency policies, and agency standards. Throughout this work, you will consider how policy decisions affect Washington residents and strive for outcomes that are fair, accessible, and responsive to their needs.
Some Of What You Will Do
What you will bring to the role:
Seven (7) years of experience in any of the following:
What May Help Set You Apart
For information about available accommodations, the interview process, or the position contact Nicole Walters.
Supplemental Information
Come join us in changing the way government delivers services and help build a legacy of commitment to and excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion!
How To Apply
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.
We value diverse perspectives and life experiences.
We employ and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ , people with disabilities, and veterans. We value the unique traits and attributes that each employee brings to the job. Through the diverse perspectives of an inclusive workforce, we will create a more respectful, productive, and unified team to better serve the public of Washington.
Veteran/Military Spouse Preference Notice
To take advantage of your veteran / military spouse preference please attach documentation of eligibility to your application.
The Washington State Department of Licensing is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, religion, sex (including gender identity), marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.
Persons requiring accommodation in the application process, during the recruitment process, or who need this job announcement in an alternative format, may contact the Human Resources Office at 360-902-4000 or may email the Talent Acquisition Team.. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our ASL interpreter via Video Phone at 360-339-7344.
The candidate pool certified from this recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty days.
We do not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
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. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring 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 (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their 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. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement And Deferred Compensation
State 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.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
01
I understand that to be considered for this position I must not require sponsorship by Department of Licensing for a visa now or in the future.
In this role you will have the privilege to serve diverse teammates, customers, and partners. How will you apply your understanding of cultural differences to create an environment where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to be successful?
03
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?
How many years of relevant experience do you have?
Which areas from the question above do you have relevant experience in? Please select all that apply.
Please select all that apply. I have the following experience:
Describe your experience researching, analyzing, and interpreting laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, or other complex requirements and applying them in your work. Please provide an example of how you used this information to make a decision, solve a problem, develop guidance, or support internal or external customers. If this does not apply, type N/A.
08
Tell us about a time you turned complex or technical information into guidance that others could understand and use. What did you create, how did you approach the work, and what was the result? If this does not apply, type N/A.
09
Describe a time when you were responsible for something that did not have a clear path forward and your initial approach did not work. How did you respond, what did you learn, and what did you do next? If this does not apply, type N/A.
10
Please Select All That Apply. I Have The Following
Where did you learn of this vacancy?
If you answered "other" to the preceding question, please indicate where you learned of the vacancy in the space below.
13
I understand to be considered for this position I must answer all supplemental questions fully and attach my cover letter.
We are dedicated to growing a culture of belonging through our values:
Respect | Trust | Diversity | Inclusion | Equity
At the Department of Licensing (DOL), we recognize the importance of work life harmony and work hard to create a culture where employees feel valued and respected. Our employees are trusted and encouraged to be a part of process improvements that impact their work, create value for our customers and help build trust in our government.
Our Driver and Vehicle Records team is looking for a curious, collaborative Policy Specialist who is committed to equitable service. If you enjoy solving problems, working with others, and bringing clarity to complex information, we encourage you to apply!
As one of the most visible state agencies and the second-largest revenue generator in Washington State, we engage with over 6 million residents each year and collect nearly $3 billion in taxes and fees. We understand that our services are vital to the daily lives of our customers, enabling them to live, work, drive, and thrive. We take this responsibility to heart and are dedicated to providing equitable and meaningful access to our services for every resident.
Duties
As the Policy Specialist for our Driver and Vehicle Records (DVR) team, you will establish and maintain clear, consistent, and equitable policy for the DVR program. You will bring curiosity and critical thinking to your work, asking questions, examining information, and identifying gaps or inconsistencies. Using independent judgment, you will develop policies that clarify expectations and connect state laws, rules, agency policies, and agency standards. Throughout this work, you will consider how policy decisions affect Washington residents and strive for outcomes that are fair, accessible, and responsive to their needs.
Some Of What You Will Do
- Ensure DVR policy clarifies expectations and supports consistent responses and practices across the program.
- Ensure DVR policy and related guidance remain aligned with applicable laws, rules, regulations, requirements, and established DOL standards.
- Ensure policy is appropriately scoped and clearly distinguish policy requirements from procedures and tasks.
- Provide technical policy advice and recommendations to management regarding policy issues, risks, and compliance considerations.
What you will bring to the role:
Seven (7) years of experience in any of the following:
- Drafting policy or procedures
- Conducting research
- Analyzing laws, policies, rules, and regulations
- Developing methods to identify, collect, organize, and document information for assessment and analysis
- Three (3) years of experience communicating effectively verbally and in writing, composing letters, memos, reports, and business correspondence containing accurate and logically formatted information utilizing English grammar, punctuation, and plain talk principles.
- Three (3) years of experience identifying, collecting, and organizing data and information in ways to make it useful for assessment, analysis, and investigation.
- One (1) year of experience using standard office and data processing software such as Microsoft Office.
- Two (2) years of experience analyzing business or operational processes to identify gaps, inconsistencies, dependencies, risks, or opportunities for improvement and developing processes or procedures to support consistent operations.
- The ability to:
- Understand and follow agency values of respect, trust, diversity, equity, and inclusion through behaviors, and decisions.
- Promote and support a respectful, equitable, and inclusive workplace for all employees.
- Promote and support respectful, equitable, and inclusive delivery of services to customers.
- Take action to learn and grow.
- Take action to meet the needs of others.
What May Help Set You Apart
- Experience or knowledge of project management best practices and methodologies which could include leading projects, creating project plans, managing timelines, deliverables, risks, identifying outcomes and communicating the status of projects to project members and interested parties.
- Experience applying the Peabody Methodology to develop clear, concise, and actionable policy that distinguishes policy requirements from operational procedures and tasks.
- Experience facilitating discussions, workgroups, technical training, or other structured engagements and communicating complex policy or operational information clearly to a variety of audiences.
- Experience translating complex policy or technical information into clear, accessible training and learning materials.
- Experience with DOL work and practices.
- This position is primarily remote, with occasional in-person attendance required to meet business needs.
- Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
For information about available accommodations, the interview process, or the position contact Nicole Walters.
Supplemental Information
Come join us in changing the way government delivers services and help build a legacy of commitment to and excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion!
How To Apply
- Select the Apply button at the top of this job announcement.
- Attach a cover letter.
- Applications with blank fields, or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see attachments" may be considered incomplete.
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.
We value diverse perspectives and life experiences.
We employ and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ , people with disabilities, and veterans. We value the unique traits and attributes that each employee brings to the job. Through the diverse perspectives of an inclusive workforce, we will create a more respectful, productive, and unified team to better serve the public of Washington.
Veteran/Military Spouse Preference Notice
To take advantage of your veteran / military spouse preference please attach documentation of eligibility to your application.
The Washington State Department of Licensing is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, religion, sex (including gender identity), marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.
Persons requiring accommodation in the application process, during the recruitment process, or who need this job announcement in an alternative format, may contact the Human Resources Office at 360-902-4000 or may email the Talent Acquisition Team.. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our ASL interpreter via Video Phone at 360-339-7344.
The candidate pool certified from this recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty days.
We do not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
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. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring 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 (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their 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. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement And Deferred Compensation
State 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.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
01
I understand that to be considered for this position I must not require sponsorship by Department of Licensing for a visa now or in the future.
- Yes
- No
In this role you will have the privilege to serve diverse teammates, customers, and partners. How will you apply your understanding of cultural differences to create an environment where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to be successful?
03
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?
- 1 year of college (30 semester or 45 quarter credits)
- Associate degree OR 2 years of college (60 semester or 90 quarter credits)
- 3 years of college (90 semester/135 quarter credits)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's degree or higher
- None of these apply
How many years of relevant experience do you have?
- I have less than 3 years of this type of experience.
- I have 3 or more years of this type of experience.
- I have 4 or more years of this type of experience.
- I have 5 or more years of this type of experience.
- I have 6 or more years of this type of experience.
- I have 7 or more years of this type of experience.
- I do not have this type of experience.
Which areas from the question above do you have relevant experience in? Please select all that apply.
- Drafting policy or procedures.
- Conducting research.
- Analyzing laws, policies, rules, and regulations.
- Developing methods to identify, collect, organize, and document information for assessment and analysis.
- None of these apply.
Please select all that apply. I have the following experience:
- Three (3) years of experience communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
- Three (3) years of experience identifying, collecting, and organizing data and information in ways to make it useful for assessment, analysis, and investigation.
- One (1) year of experience using standard office and data processing software such as Microsoft Office.
- Two (2) years of experience analyzing business or operational processes to identify gaps, inconsistencies, dependencies, risks, or opportunities for improvement and developing processes or procedures to support consistent operations.
- None of these apply.
Describe your experience researching, analyzing, and interpreting laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, or other complex requirements and applying them in your work. Please provide an example of how you used this information to make a decision, solve a problem, develop guidance, or support internal or external customers. If this does not apply, type N/A.
08
Tell us about a time you turned complex or technical information into guidance that others could understand and use. What did you create, how did you approach the work, and what was the result? If this does not apply, type N/A.
09
Describe a time when you were responsible for something that did not have a clear path forward and your initial approach did not work. How did you respond, what did you learn, and what did you do next? If this does not apply, type N/A.
10
Please Select All That Apply. I Have The Following
- Experience or knowledge of project management best practices and methodologies which could include leading projects, creating project plans, managing timelines, deliverables, risks, identifying outcomes and communicating the status of projects to project members and interested parties.
- Experience applying the Peabody Methodology to develop clear, concise, and actionable policy that distinguishes policy requirements from operational procedures and tasks.
- Experience facilitating discussions, workgroups, technical training, or other structured engagements and communicating complex policy or operational information clearly to a variety of audiences.
- Experience translating complex policy or technical information into clear, accessible training and learning materials.
- Experience with DOL work and practices.
- None of the above.
Where did you learn of this vacancy?
- Word of mouth
- Handshake
- DOL jobs pages
- Hiring event/workshop
- Worksource
- careers.wa.gov
- Indeed.com
- VERG event
- Other
If you answered "other" to the preceding question, please indicate where you learned of the vacancy in the space below.
13
I understand to be considered for this position I must answer all supplemental questions fully and attach my cover letter.
- Yes
- No
- Required Question
Salary : $3