What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Specialist 5 position at State of Washington?
Description
~The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time. It will be in your best interest to apply as soon as possible. ~
First reviews of applications will begin on 12/1/25.
Schedule: The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) offers flexible schedules and telework options for most positions. Employees who have been with the agency for less than six months are eligible to telework for up to four days over a two-week period for a minimum of six months. Flex schedules may be available. Regular office hours are 8 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday. The office is located in Olympia, Washington.
Want to join a great team and do work that saves lives?
Who We Are
Our small agency of just 30 employees manages Washington’s behavioral traffic safety programs, having a direct impact on preventing impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, and other high-risk behaviors that lead to traffic deaths and injuries. The WTSC also maintains the official database of Washington’s fatal traffic crashes.
OUR VISION: A Washington where we all work together to travel safely on our roadways.
OUR MISSION: We empower and equip people and communities with knowledge, tools, and resources to build a positive traffic safety culture.
TARGET ZERO: WTSC collaborates with communities, partners, and other state agencies to achieve Target Zero – Washington State’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan for zero deaths and zero serious injuries by 2030.
Join our team today to help make Washington’s roadways the safest in the nation!
What makes WTSC a great place to work?
We save lives! Washington is a national leader in traffic safety.
As the Program Specialist 5, working in the Impaired Driving Team, you will manage a portfolio of state and federal grant funded projects. Oversee a portfolio of traffic safety grant projects from start to finish, review applications, monitor progress, support grantees, and make sure public funds are well spent and well documented. You will work hand-in-hand with local agencies, nonprofits, and community groups to implement strategies that reduce traffic crashes and save lives across Washington. You will serve as the go-to contact for your assigned grantees. Help them navigate project goals, budgets, and timelines with clarity and confidence. You will collaborate with the Impaired Driving team that values communication, innovation, and public service. You won’t be on your own, we’ve got your back. You will also help track deliverables, review invoices and reports, and troubleshoot hiccups before they become headaches.
Duties
Some Of What You Will Enjoy Doing
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Option 1
Please Provide The Following Documents In Order To Be Considered; Failure To Do So May Result In You Not Being Considered For The Position
Opportunity for All: The Washington Traffic Safety Commission celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.
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 organization.
Contact Information
For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact George Deguzman at george.deguzman@des.wa.gov or email jobs@des.wa.gov.
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.
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 07-21-2025
01
What is your level of education?
How many years of experience do you have in planning, policy analysis, coordination, and consultation with various public and private agencies, organizations, or other relevant experience?
Do you have training in meeting facilitation?
Do you have knowledge of state government organization, legislative processes, procurement procedures, and administrative protocols?
Do you have proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint and SharePoint)?
Are you familiar with federal grant processes and regulations?
Do you have an understanding of state policies and guidelines, particularly state travel regulations (SAAM)?
How did you learn about this job posting?
We would like to know where you heard about this position. If you selected Job Fair, Job Board, or Other, please let us know the specific name of the college, job board, or place you heard about this position. If you selected a specifically named job board or webpage (listed above), please enter "n/a".
~The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time. It will be in your best interest to apply as soon as possible. ~
First reviews of applications will begin on 12/1/25.
Schedule: The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) offers flexible schedules and telework options for most positions. Employees who have been with the agency for less than six months are eligible to telework for up to four days over a two-week period for a minimum of six months. Flex schedules may be available. Regular office hours are 8 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday. The office is located in Olympia, Washington.
Want to join a great team and do work that saves lives?
Who We Are
Our small agency of just 30 employees manages Washington’s behavioral traffic safety programs, having a direct impact on preventing impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, and other high-risk behaviors that lead to traffic deaths and injuries. The WTSC also maintains the official database of Washington’s fatal traffic crashes.
OUR VISION: A Washington where we all work together to travel safely on our roadways.
OUR MISSION: We empower and equip people and communities with knowledge, tools, and resources to build a positive traffic safety culture.
TARGET ZERO: WTSC collaborates with communities, partners, and other state agencies to achieve Target Zero – Washington State’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan for zero deaths and zero serious injuries by 2030.
Join our team today to help make Washington’s roadways the safest in the nation!
What makes WTSC a great place to work?
We save lives! Washington is a national leader in traffic safety.
- We create a positive organizational culture focused on inclusion and diversity.
- We use data-informed decision making to identify disparities, reduce barriers, and promote equitable opportunities and outcomes, internally and externally.
- We are committed to the health, safety, and wellness of our staff.
- Our leadership empowers and supports employees.
- We offer and support family-friendly mobile and flexible work schedule opportunities for most positions, as well as an infant at work program.
- We value and offer mentorship and training opportunities to develop your professional skills.
- Our office is located just minutes from the Capital campus.
As the Program Specialist 5, working in the Impaired Driving Team, you will manage a portfolio of state and federal grant funded projects. Oversee a portfolio of traffic safety grant projects from start to finish, review applications, monitor progress, support grantees, and make sure public funds are well spent and well documented. You will work hand-in-hand with local agencies, nonprofits, and community groups to implement strategies that reduce traffic crashes and save lives across Washington. You will serve as the go-to contact for your assigned grantees. Help them navigate project goals, budgets, and timelines with clarity and confidence. You will collaborate with the Impaired Driving team that values communication, innovation, and public service. You won’t be on your own, we’ve got your back. You will also help track deliverables, review invoices and reports, and troubleshoot hiccups before they become headaches.
Duties
Some Of What You Will Enjoy Doing
- Manage the full lifecycle of all state and federally funded impaired driving grant-funded projects, including planning, execution, invoicing, monitoring, closure, and evaluation.
- Ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, as well as agency policies, throughout all phases of the grant process.
- Track and assess project performance metrics for grant-funded initiatives, ensuring alignment with program goals as defined by the Impaired Driving Team Program Manager Lead.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive records of project activities, outcomes, and compliance documentation.
- Serve as the primary liaison for grantees, coordinating all project-related communications and agreements.
- Provide guidance and oversight to grantees, ensuring adherence to project requirements, deliverables, and timelines.
- Conduct site visits and evaluations to verify project progress, compliance, and performance outcomes.
- Facilitate communication between grantees and WTSC internal teams to maintain alignment with overall program objectives.
- Prepare and present reports to legislators, legislative committees, the Washington Impaired Driving Advisory Council, and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission as requested or required by legislative requirements.
- Support program area assessments by gathering data on grant-funded project impacts to inform the agency’s annual reporting to the legislature and other stakeholders.
- Prepare legislative reports and coordinate responses to information requests in partnership with the External Relations Director.
- Keep current with grant-related policies, best practices, and traffic safety research, sharing relevant updates with the Program Manager and team.
- Attend required training in grant management and compliance to support ongoing professional growth.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Strong ability to interpret and analyze information.
- Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
- Training in meeting facilitation
- Knowledge of state government organization, legislative processes, procurement procedures and administrative protocols.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint and SharePoint).
- Familiarity with federal grant processes and regulations.
- Understanding of state policies and guidelines, particularly state travel regulations (SAAM).
Option 1
- Eight (8) years of combined education and/or experience in planning, policy analysis, coordination and consultation with various public and private agencies, organizations, or other relevant experience.
- Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science, Public Health, Social Science, Communications, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, Business, Human Services, Education or Criminal Justice, or related field; AND
- Four (4) years of experience in planning, policy analysis, coordination, and consultation with various public and private agencies, organizations, or other relevant experience.
- Master’s degree in Behavioral Science, Public Health, Social Science, Communications, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, Business, Human Services, Education or Criminal Justice, or related field; AND
- Two (2) years of experience in planning, policy analysis, coordination, and consultation with various public and private agencies, organizations, or other relevant experience.
- Federal grant management
- Experience in public health, with particular value placed on expertise in injury prevention. This includes knowledge of evidence-based strategies to reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths, and the ability to apply public health approaches to program development, implementation, and evaluation.
- Critical Thinking: Analyze information objectively, identify what matters, and synthesize insights to form smart, reasoned conclusions.
- Teamwork & Collaboration: Build strong working relationships, communicate openly, and work cooperatively to reach shared goals, owning mistakes and giving credit along the way.
- Professionalism: Consistently demonstrate respect, integrity, and ethical behavior in every interaction and task.
- Writing: Write clearly, concisely, and effectively, using the right format and tone to communicate complex ideas in a reader-friendly way.
- Innovation: Bring creative energy to problem-solving by connecting ideas in new ways and welcoming fresh approaches.
- Servant Leadership: Support others’ growth by fostering a positive, service-minded work environment where everyone can thrive.
- Learning: Pursue continuous improvement through feedback, evaluation, and a curiosity-driven mindset that fuels better outcomes.
- Attention to Detail: Deliver high-quality work by being careful, thorough, and committed to accuracy.
- Decision Making / Judgment: Make thoughtful, timely decisions that balance available data, context, and consequences—even when answers aren’t crystal clear.
- Equity: The ability to take action to learn and grow.
- Equity: The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.
Please Provide The Following Documents In Order To Be Considered; Failure To Do So May Result In You Not Being Considered For The Position
- A letter of interest describing how you meet the qualifications for this position as outlined in the job posting.
- A current resume detailing experience and education.
Opportunity for All: The Washington Traffic Safety Commission celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.
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 organization.
Contact Information
For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact George Deguzman at george.deguzman@des.wa.gov or email jobs@des.wa.gov.
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.
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 07-21-2025
01
What is your level of education?
- High School diploma or GED
- Some or no college.
- 1 year of college (30 semester or 45 quarter credits) in Behavioral Science, Public Health, Social Science, Communications, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, Business, Human Services, Education or Criminal Justice, or related field.
- 1 year of college (30 semester or 45 quarter credits) in an unrelated field.
- Associate's degree OR 2 years of college (60 semester or 90 quarter credits) in Behavioral Science, Public Health, Social Science, Communications, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, Business, Human Services, Education or Criminal Justice, or related field.
- Associate's degree OR 2 years of college (60 semester or 90 quarter credits) in an unrelated field.
- 3 years of college (90 semester or 135 quarter credits) in Behavioral Science, Public Health, Social Science, Communications, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, Business, Human Services, Education or Criminal Justice, or related field.
- 3 years of college (90 semester or 135 quarter credits) in an unrelated field.
- Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science, Public Health, Social Science, Communications, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, Business, Human Services, Education or Criminal Justice, or related field.
- Bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
- Master's degree (or higher) in Behavioral Science, Public Health, Social Science, Communications, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, Business, Human Services, Education or Criminal Justice, or related field.
- Master's degree (or higher) in an unrelated field.
- None of these apply.
How many years of experience do you have in planning, policy analysis, coordination, and consultation with various public and private agencies, organizations, or other relevant experience?
- Less than 1 year
- 1 or more years
- 2 or more years
- 3 or more years
- 4 or more years
- 5 or more years
- 6 or more years
- 7 or more years
- 8 or more years
- I do not have this experience.
Do you have training in meeting facilitation?
- Yes
- No
Do you have knowledge of state government organization, legislative processes, procurement procedures, and administrative protocols?
- Yes
- No
Do you have proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint and SharePoint)?
- Yes
- No
Are you familiar with federal grant processes and regulations?
- Yes
- No
Do you have an understanding of state policies and guidelines, particularly state travel regulations (SAAM)?
- Yes
- No
How did you learn about this job posting?
- Careers.wa.gov
- Friend
- Indeed
- Job Board
- Job Fair
- Other
We would like to know where you heard about this position. If you selected Job Fair, Job Board, or Other, please let us know the specific name of the college, job board, or place you heard about this position. If you selected a specifically named job board or webpage (listed above), please enter "n/a".
- Required Question