Program Specialist

At the Department of Licensing (DOL), we recognize the importance of work life harmony and strive 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 Business and Professions Division (BPD) has a great opportunity for a Program Specialist with strong leadership, project work and collaboration skills to join their team!

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.

If you are ready to dive into a licensing and regulatory environment that focuses on fostering teamwork, accuracy, and handling project work as part of the leadership team, please read on! 

As our Program Specialist, you will serve as the program expert and focus on providing direction and guidance on complex issues related to firearms and the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). You will lead and coordinate activities exercising independent judgement with full decision-making authority over workload management, assignments, and operational procedures. Focusing your team on maintaining strong partner relationships and consistent project results is paramount for this position. Through sound judgement and consistent leadership of a high performing team, you have an opportunity to greatly impact those who are in need of our support throughout the state. You will use your experience to create clear and defensible outcomes to serve all external partners' needs.

Some of what you will do: 

• Oversee Firearms and UCC program operations by interpreting and applying policies, procedures, laws, and regulations to ensure consistent and compliant service delivery.
• Lead program planning, process improvement, and resource coordination efforts, including developing procedures, analyzing program data, preparing reports, and supporting strategic and budget planning.
• Serve as a liaison and subject matter expert for internal staff and law enforcement partners while providing leadership, guidance, training support, and oversight of program staff and communications.
• Maintain knowledge and communicate current statutes, administrative codes, policies, and procedures relating to assigned UCC and Firearm units.
• Supervise the work and performance of staff to include training, performance evaluations, team building, and setting process standards. 
• Develop, monitor, and analyze program reporting systems. 
  

What you will bring:

• Seven (7) years of relevant experience in policy planning and analysis, coordination, and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government or related field.

 Up to four (4) years of relevant education (in public or business administration, public policy, or closely related field) may substitute year for year for experience.

Experience must include three (3) years in the following:

• Interpreting, advising, and applying administrative statutes, rules, or federal regulations, policies, and procedures, RCWs, and WAC's.
• Leading or supervising a team through assigning or reviewing work, providing instruction and guidance to staff, cultivating teamwork, mentoring, or coaching staff for personal and professional growth, performance, or corrective action.
• Investigating and resolving customer complaints, inquiries, and complex problems verbally and in writing.

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.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

*Experience can be gained concurrently*

What may help you stand out:

• One (1) year of experience with independent program management which could include adapting a program, changing business needs, or legal requirements.
• Demonstrated experience with organizational change management and its strategies.
• Experience reviewing, analyzing, drafting, and presenting legislative or rule-making proposals.
• A Master's degree in business, policy planning and analysis, or a closely related field.

Additional Requirements of Employment

• Prior to a new hire, a pre-employment screening, 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.
• Ability to work in our Olympia, WA office two (2) days per week or more as business needs arise.

DOL is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, we will take the steps to ensure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.