Description

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.

The Community Services Division (CSD) partners with local governments and nonprofits to develop and preserve affordable housing, promote individual and family self-sufficiency, reduce homelessness, address the causes and effects of crime and violence, and invest in community facilities.

This Commerce Specialist 1 works within the Community Economic Opportunities Unit (CEO) of CSD, is responsible for specific tasks within the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Washington Water Assistance (WWA).

Within the Community Services Division (CSD) at the Department of Commerce (Commerce), The position acts as the first point of contact for customers of the LIHEAP and Washington Water Assistance programs. This position will also assist with the administration of LIHEAP functions, contractor applications, contract development and maintenance, program reporting, tracking and processing invoices, and contractor monitoring activities.

This posting may be used to fill other vacant positions within 60 days once position is filled.

Duties

Preparing, processing, and monitoring grant contracts

• Coordinate with 26 LIHEAP contract managers to prepare, process, and track contractor applications, contracts, amendments, and closeout reports. Inputs and reviews contract information in CMS.
• Assist the contract managers in the contractor monitoring process, including risk assessments, desk monitoring, on-site monitoring visits, and preparing monitoring reports.
• Assist program with completion of annual and ongoing risk assessments of grantees.
• Provides customer services to contractors.
• Participates in national, state, and local workgroups.

Preparing, processing, and tracking contractor invoices

• Review and prepare contractor monthly invoices and advances. Input expenditure information into CMS for processing invoices for payment.
• Reconciling contractor expenditures, budgets, and spend out with internal tracking systems.
• Providing technical assistance to contractors pertaining to budgets and expenditures.
• Participate in continuous quality review processes for grantee invoicing.
• Provide technical assistance and expertise to contractors to build relationships and ensure good stewardship of public funds.

DSHS Benefit Verification System

• Point of contact between DSHS, Commerce, and LIHEAP contractors for BVS access.
• Maintain BVS user lists for 26 LIHEAP Agencies.
• In cooperation with stakeholders, build collaborative partnerships between programs to enhance capacity and strengthen service delivery to communities. Working with Commerce and stakeholders to encourage and develop efficient and effective business and operational practices.

General Administrative Support

• Performs general administrative support for the unit and its programs as necessary. May include, but are not limited to, tasks such as assisting staff with contractor invoices, entering/editing contracts into CMS, producing reports/data from internal websites, using the internet to research various topics/assignments, etc. Review expenditures and supporting documentation submitted by 26 contractors using the agency's Contract Managing System (CMS).

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree AND one year of professional experience in community, trade or economic development with a focus in community development; OR, if the applicant does not have a Bachelor’s Degree, five years total of a combination of higher education and professional experience as described.

• 
  A graduate or advanced degree in a relevant field will substitute for one year of the required years of professional-level experience

Two years of experience coordinating activities in government and/or nonprofit agencies using a variety of techniques to provide effective technical assistance and resolve complex problems.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrates high level of interpersonal communication skills – two-way communication, information sharing and gathering, and using stakeholder feedback.
• Strong ability to work in a team environment.
• Strong ability to independently determine, organize, and prioritize workload.
• Strong understanding of state government and legislative process.
• Self-starter, taking initiative, organizing work. Managing projects successfully from the designed phase through results.
• Experience serving as a liaison for an organization or office, or staffing board or committee.
• Two years of experience working for or in partnership with organizations based in marginalized or underserved communities and/or Native American tribes.
• Two years of experience creating presentation materials and conducting presentations or training.
• Experience in organizing and facilitating workgroups.
• Customer service experience working in a variety of settings – on-site monitoring for quality and compliance; participating in stakeholder groups; responding to constituent questions or concerns; and handling multiple complex email contacts.

Supplemental Information

To be considered for this position the following are needed:

• 
  A complete and detailed online application
• A Cover letter (enter online);
• At least three (3) professional references (enter online).

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement

The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application. All information may be verified and documentation may be required. For questions about this recruitment, please contact Jose Dominguez at 360-810-0182 or jose.dominguez@commerce.wa.gov.

Work From Anywhere In Washington State
This position may be located anywhere within Washington state though occasional travel to a Commerce office building 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. Many Commerce employees work remote or have a hybrid schedule. However, it is anticipated that interviews for this position will be held using virtual videoconferencing. You will work with your supervisor to identify an appropriate work schedule and balance, including telework and reporting to a duty station for work activities, if needed.

Important Notice
Per Governor Inslee’s Directive #22-13.1, state employees must be fully vaccinated prior to your first day of employment. Your vaccine status will be verified prior to an offer of employment. Please reach out to Human Resources Specialist Jimmie Wimberly at jimmie.wimberly@commerce.wa.gov if you need information on medical or religious accommodation.

Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity:
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.