Contract Specialist (COM2)

Contract Specialist (COM2) At the Department of Commerce, we’re reimagining what’s possible in government. We’re builders, thinkers, and change-makers, working at the intersection of innovation, community, and impact. From unlocking critical funding to fueling inclusive economic growth, we’re turning big ideas into real-world solutions that uplift people and places.Our agency’s strength lies in the diversity of our workforce and the breadth of the lived experiences and perspectives employees bring to the work. We believe equity is not just a value but a practice, which is reflected in how we design programs, engage communities, and deliver outcomes. We foster a workplace culture where curiosity is encouraged, bold thinking is welcomed, and collaboration drives our impact. Let’s build what’s next, together.

The Community Services Division (CSD) partners with local governments, Tribes, community-based organizations, and nonprofits to provide community assistance, promote individual and family self-sufficiency, address the causes and effects of crime and violence, and reduce poverty.

This position works within the Community Economic Opportunities (CEO) Unit of CSD and is responsible for specific tasks within the State Home Energy Assistance Program (SHEAP). Primary duties include implementing SHEAP compliance and monitoring procedures, conducting training and technical assistance, and performance of outreach to include presentations to various partner groups. The Commerce Specialist 2 must possess the knowledge and skills to manage and maintain documentation and tracking systems for contractor invoices and understand state regulations and work practice standards, follow procedures and recommend system improvements, provide compliance assistance, perform reviews, and recommend actions. This position provides technical assistance to state and local agencies and the general public.

This is a project position with a projected end date of July 31, 2027. Compliance, Review, and Technical Assistance:

• Manages and maintains documentation and tracking systems for contractor invoices and spending
• Prepares initial notice, review, and final monitoring documents, as needed. Identify and respond to contractors’ needs. Keep Commerce Specialist 3 and Commerce Specialist 5 apprised of compliance issues.
• Coordinates, supports and co-facilitates contractor workgroup meetings and partner training sessions in multiple formats, including, but not limited to, in-person, virtual, recorded, etc.
• Provides ongoing technical assistance to contractors on items such as program policy/guidance and billing. Elevates complex or unique technical assistance requests to the supervisor.
• Reviews, tracks, and analyzes contractor technical assistance trends and makes recommendations to the supervisor.
• Reviews policy and contractor issues with contracted service providers. Provides recommendations and elevate complex policy issues to the supervisor for resolution.
• Conducts desk audits to determine compliance with program rules and laws.
• Provide recommendations to Commerce Specialist 3 and Commerce Specialist 5 on programmatic requests from contractors.
• Assists Commerce Specialist 3 with fair hearings with SHEAP clients requiring further review of their eligibility and/or benefit calculation.

Process Improvements:

• Research best practices for state/federal compliance and enforcement activities to develop and implement SHEAP compliance protocols.

• Ensure state/federal regulations are applied consistently, effectively, and in a fair manner.

• Engage in continuous quality review processes for grantee program management tools including systems such as monitoring and risk management protocols; community, services, and agency assessments; and performance tracking. Required Position Qualifications: Six (6) years of combined education and/or experience as described below:

• Qualifying experience includes, but is not limited to: o Demonstrated success supporting community-based organizations or implementing public programs o Strong facilitation, coaching, and relationship-building skills across diverse partners o Lived experience with serving communities impacted by economic exclusion may substitute for one year of professional experience.

• What is lived experience? Lived experiences is relevant expertise derived from the accumulated personal life and professional experiences of an individual. Experience can be gained through life events, volunteer role/capacity, any experience gained outside of professional paid and unpaid experience, academic or a combination of experiences. The above-listed experience will demonstrate that a candidate possesses the necessary knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies to successfully qualify for and perform the duties of the position.

• Qualifying education post High School or equivalent may be substituted year for year for experience. Education can include: o A degree in any applicable field. This can include:

• Human resources, organizational development, education, business management, sociology, applied science, public relations, public affairs, community relations, public health, public policy, or any related field. Examples of how to qualify: o 6 years of experience o 5 years of experience and one year of education o 4 years of experience and two years of education o 3 years of experience and three years of education o 2 years of experience and four years of education o 1 years of experience and five years of education AND Demonstrated commitment to growth Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism competencies, including: able to learn and understand the language and concepts of DEI; commitment to growth, learning and self-awareness related to DEI; demonstrated the understanding that all people are valued by contributing to an equitable, inclusive and respectful environment when working with members of the team, agency, and community; and commitment to being an active participant in continually evaluating and improving strategies that promote equity, belonging, and antiracism in our organization. Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• One (1) year experience working in or with non-profit organizations, community action agencies, municipalities, and/or Native American Tribal organizations.

• Strong customer service skills in a variety of settings, including facilitating or participating in workgroups or committees, providing technical assistance and training to contractors, responding to constituent and public inquiries and concerns, and working with the SHEAP/LIHEAP team. To be considered for this position, the following are needed:

• A complete and detailed online application.

• A cover letter (enter online).

• At least three professional references (enter online).

For questions about this recruitment, please contact our recruitment team via email: [email protected] please reference the job number in your message. 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 remotely or have a hybrid schedule.

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next 60 days.

Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can't log in, password or email issues, error messages). DES job seeker support may answer general questions regarding the recruiting system at [email protected].

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 email Human Resources at [email protected]. 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.

Department of Commerce also offers a competitive benefits package including: medical and dental insurance benefits, retirement and deferred compensation plans, 11 paid holidays each year, 14-25 vacation days per year (depending on length of employment), 8 hours of sick leave per month (if full time employed), bereavement leave, an employee assistance program, as well as other benefits. Please see the Benefits Tab for more details.