Contract Specialist (COM2)

State of Washington•Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

9d•Remote

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Six (6) years of combined education and/or experience.
Demonstrated success supporting community-based organizations or implementing public programs
Strong facilitation, coaching, and relationship-building skills across diverse partners
Lived experience with serving communities impacted by economic exclusion may substitute for one year of professional experience.
Qualifying education post High School or equivalent may be substituted year for year for experience.
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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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.
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.