Licensing Specialist (Internal Applicants Only)

State of Washington•Thurston County – Olympia, WA

18h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) is seeking a Licensing Specialist to join their Licensing and Regulation Division in Olympia, WA. This internal-only position is responsible for managing liquor licensing investigations, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, and promoting public safety and social equity. The role involves independent case management, in-depth interviews, document analysis, and collaboration with applicants, agency partners, and external stakeholders. This position offers the opportunity to work collaboratively with applicants, agency partners, and external stakeholders while helping navigate a fair, transparent, and equitable licensing process. If you enjoy investigative work, analyzing complex information, interpreting regulations, and working directly with the public, this opportunity may be a great fit for you. This position is currently eligible to telework, with a requirement to be in the office 1-2 days per week, which may change based on business needs.

Requirements

Two (2) years of experience providing analyzing and/or interpreting financial or legal documents, or laws and regulations for licensing, or interviewing and/or research/review duties involving public contact.
An Associate of Arts degree or above.

Nice To Haves

Learn, understand, and explain regulatory statutes, rules, policies and procedures.
Maintain effective communications with all levels within the organization.
Maintain and build working relationships characterized by mutual acceptance and cooperation.
Multi-task and prioritize.
Experience working with an electronic imaging and workflow management system.
Proficiency in oral and written communication.

Responsibilities

Independently manages an assigned caseload of investigations on liquor license applicants.
Conducts in-depth interviews to determine eligibility and assess document requirements.
Requests documentation needed to conduct investigation and ensure eligibility.
Completes notification to local authority and posting document to applicant.
Analyzes written material (financial statements, loan documents, bank statements, leases, purchase and sale agreements, management agreements, closing documents, and numerous other legal documents) to confirm True Party of Interest and rule out illegal funds, hidden ownership or other disqualifying factors.
Evaluates information received from applicants, the Enforcement Division, and external sources, such as, local authorities, other state and/or federal agencies, etc. to determine impact on investigation.
Researches violation history of applicants to assess public safety risk.
Evaluates and approves floor plans for applicable license types.
Approves routine new, in lieu of, added class, change of location and assumption applications.
Determines if there are disqualifying factors and/or public safety concerns, statutory or regulatory concerns that may result in referral of the file to a Licensing Specialist Senior for processing.
Research, interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures as applicable to determine applicant eligibility.
Receives and resolves problems and complaints from applicants and/or their representatives regarding applications.
Determines if applicant is eligible for licensure and investigation is routine.
Prepares summary report.
Informing and assisting a variety of applicants and/or citizens with any questions/problems they may have regarding the licensing process.
Conduct research and or refer emails that are received or sent from many different sources, i.e. management, other agency divisions, applicants/representatives, other outside sources and written responses.
Working with applicants/current licensees answering questions, helping with problems and referring to optional services and other agencies as necessary.
Actively participate and attend team, investigator, division, special project and volunteer committee (statewide and interagency.)

Benefits

A comprehensive benefits package (including but not limited to Medical/Dental/Vision, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance etc.)
Paid Vacation, Leave, and Holidays
Tuition Waiver (enrollment in courses at state universities/colleges on a space availability basis - all or a portion of the tuition/fees may be waived for state employees)
Tuition reimbursement (courses taken with prior approval in order to further employee’s career development with the WSLCB)
Training and career development programs (including online courses and LinkedIn Learning)
A healthy work/life balance (this may include flexible/alternative work schedules and telework/remote work opportunities, when possible)
Employee Assistance Program - confidential program created to promote the health, safety and well-being of public service employees
Generous wellness program (we offer reimbursements for certain fitness related activities)
Onsite exercise facility (for employees working at WSLCB Headquarter Building in Olympia)
Infants at Work Program to promote parent and infant bonding, parental well-being and healthy infant development. Depending on your job duties, work location and supervisor approval, eligible employees who are new mothers, fathers or legal guardians can bring their infant (six weeks to six months) when they return to work.
Free parking