Vocational Education Program Specialist

State of Washington • Thurston County – Olympia, WA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (Workforce Board) is a tri-partite board (business, labor, and government), and cabinet agency created to provide objective planning, coordination, evaluation, monitoring, policy analysis and advocacy across Washington’s comprehensive workforce development system in support of Washington’s workers, jobseekers, businesses, and communities. The Workforce Board engages a wide range of state, local, and federal agencies, business, labor, community-based organizations, and others representing system customers to inform our work. Board and agency staff maintain a laser focus on the state’s economic strength, the availability of a strong and responsive talent pipeline, and on equitable access to that pipeline for every Washingtonian. As a Vocational Education Program Specialist (VEPS), you will independently manage licensing and regulatory compliance for over 300 private career schools across Washington, directly protecting more than 35,000 students. Operating under the direction of the Consumer Protection Unit Director, you will handle administrative oversight, interpret regulations, and enforce the Private Vocational School Act (RCW 28C.10). Your day-to-day responsibilities will include conducting compliance monitoring and site inspections, leading complaint resolutions and investigations, and managing the Tuition Recovery Trust Fund (TRTF). Additionally, you will provide technical assistance to schools, safeguard confidential records, and coordinate with external agencies to ensure educational quality, accountability, and strong consumer protection.

Requirements

• Three (3) years of professional experience performing administrative and/or regulatory work involving the compilation, analysis, and evaluation of information, data, and facts to determine eligibility, compliance with laws or program requirements, or to make recommendations for management action.
• Proficiency with licensing and regulatory data management systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Adobe Acrobat

Nice To Haves

• Degree or certification in Public Administration, Business Administration, Education, or a closely related field.
• Experience licensing or regulating educational institutions or other regulated industries.
• Experience conducting administrative hearings, enforcement actions, or complaint investigations.
• Knowledge of higher education administration, workforce development programs, or veteran education benefits.
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service while maintaining regulatory integrity.
• Experience using licensing databases, case management systems, or document management software.

Responsibilities

• Review and approve private vocational school licensing applications by analyzing business plans, financial statements, and faculty qualifications.
• Evaluate instructional programs and facility resources to ensure schools can deliver advertised training.
• Assess institutional compliance using statutory and regulatory criteria under RCW 28C.10 and WAC 490-105.
• Determine overall institutional viability and identify operational deficiencies by applying established licensing standards.
• Review institutional documentation and practices to ensure the adequacy of program delivery.
• Protect students and ensure institutions achieve their stated educational objectives.
• Interpret and communicate licensing requirements, regulatory procedures, and compliance expectations to school representatives and stakeholders using RCW, WAC, and agency policies.
• Deliver information and guidance on application and renewal processes through verbal, written, in-person, or virtual presentations.
• Mediate student-institution disputes through informal conflict resolution and conduct formal complaint investigations by gathering evidence, interviewing parties, and applying regulatory standards to produce defensible findings.
• Other duties as needed.

Benefits

• The hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time after the required posting period, and during the recruitment process. It is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed