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State of Washington

Commerce Specialist 2 - Contracts Specialist [11302]

SALARY

$3,795.00 - $4,977.00 Monthly

LOCATION

Thurston County – Olympia, WA

JOB TYPE

Full Time - Permanent

JOB NUMBER

2017-11302

DEPARTMENT

Dept. of Commerce

DIVISION

Community Services and Housing Division

OPENING DATE

12/07/2017

CLOSING DATE

12/28/2017 11:59 PM Pacific

SALARY

$3,795.00 - $4,977.00 Monthly

LOCATION

Thurston County – Olympia, WA

JOB TYPE

Full Time - Permanent

JOB NUMBER

2017-11302

DEPARTMENT

Dept. of Commerce

DIVISION

Community Services and Housing Division

OPENING DATE

12/07/2017

CLOSING DATE

12/28/2017 11:59 PM Pacific

Description



How would you like to be a member of a team that ensures the quality of affordable housing for low-income and special needs populations within Washington State?

There is a position available within the Housing Finance Unit of the Community Services and Housing Division (CSHD). This position is responsible for negotiating and generating complex legal documents to protect the state's interest in investments made through the state Housing Trust Fund and federal HOME programs.

Responsibilities of this position include preparing contracts and contract amendments for loans and grants for federal and state funding. This position provides technical assistance to program contractors and to other HFU staff regarding agency contracting requirements, program loan terms, and related legal documents.
Does this sound like your perfect opportunity?  If so, we invite you to apply today!

Duties

  • Solicit, negotiate, and administer capital contracts for loans and grants for the state Housing Trust Fund and federal HOME program, including all legal and security documents such as, Promissory Notes, Assignment and Assumption Agreements, Deeds of Trust, Covenant Agreements, and Priority/Subordination Agreements.
  • Prepare Contracts, loan amortization schedules including interest and payment deferrals, and security documents for new contract and contract amendments ensuring that program and legal standards are met.
  • Develop contracts by working directly with contractors, attorneys, title company officers and developers.
  • Develop, prepare, and negotiate personal services contracts, client services contracts, purchased services contracts, and interagency agreements.
  • Perform analysis and interpretation of current legislation, regulations, legal issues, contract terminology, and industry practices, and propose policy related to program contracts and other legal agreements.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree involving business administration, public administration, business, law commerce mathematics, statistics, economics or closely allied field AND two years of professional experience in negotiating, administering, and terminating government or private sector contracts, mortgage security documents related to property management, loan amortization, contract cost and price analyses or contract compliance administration.
    • Additional professional level experience may substitute, year-for-year, for education.
    • A graduate or advanced degree may substitute for one year of required experience.
  • Strong proof-reading and editing skills.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft suite, strong Word skills.
  • Understanding of amortization schedules using Excel.
Required Competencies:
  • Ability to work well with diverse groups and personalities.
  • Ability to work well under stress and meet tight deadlines.
  • Detail oriented and strong organizational skills

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience with affordable housing and real estate transactions.
  • Knowledge of the state Housing Trust Fund and federal HOME programs.

Supplemental Information

I want to work for Commerce! How do I apply?
 
In addition to completing the online application and answering the supplemental questions, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:
 

  • A letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position;
  • A current resume detailing experience and education; and
  • A list of at least three professional references.
 
The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified and documentation may be required.

For questions about this recruitment, please contact Karma Shannon♥Lawson at 360-725-2979 or Karma.ShannonLawson@commerce.wa.gov.
 

Who we are:

At Commerce, we're a little different. But for you, it might just be the perfect fit.  We're a state agency but operate like a business with the understanding we need to know our customer's needs to fulfill them.  Our Olympia offices are open Monday through Friday (flexible schedules are available). Our parking is free and many of our employees bike year round. We also have an active bicycle loaner program. 

Washington State offers commuting programs, including free, subsidized and reduced public transportation incentives.  There are approximately 300 employees in our agency. We are committed to our work and value balance in our personal lives. We hire people for a position and encourage them to train for growth opportunities.

If this sounds like a good fit for you and you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply today!



What we do:

We are the lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington. We administer a diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and several state boards and commissions, all focused on achieving one clear and simple mission: to grow and improve jobs in Washington.

Our key customers include businesses, local governments and community-based organizations. We also play the crucial role of convening numerous local, state, regional and federal partners and stakeholders, public and private. Together we work to support the Governor's priorities and achieve shared goals and objectives for the citizens of Washington.


Not from Olympia?
 
As the state's capitol, Olympia is located off Interstate 5 at the south end of the Puget Sound roughly half-way between Seattle and Portland, and less than a two hour drive to the coast, temperate rainforest, mountains, urban city, or farmlands.  With year-round art festivals, parades, theater shows, concerts, and community events, Olympia and its surrounding cities have something for everyone. For parents, it boasts some of the best schools in the nation and the renowned HandsOn Children's Museum.  Home to two universities (The Evergreen State College and Saint Martin's University), Olympia residents also have the opportunity to pursue a degree while working!


Special Notes:

This position is covered by a union security provision. Therefore, as a condition of employment, candidates who are appointed are required to become members of the Washington Federation of State Employees, or pay other representational fees within the first 30 days of employment.
 
 
Additional Information:
 
The Washington State Department of Commerce complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal Form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.

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.

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
 
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

 
Read about our benefits:
 
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work. Check with the agency human resource office for specific benefit information.

Insurance Benefits
 
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance.  There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.  Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses.  Employees are also covered by basic life and long term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.  To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website.
 
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
 
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
 
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
 
Vacation (Annual Leave)
 
You begin accruing vacation starting your first month of employment. Since we value your loyalty, the amount of vacation you can accrue increases the longer you work with us. Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year. Vacation accrues for full-time employees per WAC 357-31-165.
 
Holidays
 
Full-time employees are entitled to eleven* paid holidays:
 
HOLIDAY
DATE
 
New Year's Day
January 1
 
Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday
Third Monday in January
 
Presidents' Day
Third Monday in February
 
Memorial Day
Last Monday in May
 
Independence Day
July 4
 
Labor Day
First Monday in September
 
Veterans' Day
November 11
 
Thanksgiving Day
Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after
 
Christmas Day
December 25
 
Personal Holiday
Employee's selection each calendar year

*Employees who are members of certain Unions are entitled to an additional personal leave day of their choice. Please refer to specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
 
Social Security
 
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
 
Sick Leave
 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Paid sick leave may be used for reasons included in WAC 357-31-130.
 
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information.

Employer
State of Washington
Phone
View Posting for Agency Contact
Website
http://www.careers.wa.gov
Address
View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504
Commerce Specialist 2 - Contracts Specialist [11302] Supplemental Questionnaire
* QUESTION 1
Please select the highest level of education that you have completed:





* QUESTION 2
Please select the answer that best describes your professional experience negotiating, administering, and terminating government or private sector contracts, mortgage security documents related to property management, loan amortization, contract cost and price analyses or contract administration.





* QUESTION 3
If you indicated you have experience noted above, please explain how, where and when you gained this knowledge and experience (must also be reflected in the work experience of your application). If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.]
* QUESTION 4
Do you have experience with real estate contracts and transactions?


* QUESTION 5
In the space provided, please describe your professional work experience with real estate contracts and transactions. If you do not have this experience, please type N/A.
* QUESTION 6
Which one of the following best describes your highest level of Microsoft Excel skills? (To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level; to qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels; to qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.)





* QUESTION 7
Which one of the following best describes your highest level of Microsoft Word skills? (To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level; to qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels; to qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.)





* QUESTION 8
Please select the option below that best indicates where you heard about this job opportunity.





* QUESTION 9
The WA State Dept. of Commerce (Comm) Nepotism policy prohibits relatives or household members from working in any capacity that may create a conflict of interest. Answering "YES" to the following question will not automatically exclude you from employment opportunities. Are you related to or residing with any current Comm employee(s)? If so, please provide the employees name(s).
* Required Question