Description

Apply early! This recruitment will remain open until the position is filled. Applicant review begins the week of April 12, 2023. The hiring authority reserves the right to make a hiring decision and/or to close the recruitment at any time.

At the Department of Commerce (Commerce), we are creative, collaborative and trusted. We identify opportunities to deliver critical funding and services to strengthen communities, we cultivate an environment in which we continuously learn and we own our work.

The Housing Division (HD) partners with local governments, Tribes, housing authorities, nonprofits and other organizations to develop and preserve affordable housing, promote individual and family self-sufficiency, and reduce adult and youth homelessness.

The Data & Performance Unit (DPU) within the HD is responsible for data and performance management systems. The DPU supports the other units of the HD to strengthen data collection methods, improve data quality, and optimize the performance of all state and local investments in affordable housing, homeless housing, youth homelessness and supportive housing efforts. This work includes data system management, data analysis and visualization, performance evaluation, and technical assistance and training to improve performance.

The Supportive Housing Performance Specialist (MA4) develops nationally unprecedented performance measures and management systems as required by E2SHB 1277 and ESHB 1866 using senior level analysis to measure the access and outcomes of complex supportive housing programs and systems, including the impact on the health outcomes of participants. This position collaborates closely with the Office of Apple Health and Homes and Permanent Supportive Housing (AHAH) and serves as the primary liaison between AHAH and DPU.

This posting may be used to fill other vacant positions within 60 days once position is filled.

Duties

Implement Performance Measurement Systems Required by E2SHB 1277

• Implement performance requirements established in E2SHB 1277 which requires that county governments take actions to reduce and prevent homelessness.
• Use senior level analyses to measure the access and outcomes of programs funded by E2SHB 1277.
• Develop performance based funding contract language for applicable contracts.
• Lead the evaluation process of county proposals and negotiate the performance indicators with county governments to incorporate into applicable contract’s statement of work.
• Lead the evaluation process of actions taken and their impact on the strategies to reduce and prevent homelessness.
• Develop and participate in corrective action plans with county governments found not to have taken actions to reduce and prevent homelessness.
• Determine the release of performance-based allocations.
• Provide consultation to executive policy makers in Commerce and counties, so that the agency executive management, the Legislature, county executives, grant managers, grantees and stakeholders understand how the E2SHB 1277 performance requirements impact homeless system performance and the overall homeless population.

Evaluate and Communicate AHAH Data and Performance

• Develop evaluation methods and tools using multiple protected data systems to support the goals and reporting requirements of ESHB 1866.
• Test integrity and quality of available data sources; develop work plans to identify or improve data quality and sources.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary evaluation and planning work groups with stakeholders and other state agencies associated with the intersections of housing and healthcare.
• Use senior level analyses to measure the access and outcomes of programs funded by ESHB 1866.
• Oversee the development of data communication tools and visualizations of complex performance metrics and benchmarks that communicate progress toward achieving requirements to agency executive management, the Legislature, local elected officials, contract managers, and the public.

Deliver Technical Assistance Plans to Low Performing and Noncompliant Grantees

• Develop technical assistance plans with county policy makers, AHAH program managers, and Commerce executive leadership to support low performing grantees.
• Oversee implementation of technical assistance plans, and provide coaching and assistance to ensure successful implementation of plan by Commerce grant managers and local executive leadership and grantees.
• Provide technical assistance so that grantees are performing at their highest abilities and understand how their best work contributes to reductions in homelessness and the promotion of racial equity in homeless systems.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• 
  A Bachelor’s Degree AND four years of professional experience in community, trade or economic development with a focus in housing assistance or related field (supportive housing, behavioral health, affordable housing, victim services, mental health services, etc.);
• OR, if the applicant does not have a Bachelor’s Degree, eight years total of a combination of higher education and professional experience as described. A graduate or advanced degree may substitute for one year of the required professional experience.

Demonstrated experience in using data to determine program or system effectiveness.
Collaborative team member that values diversity and can work effectively and positively with individuals of diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds with an understanding of power, privilege and inequity.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Understanding and commitment to anti-racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Ability to apply an equity lens to evaluation and planning efforts.
• Familiarity with behavioral health systems, and the intersection of housing and healthcare.
• Strong understanding of research methods, statistics, and outcome measurement.
• Experience analyzing large data sets.
• Recognized skill negotiating and champion system change efforts.
• Demonstrated proficiency in translating technical requirements to a non-technical audience.
• Advanced experience using computer applications including databases and web applications.
• Knowledge of HMIS specifications and capabilities.
• Demonstrated experience in advanced level homeless or housing program evaluation.

Supplemental Information

To be considered for this position the following are needed:

• 
  A complete and detailed online application;
• A Cover letter (enter online);
• At least three (3) professional references (enter online).

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement

The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of your application. All information may be verified and documentation may be required. For questions about this recruitment, please contact Jose Dominguez at 360-810-0182 or jose.dominguez@commerce.wa.gov.

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 remote or have a hybrid schedule. However, it is anticipated that interviews for this position will be held using virtual videoconferencing. You will work with your supervisor to identify an appropriate work schedule and balance, including telework and reporting to a duty station for work activities, if needed.

Important Notice
Per Governor Inslee’s Directive #22-13.1, state employees must be fully vaccinated prior to your first day of employment. Your vaccine status will be verified prior to an offer of employment. Please reach out to Human Resources Specialist Jimmie Wimberly at jimmie.wimberly@commerce.wa.gov if you need information on medical or religious accommodation.

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 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.