Program Specialist 3 (Social Equity in Cannabis Program, Internal Only - Two Positions)

The mission of the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) is to promote public safety and trust through fair administration, education and enforcement of liquor, cannabis, tobacco, and vapor laws. We search for people who demonstrate a strong work ethic, excellence in customer service, partnering and teamwork, and quality performance.
 

We want to create a culture that fosters excellence in customer service, open and honest communication, transparency and accountability, data driven decisions, and business-initiated process improvement.  

Our commitment to DEIB

The WSLCB strives to promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) in all aspects of our work. This includes a commitment to our workforce and external stakeholders.
 
It is our mission to build, educate, and inspire an inclusive environment that recognizes, respects, and celebrates diversity in the workplace and in the community we serve. We are committed to maintaining a thriving culture where employees and those we serve feel safe and accepted regardless of education, background, or beliefs. As a WSLCB team member, you will have opportunity to join statewide business resource groups (BRGs) such as, Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network, Veteran Employee Resource Group, Latino Leadership Network, Blacks United in Leadership and Diversity, Disability Inclusion Network, Washington Immigrant Network and Hawaiians, Asians, and Pacific Islanders Promoting an Empowerment Network. 
 

WSLCB provides a modern work environment and excellent benefits including:
 
 

• 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 

The WSLCB Licensing and Regulations Division is announcing two exciting opportunities for two Program Specialist 3 (Social Equity in Cannabis Program) positions in Olympia, WA. One of these positions focuses on outreach while the other position focuses on research.

The WSLCB is committed to implement a successful statewide Cannabis Social Equity Program. The goals of the program are to increase the number of licenses held by social equity applicants from disproportionately impacted areas and reduce barriers to entry into the cannabis industry for those most adversely impacted from the historical application and enforcement of cannabis prohibition laws.

The Program Specialist 3 (Social Equity in Cannabis Program) will take a pro-active approach in support of diversity, equity, inclusion and will actively participate in the development and ongoing work related to the Social Equity Program, under general direction of the Social Equity Case Manager. This effort will include participating, developing effective dialogue, showing commitment to change through actions, and building trust through transparency.

If you have an interest in a Program Specialist 3 (Social Equity in Cannabis Program) position, we encourage you to apply! 

Some of the duties you will perform are: 

• Respond to questions about the program in a manner consistent with the state laws and rules, and WSLCB policies.
• Tracking common questions that come in to contribute to frequently asked questions on the WSLCB website.
• Research and implement best practices to assist social equity applicants with navigating regulatory functions. 
• Assist the Social Equity Case Manager to evaluate needs for social equity applicants and develop trainings and/or resources. 
• Contribute as an active listener using mediation skills to obtain positive outcomes with applicants, licensees, or community partners. 
• Assist the Social Equity Case Manager in outreach to Social Equity Licensees to provide support to comply with program requirements and address any questions they may have about the program once they have a license. 
• Tracking and monitoring social equity plans submitted by licensees who do not have social equity licenses (as required by 2023 Senate Bill 5080).
• Working with the Social Equity Program Manager and Case Manager to ensure that the program is executed fairly.
• Track program goals and standards and work with the Division Data Consultant to report on program compliance measures, successes, and needs.
• Helping to coordinate with other agencies, such as the Department of Revenue's Business Licensing Services, Secretary of State, Office of Equity and Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises, and Department of Commerce to develop the program. 
• Work with the Social Equity Case Manager to develop and coordinate educational materials and resources for the social equity applicants and licensees.
• Assist the Social Equity Case Manager to conduct educational workshops or conferences including preparing for presentations.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on desired deliverables.

Required Qualifications:

OR

 

OR

 

1. Completed on-line application which includes current phone numbers and valid email addresses. You can create and application profile on www.careers.wa.gov by clicking on the "Apply Now" button on top of this page.
2. Letter of interest, describing how you meet the specific qualifications for the position.
3. Resume, detailing experience and education as it relates to the position.
4. Three professional references to include a current or recent supervisor with current contact numbers and email addresses.
5. Transcripts, showing degree(s). 

**A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application.

The information provided in your application and supplemental questionnaire must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. Responses not supported in your application will disqualify you for consideration of employment from this recruitment.
 
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Other:
Applicants for employment with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board should also be aware of RCW 66.08.080, which states in part: "No employee of the board shall have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the manufacture of liquor sold under this title, or derive any profit or remuneration from the sale of liquor, other than the salary or wages payable to him in respect of his office or position, and shall receive no gratuity from any person in connection with such business.
 
RCW 69.50.351, no member of the state liquor and cannabis board and no employee of the state liquor and cannabis board shall have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the producing, processing, or sale of cannabis, useable cannabis, or cannabis-infused products, or derive any profit or remuneration from the sale of cannabis, useable cannabis, or cannabis-infused products other than the salary or wages payable to him or her in respect of his or her office or position, and shall receive no gratuity from any person in connection with the business.
 
The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from job seekers with diverse backgrounds. Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees enjoy a respectful, safe, and supportive working environment.  
 
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.  You are welcome to include your name and gender pronouns in your application, to ensure we address you appropriately throughout the application process.
 
For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email hrjobs@lcb.wa.gov or call (360) 664.1674. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Salary : $55,224 - $74,376