Housing Support Planner (Com 2)

HOUSING SUPPORT PLANNER (COM 2)
At the Department of Commerce we strive to be creative, collaborative, and trusted. We identify opportunities to deliver critical funding and services to strengthen communities and aim to promote equity in all aspects of our work. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our success, and we work to foster an environment where all individuals are valued and respected. We cultivate an environment in which we continuously learn, and we own our work.
 
We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the richness of the communities we serve. Together, we can build a brighter and more inclusive future.
 
The Local Government Division (LGD) partners with local governments, nonprofits, and others to strengthen the ability of all forms of local governments and community based organizations to fund and develop critical services to their citizens. The division provides leadership in local government finance and statewide infrastructure initiatives that help create and retain jobs. We also provides grants, loans, and planning and technical assistance to local governments for community development needs, infrastructure improvements, and economic development opportunities.

Position Objective:  This position provides technical and financial assistance on growth management planning and implementation for housing to cities and counties. This position uses expertise in the principles, practices and techniques of land use as detailed in the Growth Management Act (GMA). This position will analyze proposed local comprehensive plans, regulations and incentives related to GMA housing implementation, periodic update and grants, especially related to planning for the lowest income segments.Provide technical assistance to jurisdictions in Washington state with emphasis in housing development and affordability, specifically planning for the lowest income segments of the population. Tasks include:
• Track and monitor the administration and implementation of local government housing work and the progress in meeting the requirements of the Growth Management Act.
• Review and comment on proposed comprehensive plan and development regulation updates as they relate to housing affordability, housing density along high capacity transit corridors, housing for all economic segments, and provisions for supportive housing types such as permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, and emergency housing and shelters.
• Conduct research, technical assistance and stakeholder outreach using available data from a variety of sources including Commerce, the University of Washington Center for Real Estate Research, regional councils, local governments and the Municipal Research Services Center (MRSC).
• Follow up to monitor progress related to housing grant implementation and provide
additional technical assistance as needed.
• Assist in development and review of technical assistance materials.
 
Managing Grants, Loans and Contracts
Tasks include:
• Assist in developing, negotiating and monitoring financial packages for local governments, including scope of work and budget for GMS Housing grants.
• Assist in administering expenditure and tracking of GMA housing grants.
• Review statements of work (SOW) and deliverables to ensure work is commensurate with funds and when deliverables are submitted, that they are adequate.
• Manage program contracts within the agency's contract management system (CMS).
• Provide technical assistance as communities implement grant activities. Activities may include processing contracts, reviewing deliverables and providing comments, processing invoices, tracking progress, posting examples, etc.
• Assist with grantee peer meetings on Zoom to support grant implementation.
 
Legislative review
Tasks include:
• Assist in preparation of legislative information for hearings.
• Review assigned legislative bills.Required Qualifications:
• Four years of formal education AND two years of professional experience in local/regional government land use planning, housing planning, affordable housing development/management or housing support services.
• Five years of professional experience in local/regional government land use planning, housing planning, affordable housing development/management or housing support services, AND one year of lived experience (see below for a definition of lived experience).
• Six years of professional experience in local/regional government land use planning, housing planning, affordable housing development/management or housing support services.
• Two years of formal education AND four years of any combination professional and lived experience in local/regional government land use planning, housing planning, affordable housing development/management or housing support services (up to 1 year of lived experience can be earned concurrently).
A graduate or advanced degree may substitute for one year of the required professional experience.
Up to two (2) years of lived experience can potentially substitute for professional experience . Relevant expertise is derived from the accumulated personal life and professional experiences of an individual. Experience can be gained through life events, volunteer roles/capacities, any experience gained outside of professional paid and unpaid experiences, academics, or a combination of experiences.
 
Examples are working in a family-run business, volunteering with a community-based organization focused on serving and supporting underserved or vulnerable populations, or any allied experience in disaster/emergency response/recovery, community, trade, or economic development, including program administration, grant administration, procurement, or contracting.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Familiarity with Growth Management Act, local planning and state and federal grants and contracts.
To be considered for this position the following are needed: A complete and detailed online application. A cover letter (enter online). At least three professional references (enter online). For questions about this recruitment, please contact our recruitment team via email:   - please reference the job number in your messageWork 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.
 
This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next 60 days.
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can't log in, password or email issues, error messages). DES job seeker support may answer general questions regarding the recruiting system at .
 
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 email Human Resources at 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.
 
Department of Commerce also offers a competitive benefits package including: medical and dental insurance benefits, retirement and deferred compensation plans, 11 paid holidays each year, 14-25 vacation days per year (depending on length of employment), 8 hours of sick leave per month (if full time employed), bereavement leave, an employee assistance program, as well as other benefits. Please see the Benefits Tab for more details.           #J-18808-Ljbffr