Program Manager Jobs in Rochester, WA (NOW HIRING)

Description Subsidy Program Manager (COM 3) At the Department of Commerce, we're reimagining what's possible in government. We're builders, thinkers, and change-makers, working at the intersection of innovation, community, and impact. From unlocking critical funding to fueling inclusive economic growth, we're turning big ideas into real-world solutions that uplift people and places.

Our agency's strength lies in the diversity of our workforce and the breadth of the lived experiences and perspectives employees bring to the work. We believe equity is not just a value but a practice, which is reflected in how we design programs, engage communities, and deliver outcomes. We foster a workplace culture where curiosity is encouraged, bold thinking is welcomed, and collaboration drives our impact.

This job is a commitment to reshape systems so they work better for everyone. If you're ready to challenge the status quo and build meaningful connections, we want to meet you. Let's build what's next, together.

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. This position works within the Office of Apple Health & Homes and Permanent Supportive Housing (AHAH-PSH) and serves as program specialist for AHAH-PSH subsidy team. This position has technical expertise to implement, administer and support AHAH-PSH housing subsidy voucher programs by offering financial assistance, monitoring performance, and providing programmatic input.

This work includes coordinating with the Health Care Authority (HCA) and Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) on joint initiatives. This position contributes to program activities including policy formation, application solicitation and evaluation, award recommendations, negotiating and monitoring complex contracts with community nonprofit organizations, housing authorities, Tribes and other entities, and providing technical assistance and training. This position exercises independent judgment and discretion regarding the interpretation and implementation of policies and regulations.

This position coordinates with other units and agency staff for the effective and timely completion of assigned tasks and ensures that customer service is a priority. Duties Administration of Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Subsidy Programs Tasks include: Writes and publishes Notices of Funding Availability (NOFAs) in compliance with legislative budget and agency requirements. Administers competitive funding programs including soliciting and evaluating applications for funding.

Conducts competitive funding and procurement processes, in alignment with Commerce and HD policies. Develops and maintains application forms and leads the application and application review process; make recommendations to management for the allocation of PSH funding to awardees. Establishes and maintains PSH subsidy program policies and processes and guides continuous program improvement by ensuring updates are based on program data collected, legislative requirements, agency requirements, and feedback provided by grantees.

Provides technical assistance and consultation to grantees, landlords, partner providers and their staff regarding PSH subsidy programs, guidelines, PSH best practices, implementation and cost reimbursement process, including system use through Secure Access Washington (SAW) and the FUTURE database. Sets-up applicable data systems, including Contract Management System (CMS) and tracking tools related to contracts, budgets, and compliance reviews. Assists with drafting legislation and providing presentations and representation at the agency level at professional, local, state, regional, or national meetings.

Responds to agency and legislative requests for information. Contract Management and Contract Management System Tasks include: Negotiates, develops, and monitors complex contracts. Develops and maintains PSH contract templates in compliance with current legislation, policies and agency practices.

Reviews, analyzes and approves allowable reimbursement according to contract, PSH subsidy program NOFAs, agency policies & other pertinent guidelines; update applicable data systems, and approve payments. Manages annual review and renewal for project funding and contracting. Develops and maintains tools for evaluating and tracking performance and contract requirement compliance through to contract end, including de-obligation of funds, amending contracts and decision memos for management approval.

Updates internal budget documents as necessary, prepares budget modification forms as needed, and communicates all changes to relevant grantees and staff. Monitors for compliance and performance of contract scope, implements performance improvement plans. Ensures data quality in agency data systems through continuous audit of contracts.

Establishes internal and external review processes and policies identifying program improvements. Voucher Management and Voucher System Management Tasks include: Negotiates, reviews, approves, and monitors rent subsidy vouchers. Provides support, training, coordination, and technical assistance to awardees, state partners, providers, and landlords on program requirements, guidelines, best practices and processes.

Develops and maintains voucher forms and Rental Assistance Payment Agreement template templates in compliance with current legislation, policies and agency practices. Reviews, analyzes and approves allowable reimbursement according to current legislation, agency policies & other pertinent guidelines; updates applicable data systems, and approves payments. Manages annual review and renewal of vouchers.

Develops and maintains tools for evaluating and tracking performance and compliance through to contract end, including de-obligation of funds, amending contracts and decision memos for management approval. Updates internal budget documents as necessary, prepares budget modification forms as needed, and communicates all changes to relevant grantees and staff. Collaborates with the AHAH-PSH Compliance and Monitoring team to monitor for compliance and performance of contract scope, implements performance improvement plans.

Ensures data quality in agency data systems through continuous audit of vouchers. Establishes internal and external review processes and policies identifying program improvements. Risk Assessment and Grantee Monitoring Tasks include: Evaluate program activities and monitor grant compliance by reviewing program fiscal and service delivery to ensure compliance and effectiveness.

Provide advanced technical level assistance and training to meet local agencies and program need and to ensure accountability for state funds Develop risk assessment and monitoring tools to identify, evaluate, and track high risk areas within the program to ensure contract compliance through contract end. Other duties and tasks as required Tasks include: Participate in agency or division workgroups. Qualifications Required Position Qualifications: Seven (7) years of combined experience and/or education as described below: Experience in affordable housing, community, trade, or economic development in two or more of the following areas or work related to the position: Advanced knowledge of affordable housing and social service programs, with proven experience implementing permanent supportive housing practices and managing associated funding sources Application of state and federal housing program laws and regulations Risk Monitoring and Compliance Contract Management Administering community/social service programs or projects Interpreting, writing, and applying detailed policies and procedures Education involves social or behavioral sciences, social services, public health, public administration/policy or related field.

Qualifying education post High School or equivalent may be substituted year for year for experience. Examples of how to qualify: 7 years of experience 6 years of experience and one year of education 5 years of experience and two years of education 4 years of experience and three years of education 3 years of experience and four years of education 2 years of experience and five years of education 1 year of experience and six years of education Preferred/Desired Qualifications: Demonstrated ability and experience administering competitive funding programs, soliciting, and evaluating applications for funding. Demonstrated professional experience implementing or providing PSH, using the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or equivalent model.

Knowledge of affordable housing agencies, institutions, and processes involved in affordable housing development. Demonstrated ability to identify and implement changes necessary to streamline and standardize processes, improve administrative efficiency and effectiveness, and enhance customer service skills. Demonstrated intermediate level experience using data management, data visualization, and process improvement tools/methodologies.

Strong financial analysis skills. Required Position Competencies: Excellent communication skills include writing and presenting information to diverse audiences. Established ability to manage multiple, competing priorities and meet deadlines with high degree of accuracy.

Intermediate skill level in the Microsoft Office suite products including Teams, Excel, Word, and Outlook. Ability to work well with diverse groups and personalities. Ability to work well under stress and meet tight deadlines.

Proficiency in verbal and written communication skills to clearly and succinctly document and describe processes, procedures, performance measures, and results 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: comrecruitment@commerce.wa.gov - please reference the job number in your message. Supplemental Information 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 remotely or have a hybrid schedule. This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next 60 days. 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 careershelp@des.wa.gov. 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 Human.Resources@commerce.wa.gov. 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.