Policy Specialist (MA3)

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); Remote; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Washington's Department of Licensing seeks a Policy Specialist for the Driver and Vehicle Records (DVR) team who can establish clear, equitable policy and connect state laws and agency standards with practical guidance.

You will analyze laws and procedures, draft policy, and advise management on risks and compliance, while fostering an inclusive, respectful workplace and serving Washington residents with consistent, accessible policies.

Qualifications

• Seven (7) years of experience drafting policy or procedures.
• Conducting research and analyzing laws, policies, rules, and regulations.
• Developing methods to identify, collect, organize, and document information for assessment and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Ensure DVR policy clarifies expectations and supports consistent responses and practices across the program.
• Ensure DVR policy and guidance remain aligned with laws, rules, regulations, requirements, and DOL standards.
• Distinguish policy requirements from procedures and tasks.
• Provide technical policy advice and recommendations to management regarding policy issues, risks, and compliance.

Skills

Policy development

Research

Analyzing laws/policies

Data organization

Verbal/written communication

Office software (MS Office)

Process improvement

Facilitation/training

Peabody Methodology

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

We are dedicated to growing a culture of belonging through our values:

Respect | Trust | Diversity | Inclusion | Equity

At the Department of Licensing (DOL), we recognize the importance of work life harmony and work hard to create a culture where employees feel valued and respected. Our employees are trusted and encouraged to be a part of process improvements that impact their work, create value for our customers and help build trust in our government.

Our Driver and Vehicle Records team is looking for a curious, collaborative Policy Specialist who is committed to equitable service. If you enjoy solving problems, working with others, and bringing clarity to complex information, we encourage you to apply!

As one of the most visible state agencies and the second-largest revenue generator in Washington State, we engage with over 6 million residents each year and collect nearly $3 billion in taxes and fees. We understand that our services are vital to the daily lives of our customers, enabling them to live, work, drive, and thrive. We take this responsibility to heart and are dedicated to providing equitable and meaningful access to our services for every resident.

As the Policy Specialist for our Driver and Vehicle Records (DVR) team, you will establish and maintain clear, consistent, and equitable policy for the DVR program. You will bring curiosity and critical thinking to your work, asking questions, examining information, and identifying gaps or inconsistencies. Using independent judgment, you will develop policies that clarify expectations and connect state laws, rules, agency policies, and agency standards. Throughout this work, you will consider how policy decisions affect Washington residents and strive for outcomes that are fair, accessible, and responsive to their needs.

Some of what you will do:

• Ensure DVR policy clarifies expectations and supports consistent responses and practices across the program.
• Ensure DVR policy and related guidance remain aligned with applicable laws, rules, regulations, requirements, and established DOL standards.
• Ensure policy is appropriately scoped and clearly distinguish policy requirements from procedures and tasks.
• Provide technical policy advice and recommendations to management regarding policy issues, risks, and compliance considerations.

What you will bring to the role:

Seven (7) years of experience in any of the following:

• Drafting policy or procedures
• Conducting research
• Analyzing laws, policies, rules, and regulations
• Developing methods to identify, collect, organize, and document information for assessment and analysis

Experience must include:

• Three (3) years of experience communicating effectively verbally and in writing, composing letters, memos, reports, and business correspondence containing accurate and logically formatted information utilizing English grammar, punctuation, and plain talk principles.
• Three (3) years of experience identifying, collecting, and organizing data and information in ways to make it useful for assessment, analysis, and investigation.
• One (1) year of experience using standard office and data processing software such as Microsoft Office.
• Two (2) years of experience analyzing business or operational processes to identify gaps, inconsistencies, dependencies, risks, or opportunities for improvement and developing processes or procedures to support consistent operations.
• The ability to:
  • Understand and follow agency values of respect, trust, diversity, equity, and inclusion through behaviors, and decisions.
  • Promote and support a respectful, equitable, and inclusive workplace for all employees.
  • Promote and support respectful, equitable, and inclusive delivery of services to customers.
  • Take action to learn and grow.
  • Take action to meet the needs of others.

Up to four (4) years of relevant education in business administration, public administration, law, public health, health administration, or a related field may substitute year for year for experience.

What may help set you apart:

• Experience or knowledge of project management best practices and methodologies which could include leading projects, creating project plans, managing timelines, deliverables, risks, identifying outcomes and communicating the status of projects to project members and interested parties.
• Experience applying the Peabody Methodology to develop clear, concise, and actionable policy that distinguishes policy requirements from operational procedures and tasks.
• Experience facilitating discussions, workgroups, technical training, or other structured engagements and communicating complex policy or operational information clearly to a variety of audiences.
• Experience translating complex policy or technical information into clear, accessible training and learning materials.
• Experience with DOL work and practices.

Additional Requirements of Employment:

• This position is primarily remote, with occasional in-person attendance required to meet business needs.
• 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.

DOL is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, we will take the steps to ensure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.

For information about available accommodations, the interview process, or the position contact Nicole Walters.

Come join us in changing the way government delivers services and help build a legacy of commitment to and excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion!

Candidates who are offered a job with DOL must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our award-winning diverse and inclusive organization.

We value diverse perspectives and life experiences.

We employ and serve people of all backgrounds including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and veterans. We value the unique traits and attributes that each employee brings to the job. Through the diverse perspectives of an inclusive workforce, we will create a more respectful, productive, and unified team to better serve the public of Washington.

Veteran/Military Spouse Preference Notice

To take advantage of your veteran / military spouse preference please attach documentation of eligibility to your application.

The Washington State Department of Licensing is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, religion, sex (including gender identity), marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or 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.

Persons requiring accommodation in the application process, during the recruitment process, or who need this job announcement in an alternative format, may contact the Human Resources Office at 360-902-4000 or may email the Talent Acquisition Team. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call our ASL interpreter via Video Phone at 360-339-7344.

The candidate pool certified from this recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty days.

We do not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.