Program Compliance Specialist

Workforce Snohomish; Everett (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Workforce Snohomish is seeking a Program Compliance Specialist to ensure programs, policies, and procedures align with federal, state, and local requirements and award terms. You will interpret 2 CFR Part 200, review records, draft guidance, and advise staff on compliant practices.

The role collaborates across departments, monitors subawards, and supports leadership with clear, practical compliance solutions while growing knowledge of workforce programs and funding rules.

Qualifications

• Experience with government-funded programs, grants, or compliance work.
• Ability to coordinate across teams and manage multiple tasks.
• Foundational regulatory knowledge and sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Interpret 2 CFR Part 200 provisions and document recommendations.
• Identify gaps in policies, procedures, and records and propose corrective steps.
• Draft and update policies, checklists, and staff guidance.
• Explain requirements clearly to staff and escalate issues when needed.
• Maintain organized compliance documentation and follow up on actions.
• Support subrecipient monitoring and reviews.

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Analytical thinking

Collaboration across departments

Documentation & policy drafting

Attention to detail

Education

Public administration / business / nonprofit management degree

Tools

Spreadsheets

Document management systems

Job description

The Program Compliance Specialist is an internal compliance resource for Workforce Snohomish. This role helps ensure organizational policies, procedures, documentation, and daily practices align with applicable federal, state, and local requirements and award terms. The Specialist brings working knowledge of 2 CFR Part 200, the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, and the ability to interpret regulations and policies and apply them to practical situations.

Working primarily with staff across departments, the Specialist reviews requirements, identifies compliance gaps, and develops clear guidance and draft policies and procedures. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and a willingness to ask questions are essential. The Specialist actively solicits guidance and feedback from Program, Fiscal, Data, Innovation, and other relevant teams so proposed changes are both compliant and practical and submits recommendations for leadership review and approval.

The Specialist participates in subrecipient monitoring under the direction of the Director of Programs, who leads subrecipient management. The role uses reports and information prepared by established data analytics teams to support compliance reviews. The primary focus is interpreting requirements, reviewing documentation, and helping staff apply consistent practices across the organization.

Candidates should bring foundational regulatory knowledge and sound judgment; full mastery of Workforce Snohomish’s programs is not expected at entry. The role offers potential for growth in the scope and complexity of assignments as the individual acquires and demonstrates knowledge of workforce programs, funding requirements, and organizational operations.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Internal Compliance and Policy Development

• Research and interpret applicable provisions of 2 CFR Part 200, program policies, award terms, and other requirements; document the basis for recommendations and seek clarification when requirements are ambiguous.
• Review internal policies, procedures, records, and workflows for compliance, completeness, and consistency; identify gaps and recommend practical corrective steps.
• Draft and update policies, procedures, checklists, and staff guidance. Solicit input from affected departments, incorporate feedback, and route drafts through leadership review and approval before implementation.
• Explain requirements clearly to staff and help departments apply approved policies consistently. Raise unresolved questions and potential compliance concerns to the Director of Programs or appropriate internal subject‑matter experts.
• Maintain organized compliance documentation, policy revision records, and follow‑up logs; track deadlines and progress on assigned corrective actions.
• Monitor changes in relevant requirements and recommend updates to internal guidance and practices in consultation with leadership and affected teams.
• Participate in routine file reviews and annual subrecipient monitoring reviews as assigned by the Director of Programs, using approved monitoring tools and applicable requirements.
• Review assigned program records, supporting documentation, and fiscal information in coordination with Program and Fiscal staff; document discrepancies, questions, and potential compliance findings for review.
• Help prepare monitoring documentation and track agreed corrective actions. Coordinate subrecipient questions and follow‑up through the Director of Programs and designated staff.
• Support review of subaward agreement language for alignment with applicable requirements under the direction of the Director of Programs.

Cross Department Collaboration and Process Improvement

• Partner with departments to understand how work is performed, identify causes of recurring compliance issues, and recommend improvements to workflows and documentation.
• Use existing reports and consult data analytics teams to clarify information and identify documentation or compliance concerns requiring further review.
• Organize assigned projects and reviews, communicate progress and barriers, and follow through on actions across departments.

Core Competencies

Competencies may be developed through professional experience, community-based work, lived experience, self‑directed learning, or formal education. This role requires demonstrated ability in the following areas:

• Working knowledge of 2 CFR Part 200 and the ability to locate, interpret, and apply relevant provisions to a grant or program compliance question.
• Ability to interpret policies, regulations, contracts, and award requirements; distinguish requirements from assumptions; and recognize when guidance or escalation is needed.
• Strong attention to detail when reviewing records and documentation, with the ability to connect individual discrepancies to broader compliance concerns.
• Critical thinking and practical problem‑solving, including asking focused questions, weighing evidence, and explaining the basis for a recommendation.
• Clear written and verbal communication, including the ability to draft understandable policies, procedures, guidance, and review notes.
• Ability to collaborate across departments, actively seek guidance and feedback, and raise concerns respectfully while maintaining constructive working relationships.
• Ability to organize multiple reviews and deadlines, maintain accurate records, and follow through on assigned actions.
• Comfort using spreadsheets, reports, document management tools, and program systems to review information and support compliance work.
• Commitment to continuous learning and to developing knowledge of workforce programs and their funding requirements.

Education, Experience & Credentials

Workforce Snohomish uses a skills‑based hiring approach and recognizes that qualifications for this role can be built through multiple pathways. We value:

• Experience with government‑funded programs, grants, contracts, or compliance‑related work, gained through professional experience, coursework, or self‑directed learning
• Experience coordinating projects or tasks across teams, through work experience, volunteer leadership, or similar responsibilities
• A background in public administration, business, finance, nonprofit management, or a related field through a degree program, professional certification, or equivalent experience is valued but not required

Many talented candidates hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. We welcome applicants with a range of experiences and perspectives, including those with direct experience in the communities we serve

Duties are performed primarily in an office environment. Workdays and hours are subject to need and availability to ensure operational coverage throughout the work week; occasional early arrivals, late departures, or weekend work may be required.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and computer work
• Repetitively uses hands and wrists on computers and telephones
• Lift or move supplies or other objects, up to 20 pounds

Travel Required

Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out‑of‑area and overnight travel may be expected.

EEO Statement

Workforce Snohomish provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Other Information:

• Our organization is not able to offer or assume sponsorship for employment visas (including H-1B, OPT, CPT, or TN). Valid U.S. work authorization is required for employment.
• No relocation costs covered.
• Upon offer of employment successful completion of a background check will be required.