L&I Program Specialist 2

Our Mission: Keep Washington Safe and Working!

Our Values: Customer Focus, One L&I, Respect, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Learning and Growth, Reliability

Job Highlights

This position:

• Plans, organizes, coordinates and attends the statewide Governor's Electrical Board (Board) hearings.
• Works with little oversight and has the sole responsibility for the position.
• Serves as the key coordination point of electrical violation appeals between higher level staff of the Governor's appointed oversight and adjudicative body- the Board, Assistant Attorneys General (AAG's) of the Attorney General's Office (AGO), statewide County Superior Courts, litigants (e.g. citation penalties, license suspension/revocations) and their legal counsels, and the Chief Electrical Inspector (Chief).
• Serves as the primary back-up support to the Chiefs office, and as such must monitor and be fluent in all program goals, activities, new or evolving laws, rules, and policies.
• Supports detection and compliance components by ensuring accountability for unlicensed electrical contractors and unqualified individuals caught installing electrical equipment in the state of Washington. A knowledgeable and qualified workforce adds to the safety of the citizens of the State of Washington.
• Will strive to accomplish the following goals by educating appellants and coordinating with Courts and the legal staff at the AGO throughout the appeal process.
• Plays an important role in the agency goal 3: Make it easy to do business and engage with L&I, by listening to customers and working with management to identify improvement opportunities, plan and prioritize enhancements, and by applying Lean principles to continuously evaluate and incorporate improvements. For example, improving customer access to the program to include improved electronic access, forms, letters, and general usability of information distributed by the program for external customer use.
• This position plays an important role in goal 4: Help honest workers, businesses and providers, and crack down on the dishonest ones, by identifying businesses and individuals that are noncompliant with RCW 19.28 and WAC 296.46B to maintain a level playing field in the electrical industry. Having processes in place to identify and respond to deceptive interactions with the department and help to execute the agency's penalty escalation strategy.
  
  

Duties

Some of what you’ll do:

• Work independently using specialized electrical program violation/penalty understanding.
• Coordinate and assist higher level staff.
• Confer regularly with opposing counsels, department AAG and Board AAG counsels.
• When opposing counsels disagree, research the disputes, explore alternatives, draft a historically accurate comprehensive summary, and recommend solutions to the Board Chair, resulting in the issuance of a binding Order to litigants.
• Distribute court Orders issued by Chair.
• Accept process and track Superior Court appeals. In-office Task
• Create, prepare, and file Certified Appeal Record with County Superior Courts using their specific protocol on behalf of L&I and AG's offices. In-office Task
• Process and track citation appeals to OAH.
• Coordinate with program trades advisor AAG to prepare Superior Court documents and Board appeals.
• Collect and maintain evidence, track and verify completion, coordinate appeals with assigned AAG, build evidentiary package related to the appeal, and allocate appeal funds as required by department policy and directive.
• Maintain records of current and completed appeals. Close out appeals and prepare for collection process.
• Void or Vacate citations at the direction of the AAG or the Chief.
• Coordinate the Board hearings.
• Ensure accessibility and welcome for Board members, political attendees, and the public. In-Person / In-office Task.
• Monitor, track and be responsive to all legal Motions and counselors to ensure litigants due process rights.
• Order hearing transcripts for DeNovo hearings.
• Travel to attend the Board meetings at in-person meetings or coordinate them. In-Person / In-office Task.
• Testify in Court hearings on behalf of the department. In-Person/In-Office Task.
• Consult with higher level positions and issue decision for appellant eligibility for continued participation in an appeal adjudication.
• Conduct research of unusual or complex appeal problems (e.g. bankruptcies, broken probation terms, untimely appeals, and due process disputes).
• Serves as a technical liaison to the field supervisors on difficult cases that have errors.
• Review and determine eligibility of electrical continuing education course and instructor applications. In-office Task.
• Process approved and denied applications according to WAC 296-46B-970 requirements. In-office Task.
• Correct inaccurate course completion rosters when requested by course sponsors and instructors.
• Troubleshoot SAW and TERRS issues. Work with sponsors to set up SAW and TERRS accounts and assist in access code resets. Help sponsor determine what course and credit types student needs to be able to renew. Notify Sponsors of any un submitted rosters.
• Maintain records for applications and material according to state records retention schedule as well as archiving such records. In-office Task.
• Monitor electrical education email box.
• Answer calls that are redirected from the Chiefs line.
• Monitor/respond to/forward emails that come into the electrical program email box.
• Assist the Electrical Administrative Assistant 3 (AA3) with the completion of public records requests.
• Assist AA3 with accommodation requests.

Salary

• $45,024 - $60,132/year

Qualifications

Required:

High school graduation or equivalent.

AND

At least two years of experience in the program specialty.

OR

Equivalent education/experience.

Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.

Desired:

• 5 years' experience in government regulation.
• Familiar with Electrical laws, rules, regulations, and processes.
• Familiar with the RCW/WACS pertaining to Electrical Licensing and Citations/Appeals.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office, specifically Word and Excel.
• Experience with interpreting and applying state laws and rules.
• Experience working with collection agencies.
• Knowledge of Quick Cards and PAIRS.
• Experience performing self-directed tasks.
• Experience preparing appellate legal documents and meeting judicial deadlines.

Other Information

Things You Need To Know

To help you maintain a proper work-life balance, teleworking is one of the work schedule options for this position. L&I also offers flexible custom work schedules.

State employees who meet the qualifications will become eligible for a generous retirement package at the end of the employee’s career. Click on the “Benefits” tab to learn more.

At L&I, your voice matters. In addition, L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety and health and security of Washington's 3.8 million workers. Take a look at this brief video and learn more about why L&I is an employer of choice.

Telework is dependent upon business needs and supervisor approval. For positions where in-office work is necessary, the frequency of telework will be discussed with the supervisor of the position at the time of offer.

The assigned duty station for this position is Tumwater, Washington.

To receive more information on opportunities at L&I sign up for GovDelivery and select L&I job alerts.

Application process

We will contact the top candidates directly to interview for this position. Because we base the selection on information provided by you, it is in your best interest to identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities that address the required and desirable qualifications described in the announcement.

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. A cover letter describing specific qualifications.
2. A current resume detailing applicable experience and education.
3. A list of at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.

Please do not attach or place any medical information (vaccination status included) within the application, resume, or cover letter. If you do, we will have to reject your application to safeguard others from receiving your confidential information. You will have to remove the confidential information before you can apply again.

To learn more about our hiring process timeline at L&I please visit our L&I recruiting page at Hiring Process at L&I. If you would like to read our website in a language other than English, scroll up to the top of the page to select your language of choice from the banner.

Background Check Notice:

Prior to a placement in this position, a background check, including criminal history record will be conducted. Information from your background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining your eligibility to perform the requirements of the position.

Other information

• For positions requiring travel, you must have a valid unrestricted driver's license and have insurance if driving a privately owned vehicle on state business.
• This position is represented bytheWashington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
• Candidates who are offered a job with L&I must possess work authorization that does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa now or in the future.
• The Department of Labor & Industries complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements of the federal employment eligibility verification form, I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form on the first day of employment.
• Please note: L&I may use this announcement to fill multiple permanent and/or non-permanent positions.

Did You Know?

Washington is America's Top State to live, play, and work, according to U.S. News (2021). Join the L&I team and enjoy all the Evergreen State has to offer.

In addition to offering a positive balance between life and work, L&I provides one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We also believe your voice matters. We value our employees and their work-life balance by encouraging flexible schedules. L&I is a diverse state agency dedicated to the safety and health and security of Washington's 3.8 million workers.

Veterans Preference

Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference should attach to their application a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Please blackout any personally identifiable data such as Social Security numbers. For further information, contact L&I’s Jobs@lni.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

L&I employees come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

We believe in the importance of recognizing the value each of us contribute to the success of the agency mission. Having a diverse workforce is this agency’s greatest resource of strength and knowledge. It is through the combination of talents and abilities that we can pursue finding effective measures to provide the best customer service. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone and we strongly mean everyone.

The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with a disability who need accommodation in the application process or testing process, or those needing this announcement in an alternative format, may call 360-902-5700. TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.

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.

For more Information

If you have any questions regarding this job posting, program, or the agency, please contact Dana Zeller @ zeld235@lni.wa.gov.

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022