Program Specialist 5: Veterans and Military Families Program Operator

Program Specialist 5: Veterans and Military Families Program Operator

Salary

$71,136.00 - $95,676.00 Annually

Location

Multiple Locations Statewide, WA

Job Type

Full Time - Permanent

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

2026-08278

Department

Employment Security Department

Division

Workforce Services

Opening Date

10/05/2026

Closing Date

10/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary Information

The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Come join our team and make a positive difference for Washington's veterans and their families!

This position is mainly virtual but may be required to come into the office for occasional training and meetings as requested.

The ideal candidate for the Program Specialist 5 - Veterans and Military Families Program Operator role is a seasoned, strategic leader who brings deep expertise in workforce development and a strong commitment to serving veterans and military families.

They are committed to excellent service for veterans and military families, resulting in strong employment outcomes for our customers. They excel at navigating complex federal and state program requirements, interpreting legislation, and shaping statewide operational strategies that strengthen customer outcomes. They are recognized as a subject-matter expert who can translate policy into clear, human-centered processes that improve service delivery, enhance performance metrics, and ensure compliance across Washington's workforce system.

This candidate thrives in environments where collaboration, coordination, and high-level problem-solving are essential. They are skilled at building statewide consistency through standard operating procedures, developing comprehensive training frameworks, and guiding staff and partners through policy changes and labor market shifts. They are an effective communicator who can lead multi-partner coalitions, facilitate complex discussions, and provide advanced technical assistance to resolve sensitive program barriers. Their ability to integrate WIOA principles, align cross-division initiatives, and manage corrective action plans demonstrates both operational sophistication and strategic foresight.

The ideal candidate is also an experienced program manager who brings strong analytical, supervisory, and fiscal stewardship skills. They are adept at interpreting data trends, designing reporting mechanisms, and ensuring that expenditures meet strict federal and state requirements. They lead with accountability, equity, and inclusiveness-mentoring staff, shaping long-range program objectives, and representing Washington's Veterans programs with professionalism at the state, regional, and national levels. Their blend of policy expertise, leadership capability, and commitment to veteran-focused service makes them a trusted architect of statewide program excellence.

Duties

Serve as the recognized statewide expert and principal advisor for Veterans and military family programs within the Workforce Services Division (WSD). This Includes:

• Promote human-centered service and continuous improvement to ensure veterans and military families receive excellent service that result in continuous improvement to customer outcomes including employment and earnings.
• Serve as the recognized statewide expert for Veterans programs and an advanced resource across other aligned Workforce Services Division (WSD) initiatives.
• Research and analyze federal and state legislation to provide strategic operational options and recommendations to agency leadership.

Serve as the principal authority for statewide program performance, compliance, and strategic alignment of Veterans workforce programs. This includes:

• Assure statewide program quality and performance for the Veterans programs, including the internal controls and documentation necessary to pass state and/or DOL monitoring reviews, complete annual funding application, and complete all required federal and state reports and requirements.
• Provide a comprehensive understanding of WIOA and Washingtons workforce development service system particularly as it relates to the Veterans programs including how the program interacts with and affects other workforce development programs, key partners and internal agency divisions.
• Interpret and administer complex policies, state laws, and federal regulations regarding the Veterans' programs and workforce development environment impacting outside service networks and regional council.

Serve as the Lead Program Manager for Veterans Programs. This includes:

• Direct and coordinate multiple concurrent projects for the Veterans programs and strategic initiative timelines for the Veterans programs across varied agency divisions and external entities.
• Establish a unified communication protocol and centralized document bank for the Veterans' programs, to align field staff on policy revisions and labor market shifts that affect Veterans' programs.
• Develop and facilitate comprehensive training architectures, coordinating with internal and external teams to deliver real-time professional development modules for the Veterans programs.

To request a detailed position description, click here.

Qualifications

• 8 years of experience in a related field including planning, policy analysis, coordination and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government and supervisory experience.
• OR Associate's degree and 6 years of experience in a related field including planning, policy analysis, coordination and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government and supervisory experience.
• OR Bachelor's Degree and 4 years of experience in a related field including planning, policy analysis, coordination and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government and supervisory experience.
• OR Master's Degree and 2 years of experience in a related field including planning, policy analysis, coordination and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government and supervisory experience.

Required equity competencies:

• The ability to take action to learn and grow.

• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

The required experience includes:

• Advisory Expertise: Proficiency in delivering targeted technical support; Collaboration Skills: Ability to work closely with clients to refine program activities.
• Policy Coordination Skills: Proficiency in aligning organizational programs with external entities.
• Analytical Skills: Proficiency in designing research studies and reporting systems; Technical Expertise: Ability to analyze data and deliver technical reports effectively.
• Reporting Expertise: Ability to create detailed and clear program documentation.
• Budget Management Expertise: Proficiency in drafting budget proposals and addressing financial issues.

Desirable/Preferred Education, Experience or Certifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree or higher in Public Administration, Political Science, Business Management, Human Resources, or a closely matching discipline.

• Curriculum Design: Demonstrated experience with the development and management of eLearning Curriculum.

• System Design: One-stop operator experience.

• Selective preference will be accorded to Veterans with first priority given to qualified service-connected disabled Veterans, second to qualified eligible Veterans, and third given to qualified eligible persons as defined by Title 38, USC, Section 4101(5).

• To receive selective veteran preference, please attach your U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs - 'Civil Service Preference Letter', DD214 or equivalent document along with your resume and cover letter.

Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:

• Must be able to pass an Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Paid Family Medical and Leave (PFML) claim and fraud check.

Please submit only the required documents as noted below and ensure all Personal Identifying Information (PII) such as Social Security numbers etc. are edited out of your materials for privacy. Additionally, we ask that you not include photographs or external links within your documents. Any documents uploaded through this platform will be securely transmitted electronically to support application review.

Please submit your Cover Letter, Resume, and military documentation as outlined above (if applicable) with your Online Application through the "Add Attachments" field. A resume will not substitute for the "work experience" section of the application or vice versa. Applications with blank fields, or supplemental question responses with comments such as "see attachments" may be considered incomplete.

Supplemental Information

Our agencys mission and values drive every decision that we make, determine how we interact with others, and are at the core of who we are. We value Access, Love, Belonging, Equity, and Stewardship. We understand that a work environment that respects your work/life balance is key; thats why many of our positions are eligible for flexible work schedules and teleworking opportunities. Through support, value, and trust, our employees are empowered to grow and develop into their best self.

Opportunity for All

We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, people over 40 years of age, people with religious beliefs, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

The Employment Security Department is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

If you are a person needing assistance in the application process, if you need this job announcement in an alternate format, or if you have general questions about this opportunity, please contact Caleb Baldwin or at 253-306-2999 or the Talent Acquisition Team, prior to the position closing. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please contact careershelp@des.wa.gov or (360) 664-1960 or toll free (877) 664-1960, Washington Relay 711.

This recruitment may be used to fill additional agency-wide positions in accordance with Article 4 of the WFSE Collective Bargaining Agreement.

This Organization Participates in E-Verify

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. Thats 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, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) 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 01-07-2026

01

Are you a current or former Washington State government employee?

• Yes
• No

02

Have you attached your cover letter and resume to your application? Please ensure both documents are included as they are crucial for the evaluation process.

• Yes
• No

03

In order to receive Selective Veteran preference, please attach your U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs - 'Civil Service Preference Letter', DD214 or equivalent document. There will not be a second chance to upload this document. Please indicate you have attached the required documentation.

• Yes
• No
• N/A

04

Under RCW 73.16.010, certain military spouses are eligible for preference. Do you attest that you meet one of the following eligibility criteria?

• You are the spouse of an active-duty service member.
• You are the widow or widower of a member of the uniformed services who had a qualifying discharge, as defined in RCW 73.04.005.
• You are the spouse of a veteran who has a qualifying discharge, as defined in RCW 73.04.005, and a service-connected permanent and total disability.
• None of the above

05

For each required competency listed below, provide a brief explanation of how you have demonstrated that competency in your previous roles. You must address each competency in a numbered list (1-5). If you do not possess a competency, state that clearly. Your application will be evaluated based on your responses to all competencies. The Competencies are: 1. Advisory Expertise: Proficiency in delivering targeted technical support; Collaboration Skills: Ability to work closely with clients to refine program activities 2. Policy Coordination Skills: Proficiency in aligning organizational programs with external entities 3. Analytical Skills: Proficiency in designing research studies and reporting systems; Technical Expertise: Ability to analyze data and deliver technical reports effectively 4. Reporting Expertise: Ability to create detailed and clear program documentation 5. Budget Management Expertise: Proficiency in drafting budget proposals and addressing financial issues

06

Please select which preferred qualifications you have experience with (select all that apply)

• Education: Bachelor's degree or higher in Public Administration, Political Science, Business Management, Human Resources, or a closely matching discipline
• Curriculum Design: Demonstrated experience with the development and management of eLearning Curriculum
• System Design: One-stop operator experience
• None of the above.

07

ESD How did you hear about this job opportunity?

• WWW.Careers.Wa.Gov
• WorkSource Center or Website (WorkSourceWA.com)
• Washington State Employee Referral
• ESD Employee Referral
• Employment Security Departments job web page: WWW.Esd.Wa.Gov
• Monster
• College/university career fair or website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• VERG
• Craigslist
• CareerBuilder
• Diversity Jobs
• Handshake
• Other

Required Question

Employer State of Washington

Address View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504

Website http://www.careers.wa.gov