Program Specialist 3

Program Specialist 3Monday - Friday 7am - 4pm Flexible/HybridContact Information: 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. For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Rachel Vaughan by email jobs@des.wa.gov. Note: Standard business hours are Monday Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM, and may occasionally require flexibility to meet the agency's needs. We promote a healthy work/life balance. Telework and a flexible schedule may be available upon supervisory approval. Extensive daily travel is required, as well as occasional overnights. The hiring team may make a hiring decision at any time. It is within your best interest to apply for this position at your earliest convenience. DSB Relocation Allotment: DSB offers, upon approval, a relocation bonus and allotment for those staff relocating and needing to make the move to, or across the beautiful state of Washington to join our team. Washington State Department of Services for the Blind is "working together with individuals who are Blind, Deaf-Blind or Low Vision so they can flourish in their homes, communities, and workplaces." DSB is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness-qualifying employer.Why you would want this job: In working with DSB, you'll be a part of an agency that is viewed as a national leader in promoting the skills and abilities of people who are blind or have low vision. You not only will be working for a national leader among blind agencies, but you will also be working for an agency that cares for their employees and customers. We not only recognize but value our employees at work and appreciate and encourage them to have a healthy work-life balance to include offering hybrid work schedules. You will have endless opportunities for growth that we welcome and encourage you to take full advantage of.About this opportunity: The Program Specialist 3 works daily with the Business Enterprise Program Manager, reporting relevant data and consulting with the manager and staff about typical and/or unusual issues. With the purpose of maintaining positive communication and working relationships within the agency and the program, and gaining knowledge of DSB culture, the incumbent will interact everyday with agency staff, blind operators and trainees, building tenants and facility representatives, contractors, suppliers, repair and maintenance technicians, etc. This may include uncooperative or angry individuals at times. You will primarily be working in the field, but on occasions in the office. You frequently may need to lift, move and/or transport up to 60 lbs.This role is essential to continuity of operations and preventing interruptions to customers regarding vending machines services and food service operations in public buildings in times of extended emergent situations. Depending on the situation this individual may be called to assist in the program's food service operations.The position requires extensive travel, approximately 35% of the time throughout the state (mainly Western Washington). Use of a state vehicle is preferred when working away from the office.DutiesSome of the duties include:Provide information and technical assistance to blind operators within the BE ProgramConsult with operators on methods to improve business practices to increase or maintain customer satisfaction rates.Analyze business performance of the blind operators' food service operations and make recommendations where necessary.Facilitate access to consultation in business practices, including customer service, merchandising, personnel, sanitation, inventory control, procedures, etc.Advise blind operators of discrepancies, financial concerns, and responsibilities regarding the paying of taxes, bills and wages, the handling of personnel issues, the care, maintenance, and cleaning of equipment, etc.Conduct field evaluations of blind operators' locations to ensure compliance with sanitation, safety, preventive maintenance, housekeeping standards and overall facility appearance.Perform on-going consultations with blind operators on food service operation, business management, best practices, cost controls, menu development, pricing, etc.Manage and maintain the program's equipment inventoryParticipate in the training of new recruits and consult with operators on food business systemsFollow authorization procedure to purchase program's supplies, equipment and servicesQualificationsRequired Qualifications:[OPTION 1] A bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting, hospitality business management or closely allied field AND Three (3) years of experience as a restaurant manager/owner or food service manager of a large-scale for-profit food service operation OR [OPTION 2] Three (3) year certificate or greater in Culinary Arts AND Three (3) years of experience as a restaurant manager/owner or food service manager of a large-scale for-profit food service operationPreferred Qualifications:Five (5) or more years of experience as an owner or manager of a restaurant, fast food outlet, on-site cafeteria, or vending/contracted food facility operationFour (4) years of business management experience operating a small-medium "for profit" business or similar experience in hospitality or service industry business developmentDesired Characteristics - Food service knowledge and experience in:Practical application of Health Department food service standardsBudgeting and best practices for running a profitable operation including determining staffing models and developing food pricingExperience troubleshooting and performing minor repairs on restaurant equipmentResearching and procurement of supplies, equipment, and food/ingredientsHigh level of communication and customer service skills working with a diverse populationAbility to consult, coach and teach best food service practicesAdvanced level of professionalism and conflict management skillsCritical thinker with advanced problem-solving abilityWillingness and ability to listen and learn from others' experiencesPromotes a positive work environmentProficiency in the Microsoft 365 suite of products and enterprise data programsProfessional experience/knowledge with Retail Point of Sale and Vending Payment systemsSelf-starter with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects with competing deadlines and requirementsSupplemental InformationSpecial Requirements / Conditions of Employment:Must pass federal background checkHow to Apply: Interested? We would love to hear from you Click "Apply" at the top of this page to start your application. You can save the application and come back to it, if needed. Be sure to complete the application fully to include a full work history and responses to the supplemental questions. Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:A letter of interest, describing how you meet the qualifications for this position as outlined in the job postingA current resume, detailing experience, and education; andA current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview)Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.). Please Note: By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify the information provided. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. A resume will not substitute for completing the "duties summary" section of the online application. Please do not refer to the resume for details, or your application may be disqualified. Background Check Notice: Prior to any new appointment into the Department of Services for the Blind, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted as a condition of employment. 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. Union Inclusion: This position is included in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Opportunity for All: The Department of Services for the Blind celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will