Licensing Specialist Senior

Description


WSLCB VISION
Safe communities for Washington State
NOTE: This is a non-permanent position anticipated to last six months.

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.
Who we are
The mission of the Liquor and Cannabis Board is to promote public safety and trust through fair administration and enforcement of liquor, tobacco and marijuana laws. At the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) we pride ourselves on creating the "wow" factor in everything we do. We search for people who demonstrate a strong work ethic, excellence in customer service, partnering and teamwork, and quality performance. We strive to be a great place to work by fostering a safe, open, inclusive and healthy work environment. We want to ensure that our organization is as diverse and inclusive as our great State of Washington. We want to create a culture that fosters excellence in customer service, open and honest communication, transparency and accountability, data driven decisions, and business initiated process improvement

. Your opportunity at a glance
Do you have a passion for public safety? Do you have an interest in public service? Do you thrive working in a team environment? The WSLCB is seeking an analytical minded person that can "think outside the box" as a Licensing Specialist Senior. In order to be successful as a Licensing Specialist, you will need to be a self-starter independently managing an ongoing assigned caseload of investigations for liquor licenses. This specialized work involves having strong communication skills interviewing applicants, reviewing documents received, and preparing reports summarizing the investigative findings. You will be responsible for determining if new and current businesses are qualified to hold a liquor license. This position contributes to the agency's mission by providing the highest level of public safety by assessing, analyzing and enforcing laws, regulations and policies. It is responsible for determining whether the criteria and regulations are met so that licenses and permits are issued to qualified businesses and individuals.

Duties

• Conducts in depth interviews to determine eligibility. Request necessary documentation and interprets whether the documents received are sufficient. Communicates with applicants on the phone and in person regarding questions and challenges. Analyze written financial paperwork (which includes, but is not limited to loan documents, bank statement, leases, personal funds, corporate funds, sale agreements, management agreements, closing documents), as well as the insurance documents, verification of taxes, lease agreement by landlord, and communication from local authorities.
• Monitors and coordinates activities and processes of a licensing program(s); approves or disapproves selected license transactions for issuance of new, renewal, and change licenses and recommends approval/denial of other license types: examines non-standard and unusual license applications and accompanying legal documents referred by staff and depending on complexity of the transaction or nature of the issue, completes the process or provides specific or general instructions to assigned staff.
• Handles the more complicated questions regarding thresholds, denial of license, due process and appeal rights pertaining to marijuana or liquor licensing from representatives, the general public and other agencies; consults with, assists, and provides expertise to staff, license applicants, the public, government officials, attorneys, and others on technical matters involving applicable statutes, regulations, laws, policies and procedures.
• Evaluates bankruptcy and receivership documents for eligibility and issues Special Permission Letters to court-appointed Trustees and Receivers. Recommends the suspension and/or revocation of existing licenses.
• Returns emails and phone calls within 24 hours of receipt. Utilize telephone or email for supplemental conversations to work out any problems. If operational plan demonstrates an apparent lack of qualification, prepare communication to the supervisor/manager outlining deficiencies.
• Liquor: Review and approve alcohol operating plans for Sports entertainment Facilities (SEF) and renewal licenses for Amateur SEFs, including analyzing and assessing floor plans to ensure compliance with liquor laws and policies.
• Marijuana: Evaluate non-routine marijuana applications such as those involving applicants with a criminal history, suspected ownership issues, corporate structure changes and changes in ownership, more than 30 locations, public protests, or locations too close to a school.
• Ensures that the operation plan includes detailed security provisions, traceability of product, transportation, growing operations, processing procedures, waste disposal and testing, and conducts on-site inspections as necessary.
• Provides oral and written qualification assessment and licensing information to applicants, business professionals, staff and local, state and federal agencies.
• Provides training and other presentations to agency staff, state agencies, and/or the public.
• Recommends the suspension and/or revocation of existing licenses, changes to laws, rules, procedures, and other projects, transactions, and activities
• Provides technical expertise to staff, license applicants, government officials, attorneys, due process and appeal right pertaining to liquor licensing. .
• Collaborates with Enforcement on investigations, final inspections, and other inquiries as requested.
• Calculates processing fees, processes, and authorizes refunds to licensees
• Document in the licensing file that the licensee has met all of their requirements and they are being forwarded for approval, or what items are outstanding. Provide detailed and concise written documentation of whether the applicant meets licensing requirements.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
Two years of experience providing analyzing and interpreting program financial documents, laws, and regulations for license qualification and issuance; and interviewing and researching/review duties involving public contact.
OR
Completion of two years of college or business school with major study in finance, business or public administration, economics, law, accounting, or closely allied field (60 semester or 90 quarter hours);
AND
Type a minimum of 40 net words per minute accurately
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
Knowledge of: departmental programs, licensing policies and procedures; research methods and data collections; corporate laws of the state, real estate transactions, and license certification and recertification procedures; office practices; statistical record keeping; efficient use of resources, principles of communication and counseling; of an electronic imaging and workflow management system.
Ability to: read, understand, interpret and apply complex laws, policies and procedures; recognize, answer and solve complex licensing problems; Maintain effective communications with all levels within the organization; maintain positive public relations; plan, schedule and coordinate multiple projects.
Legal Requirements:
There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer's responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position
Desirable Qualifications:
One year of experience as a Licensing Specialist
OR
Two years of lead experience within a regulatory agency
OR
An Associate of Arts degree involving major study in accounting, finance, business or public administration, criminal justice, or related field.

Supplemental Information
HOW TO APPLY
IMPORTANT: To be considered for this position, you MUST include the following, failure to do so WILL result in your application being disqualified:

1. Resume, detailing experience and education
2. Letter of interest, describing how you meet the specific qualifications for the position
2. At least three professional references to include a current or recent supervisor with current contact numbers and email addresses.
**A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application.
The information provided in your application and supplemental questionnaire must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. Responses not supported in your application will disqualify you for consideration of employment from this recruitment.

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.
Other
Applicants for employment with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board should also be aware of RCW 66.08.080, which states in part: "No employee of the board shall have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the manufacture of liquor sold under this title, or derive any profit or remuneration from the sale of liquor, other than the salary or wages payable to him in respect of his office or position, and shall receive no gratuity from any person in connection with such business.

RCW 69.50.351, no member of the state liquor and cannabis board and no employee of the state liquor and cannabis board shall have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the producing, processing, or sale of marijuana, useable marijuana, or marijuana-infused products, or derive any profit or remuneration from the sale of marijuana, useable marijuana, or marijuana-infused products other than the salary or wages payable to him or her in respect of his or her office or position, and shall receive no gratuity from any person in connection with the business.

As a condition of employment, the candidate accepting this position will be required to comply with the Union Security clause contained in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington and the union.

WSLCB is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email hrjobs@lcb.wa.gov or call (360) 664.1636. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.