Program Specialist 2 - Firearms Background Division - Olympia

Full Job Description

The Program Specialist 2 reports directly to the Unit Supervisor, supporting the Division by making independent eligibility determinations on individuals attempting to transfer a firearm, retrieve a firearm from law enforcement evidence, appealing their denial of a firearm background check, entering court orders prohibiting firearm possession, processing restoration of firearm rights petitions, and using the statewide Secure Automated Firearms E-Check (SAFE) system, a fully integrated multiple data source system used by Washington State Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) to submit background check requests.

Position is self-directed. The position interacts with FBD Commander, Assistant Division Commander, other Division personnel, Investigative Services Bureau commander and administrative staff, and other internal and external stakeholders to accomplish work.

About the Division:

The Firearms Background Division (FBD) is comprised of three sections: Research: In-State (RIS), Research: Out-of-State (ROS), and Quality Assurance and Training Unit (QATU). This position is assigned to Research: In-State (RIS).

FBD provides firearm eligibility background check services to Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs), WSP and non-WSP evidence officers releasing a firearm from evidence or safekeeping, and Prosecuting Attorneys Offices for Restoration of Firearm Rights petitions, as well as entering qualifying court orders prohibiting firearm possession into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) Indices.

The Secure Automated Firearms E-Check (SAFE) system is used to process the submissions from FFLs, evidence officers, and prosecutors, providing an efficient and robust platform for FBD Employees to use to make their eligibility determinations.

The Research: In-State (RIS) teams are responsible for researching data sources for in-state background checks, incoming requests from firearm dealers, evidence officers, and prosecutors and provide direct customer interaction with those users.

FBD team members use extensive and authoritative knowledge of state and federal laws (RCW 9.41, 18 USC 922, and 28 CFR Part 25), policies, rules, and procedures to perform complex determinations of firearm possession eligibility in order to render a final decision on an individual’s constitutional right to possess a firearm. Members share responsibility of making entries into the NICS Indices for court orders, or when non-fingerprinted prohibiting events are discovered during the course of a background check.

Requirements

Our new teammate will be able to:

• Conduct firearm eligibility background checks submitted by federal firearm licensees (FFLs) for an individual to possess a firearm.
• Process responses containing a stolen firearm or active protection order or other hits.
• Notifies leads and supervisors regarding information found during eligibility determinations that may lead to the revocation of a Concealed Pistol License (CPL).
• Provides documentation from eligibility determinations via secure means to Law Enforcement Agency (LEAs) upon request.
• Provides technical assistance to FFLs.
• Consult with the FBI NICS Legal Analysis Team (LAT) for clarification on statutory equivalency.
• Process Prosecuting Attorney Record Checks (PARC) for Restoration of Rights.
• Process appeals submitted by persons denied a firearm transfer.
• Record Entry.
• Customer Service.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• High school graduation or GED
• Ability to professionally deal with angry or belligerent people on the telephone or via email.

Conditions of Employment:

• Successful completion of a pre-employment polygraph examination and background investigation.
• Must become ACCESS Level 2 certified within six months of appointment, if not already certified.
• Successful completion of Firearm Background Examiner certification program within twelve months of appointment.

Why work for the Washington State Patrol?

• A healthy life/work balance by offering flexible schedules and telework options for most positions.
• Infants at Work Program based on the long-term health values of infant-parent bonding and breastfeeding newborns.
• Continuous growth and development opportunities.
• Opportunities to serve your community and make an impact through meaningful work.
• Employment opportunities that recognize military veterans and/or military spouse per Governor Executive Order 19-01.
• Qualification for the Public Loan Forgiveness Program.

Additional Information

The Washington State Patrol does not provide immigration sponsorship; therefore, applicants must possess work authorization that does not require employer sponsorship.