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Posted: March 5, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Public Space Compliance Specialist - PROJECT POSITION

State of Washington

Dept. of Enterprise Services

Fresh

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

$4,882 - $6,576

per month

Closes

March 20, 2026

SES Pay Grade

Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900

Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This temporary job involves patrolling public areas on the state capitol campus to keep things safe, helping people who are homeless or in crisis by connecting them to support services, and working with local partners to handle issues like encampments or emergencies.

It's a hands-on role that requires compassion, quick thinking, and teamwork to balance security with community assistance.

A good fit would be someone with experience in social services, crisis intervention, or community outreach who is comfortable with flexible hours including nights and weekends.

Key Requirements

  • Six years of combined relevant education and/or experience in community-oriented programs or working with individuals in crisis
  • Experience administering community programs, such as in resource centers, shelters, hotlines, or group care settings
  • Direct experience working with people in crisis in field or clinical environments
  • Ability to conduct foot and vehicle patrols, monitor for hazards, and respond to emergencies
  • Skills in providing compassionate interactions, assessing distress, and coordinating with law enforcement, EMS, and community agencies
  • Flexible schedule availability, including weekends, holidays, early mornings, and evenings
  • Strong communication skills for educating the public on regulations and facilitating referrals to housing and support services

Full Job Description

Public Space Compliance Specialist - PROJECT POSITION
(Program Specialist 3)

NOTE:
This is a project position with the expected end date of June 30th, 2027. Additionally, this role requires a flexible schedule that may include weekends, holidays, and hours spanning from early morning to evening. The hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time after the required posting period, and during the recruitment process.

Who We Are: The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) provides centralized business services to state government agencies; to other public entities such as cities, counties and tribes; and to Washington residents. DES’ mission is to strengthen the business of government for a sustainable and just future. Learn more about DES.

About the Opportunity:
As a Public Space Compliance Specialist, you will play a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of employees, visitors, and officials across the Capitol Campus. Serving as a primary point of contact for individuals experiencing crisis or homelessness, you will facilitate professional, compassionate interactions and work collaboratively with community partners like Thurston County to provide effective crisis mitigation. You will join a team of DES employees who use data-driven problem-solving to improve processes and customer service, balancing public space compliance with a high standard of security and visitor support.

Requirements

Some of What You’ll Enjoy Doing Includes:
  • Conduct regular foot and vehicle patrols throughout each shift to maintain a safe environment.
  • Monitor for encampments, property damage, or hazardous items that require immediate attention.
  • Report issues to the Security Operations Center (SOC), file work orders, or contact 9-1-1 for emergencies.
  • Maintain high visibility to provide information, assistance, and organizational referrals to visitors and staff.
  • Educate the public on space regulations and issue formal notifications to vacate non-permitted sites.
  • Coordinate closely with the SOC during public contacts, especially when interacting with individuals in crisis.
  • Locate and engage unsheltered individuals across all campus areas to enforce space regulations while connecting them to housing and support services.
  • Provide immediate response to support individuals in distress, assessing for potential danger to self or others and intervening as necessary.
  • Assist law enforcement, Fire, and EMS with in-progress calls to determine the support level needed and coordinate medical or psychiatric resources.
  • Act as a primary bridge between the homeless population and mainstream government or community agencies to facilitate long-term stability.
  • Other duties as needed.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Six (6) years of relevant combined education and/or experience.

NOTE: Qualifying experience will include experience administering a community-oriented program; working with individuals in crisis such as a resource center, shelter, hotline, or group care setting; or direct experience working with individuals in crisis in a field or clinical environment.

  • Qualifying education will be in social work/services, psychology, counseling, community development, or closely related field.
  • Commitment to obtain the following certifications within twelve (12) months of employment, and keep current throughout employment:
    • First Aid/CPR/AED
    • Narcan response
    • Mental Health First Aid
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Crisis De-escalation
  • Knowledge of MS Office products and ability to learn specialized systems.
  • Ability to move and transport fifty (50) lbs.
  • Ability to commit to a schedule inclusive of evenings, weekends, and holidays, while performing physically demanding tasks in various weather environments and terrains.
  • Ability to engage compassionately and communicate effectively with diverse, marginalized populations, including unhoused individuals navigating trauma, mental health challenges, or substance use.
  • Ability to prioritize complex tasks and make sound decisions through strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Skilled in crisis de-escalation, mental health first aid, and suicide prevention, with a focus on performing reliable safety assessments.
  • Skilled in verbal and written communication, with the ability to remain empathetic and professional during high-pressure or escalated situations.

  • Preferred Qualifications:
    • Possess the skills and specialized knowledge in supporting individuals with mental health or substance use disorders.
    • Knowledge of the Olympia-Thurston County homeless services system and all applicable WAC and RCW requirements for crisis work.
    • Ability to work autonomously.
    • Possession of current certifications in First Aid/AED, Narcan deployment, mental health first aid, and crisis de-escalation.

    Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Competencies
    Incumbents to this position must possess and demonstrate the following competencies:
    • Able to learn and understand the language and concepts of our DES DEI culture and commit to being a part of creating and maintaining a diverse, equitable, respectful, and inclusive workplace.
    • Demonstrate a commitment to growth, learning and self-awareness when provided training and opportunities to participate in improving our work environment.
    • Participate and behave in a manner that creates trust and builds working relationships, promoting teamwork and collaboration in the work environment.
    • Demonstrate the understanding that all people are valued; contribute to an equitable, inclusive, and respectful environment when working with members of the group, team, organization, or community.
    • Commit to being an active participant in continually evaluating and improving strategies that promote equity and inclusion in our organization.

    Additional Information

    How 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 that shows your personality and voice to describe why you are the successful candidate and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position
    • A current resume, detailing experience, and education
    • A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information
    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 information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. A resume will not be substitute for completing the “duties summary” section of the online application. Please do not refer to the resume for detail or your application may be disqualified.

    Background Check Notice: Prior to any new appointment into The Department of Enterprise Services, 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 in a bargaining unit and falls under the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the state of Washington and the Washington Federation of State Employees.

    Opportunity for All:
    The Department of Enterprise Services celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.

    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 organization.

    Contact Information:
    For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact George Deguzman via email at jobs@des.wa.gov. 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.

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    Posted on NEOGOV: 3/5/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/6/2026

    Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5259322