Subsidy Program Manager

Subsidy Program Manager (COM 3)

At the Department of Commerce, we’re reimagining what’s possible in government. We’re builders, thinkers, and change-makers, working at the intersection of innovation, community, and impact. From unlocking critical funding to fueling inclusive economic growth, we’re turning big ideas into real-world solutions that uplift people and places.

Our agency’s strength lies in the diversity of our workforce and the breadth of the lived experiences and perspectives employees bring to the work. We believe equity is not just a value but a practice, which is reflected in how we design programs, engage communities, and deliver outcomes. We foster a workplace culture where curiosity is encouraged, bold thinking is welcomed, and collaboration drives our impact.

This job is a commitment to reshape systems so they work better for everyone. If you’re ready to challenge the status quo and build meaningful connections, we want to meet you.

Let’s build what’s next, together.

The Housing Division (HD) partners with local governments, Tribes, housing authorities, nonprofits and other organizations to develop and preserve affordable housing, promote individual and family self-sufficiency, and reduce adult and youth homelessness.

This position works within the Office of Apple Health & Homes and Permanent Supportive Housing (AHAH-PSH) and serves as program specialist for AHAH-PSH subsidy team.

This position has technical expertise to implement, administer and support AHAH-PSH housing subsidy voucher programs by offering financial assistance, monitoring performance, and providing programmatic input. This work includes coordinating with the Health Care Authority (HCA) and Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) on joint initiatives.

This position contributes to program activities including policy formation, application solicitation and evaluation, award recommendations, negotiating and monitoring complex contracts with community nonprofit organizations, housing authorities, Tribes and other entities, and providing technical assistance and training.

This position exercises independent judgment and discretion regarding the interpretation and implementation of policies and regulations. This position coordinates with other units and agency staff for the effective and timely completion of assigned tasks and ensures that customer service is a priority.

Duties

Administration of Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Subsidy Programs

Tasks Include

• Writes and publishes Notices of Funding Availability (NOFAs) in compliance with legislative budget and agency requirements.
• Administers competitive funding programs including soliciting and evaluating applications for funding.
• Conducts competitive funding and procurement processes, in alignment with Commerce and HD policies.
• Develops and maintains application forms and leads the application and application review process; make recommendations to management for the allocation of PSH funding to awardees.
• Establishes and maintains PSH subsidy program policies and processes and guides continuous program improvement by ensuring updates are based on program data collected, legislative requirements, agency requirements, and feedback provided by grantees.
• Provides technical assistance and consultation to grantees, landlords, partner providers and their staff regarding PSH subsidy programs, guidelines, PSH best practices, implementation and cost reimbursement process, including system use through Secure Access Washington (SAW) and the FUTURE database.
• Sets-up applicable data systems, including Contract Management System (CMS) and tracking tools related to contracts, budgets, and compliance reviews.
• Assists with drafting legislation and providing presentations and representation at the agency level at professional, local, state, regional, or national meetings.
• Responds to agency and legislative requests for information.

Contract Management and Contract Management System

Tasks Include

• Negotiates, develops, and monitors complex contracts.
• Develops and maintains PSH contract templates in compliance with current legislation, policies and agency practices.
• Reviews, analyzes and approves allowable reimbursement according to contract, PSH subsidy program NOFAs, agency policies & other pertinent guidelines; update applicable data systems, and approve payments.
• Manages annual review and renewal for project funding and contracting.
• Develops and maintains tools for evaluating and tracking performance and contract requirement compliance through to contract end, including de-obligation of funds, amending contracts and decision memos for management approval.
• Updates internal budget documents as necessary, prepares budget modification forms as needed, and communicates all changes to relevant grantees and staff.
• Monitors for compliance and performance of contract scope, implements performance improvement plans.
• Ensures data quality in agency data systems through continuous audit of contracts.
• Establishes internal and external review processes and policies identifying program improvements.

Voucher Management and Voucher System Management

Tasks Include

• Negotiates, reviews, approves, and monitors rent subsidy vouchers.
• Provides support, training, coordination, and technical assistance to awardees, state partners, providers, and landlords on program requirements, guidelines, best practices and processes.
• Develops and maintains voucher forms and Rental Assistance Payment Agreement template templates in compliance with current legislation, policies and agency practices.
• Reviews, analyzes and approves allowable reimbursement according to current legislation, agency policies & other pertinent guidelines; updates applicable data systems, and approves payments.
• Manages annual review and renewal of vouchers.
• Develops and maintains tools for evaluating and tracking performance and compliance through to contract end, including de-obligation of funds, amending contracts and decision memos for management approval.
• Updates internal budget documents as necessary, prepares budget modification forms as needed, and communicates all changes to relevant grantees and staff.
• Collaborates with the AHAH-PSH Compliance and Monitoring team to monitor for compliance and performance of contract scope, implements performance improvement plans.
• Ensures data quality in agency data systems through continuous audit of vouchers.
• Establishes internal and external review processes and policies identifying program improvements.

Risk Assessment and Grantee Monitoring

Tasks Include

• Evaluate program activities and monitor grant compliance by reviewing program fiscal and service delivery to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
• Provide advanced technical level assistance and training to meet local agencies and program need and to ensure accountability for state funds
• Develop risk assessment and monitoring tools to identify, evaluate, and track high risk areas within the program to ensure contract compliance through contract end.

Tasks Include

Other duties and tasks as required

• Participate in agency or division workgroups.

Qualifications

Required Position Qualifications

Seven (7) years of combined experience and/or education as described below:

Experience in Affordable Housing, Community, Trade, Or Economic Development In Two Or More Of The Following Areas Or Work Related To The Position:

• Advanced knowledge of affordable housing and social service programs, with proven experience implementing permanent supportive housing practices and managing associated funding sources
• Application of state and federal housing program laws and regulations
• Risk Monitoring and Compliance
• Contract Management
• Administering community/social service programs or projects
• Interpreting, writing, and applying detailed policies and procedures

Education involves social or behavioral sciences, social services, public health, public administration/policy or related field. Qualifying education post High School or equivalent may be substituted year for year for experience.

Examples Of How To Qualify

• 7 years of experience
• 6 years of experience and one year of education
• 5 years of experience and two years of education
• 4 years of experience and three years of education
• 3 years of experience and four years of education
• 2 years of experience and five years of education
• 1 year of experience and six years of education

Preferred/Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability and experience administering competitive funding programs, soliciting, and evaluating applications for funding.
• Demonstrated professional experience implementing or providing PSH, using the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or equivalent model.
• Knowledge of affordable housing agencies, institutions, and processes involved in affordable housing development.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and implement changes necessary to streamline and standardize processes, improve administrative efficiency and effectiveness, and enhance customer service skills.
• Demonstrated intermediate level experience using data management, data visualization, and process improvement tools/methodologies.
• Strong financial analysis skills.

Required Position Competencies

• Excellent communication skills include writing and presenting information to diverse audiences.
• Established ability to manage multiple, competing priorities and meet deadlines with high degree of accuracy.
• Intermediate skill level in the Microsoft Office suite products including Teams, Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Ability to work well with diverse groups and personalities.
• Ability to work well under stress and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in verbal and written communication skills to clearly and succinctly document and describe processes, procedures, performance measures, and results

To be considered for this position the following are needed:

• A complete and detailed online application.
• A cover letter (enter online).
• At least three professional references (enter online).

For questions about this recruitment, please contact our recruitment team via email: ***email_hidden*** - please reference the job number in your message.

Supplemental Information

Work from Anywhere in Washington State

This position may be located anywhere within Washington State though occasional travel to a Commerce office building or in-state travel to attend events or meetings may be required. If selected, you will need to travel to pick up equipment and receive instruction. Many Commerce employees work remotely or have a hybrid schedule.

This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next 60 days.

Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can't log in, password or email issues, error messages). DES job seeker support may answer general questions regarding the recruiting system at [email protected].

Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity

The Washington State Department of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process or this job announcement in an alternative format may email Human Resources at [email protected]. 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.

Department of Commerce also offers a competitive benefits package including: medical and dental insurance benefits, retirement and deferred compensation plans, 11 paid holidays each year, 14-25 vacation days per year (depending on length of employment), 8 hours of sick leave per month (if full time employed), bereavement leave, an employee assistance program, as well as other benefits. Please see the Benefits Tab for more details.

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. That's 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

In the space below, please write a formal cover letter describing your interest and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.

How many years of post-high school equivalent formal education (including college-level coursework, technical and/or vocational education, and/or certification programs) involving social or behavioral sciences, social services, public health, public administration/policy or related field do you have?

• Less than 1 year
• More than 1 year but less than 2 years
• More than 2 years but less than 3 years
• More than 3 years but less than 4 years
• More than 4 years but less than 5 years
• 5 or more years

How many years of professional-level experience in affordable housing, community, trade, or economic development in two or more of the following areas or work related to the position do you have?

• Advanced knowledge of affordable housing and social service programs, with proven experience implementing permanent supportive housing practices and managing associated funding sources
• Application of state and federal housing program laws and regulations
• Risk Monitoring and Compliance
• Contract Management
• Administering community/social service programs or projects
• Interpreting, writing, and applying detailed policies and procedures
• Less than 1 year
• More than 1 year but less than 2 years
• More than 2 years but less than 3 years
• More than 3 years but less than 4 years
• More than 5 years but less than 6 years
• More than 6 years but less than 7 years
• 7 or more years

If you indicated you have experience noted above, please explain how, where and when you gained this knowledge and experience (must also be reflected in the work experience of your application). If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.]

Please describe how you meet the Required Position Competencies. If you do not, please type N/A in the text box below.

Please describe how you meet the Desired Qualifications. If you do not, please type N/A in the text box below.

As a condition of employment, I understand and agree that I must reside in the state of Washington prior to or on the first day of state employment.

• Yes
• No

Are you a current or former employee of the state of Washington?

• Yes
• No

If you answered yes to the question above, what is the agency you are currently or formerly with? If you answered no, please type N/A.

Please select the option below that best indicates where you heard about this job opportunity.

• www.careers.wa.gov
• Aggregate job search website (Indeed.com, Simplyhired.com)
• Department of Commerce website
• Department of Commerce employee
• Social Media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter)
• Required Question