Public Space Compliance Specialist - Project Position

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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 a 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…