Licensing Specialist

Licensing SpecialistJob Summary The Commission seeks to hire Licensing Specialist(s) in the Licensing Division. Under the direction of the Licensing Manager, the Licensing Specialist(s) will assist in a variety of tasks relating to the licensing process. The Licensing Specialist(s) will also provide technical support to staff, licensees, applicants, and inquirers on the licensing process and application portal.Core Responsibilities Provide licensing support, including being responsible for all administrative tasks associated with the Commission's electronic licensing system; Evaluating a variety of applications related to licensure submitted to the Commission to ensure that the submission of information is accurate and compliant with state regulations and Commission policies; Participate in minimizing bias in the application and licensing process; Supports the identification, revision, and ongoing maintenance of departmental SOPs and policies. Assist in enforcing the collection of licensing fees and timely reporting of the same in collaboration with the Commission's Finance team; Participate in working groups and cross-functional initiatives to support regulatory, operational, and audit-related activities. Assist in the drafting of Investigations and Enforcement Department reports; Collaborate with internal teams to analyze and maintain licensing data to support reporting and compliance initiatives; Respond to inquiries about licensing and compliance with state regulations and Commission policies; Support Commission staff in responding to general inquiries and Public Records Requests; Represent the Commission effectively in interactions with marijuana establishments and medical marijuana treatment center applicants, licensees, registrants, municipalities, and the public Conduct thorough contract reviews to ensure adherence to state laws and regulatory guidelines and: Process and evaluate background check results and fingerprint results as needed, escalating cases for suitability review as required; Contribute to a collaborative and inclusive work environment by working respectfully with others, supporting diverse perspectives, and upholding organizational values related to diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging. Maintain the highest standards of personal, professional, and ethical conduct and support the Commission's goals for a diverse and culturally aware workforce; Ability to meet expectations and accept personal responsibility for all assigned work; Ability to work in a confidential manner and to handle sensitive information; Ability to think creatively, build constructive working relationships, and resolve issues; Coordinating application work with other staff as needed; and Perform other duties as assigned.Supervisory Responsibilities Not applicable Professional Expectations The Cannabis Control Commission expects all employees to model: Commitment to its Mission, Vision, and Values Contributions Toward Meeting Organizational Goals and Objectives A High Level of Integrity, Collaboration, and Professionalism A Culturally Sensitive, Inclusive, and Accountable Workplace Environment Working Respectfully with Others, Supporting Diverse Perspectives, and Upholding Organizational Values Transparent, Meaningful, and Effective Communication Competencies, Skills, and Attributes Outstanding organizational skills, which includes the ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks under time constraints and with available resources; Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; must be able to interact with people at all levels within the Commission, with the entities regulated by the Commission, outside counsel and consultants, outside vendors, and members of the public; Ability to work productively, independently, and creatively in an evolving environment; Must demonstrate a proficiency with computers and the MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint); Willingness to learn and adapt to state and Commission-specific information technology systems; Must demonstrate strong attention to detail; Ability to work in Commission's Worcester headquarters; and Able to contribute actively to a work environment that embraces diversity. Proven ability to work independently as well as part of a team, prioritize responsibilities, and stay on task in a hybrid environment while meeting deadlines and performance expectations. Actively evaluate current processes and confidently propose improvements to drive operational excellence.Qualifications and Requirements Paralegal Certificate, Associates Degree, or equivalent experience. Bachelor's degree preferred. Minimum of 3-5 years working in a high-volume atmosphere coordinating work at a non-profit, corporation, or government agency or similarly situated work environment. Experience reviewing complex documents for accuracy and compliance purposes. ADA Requirements Physical Demands: Must be able to lift, push, or pull up to 20 pounds. Must tolerate sitting, standing, or walking for extended periods of time. Must be sensitive to and can manage frequent interruptions. Standard office environment with use of, and exposure to various office temperatures, and equipment such as computers, fax machines, copiers, etc.