Program Specialist 3 - Firearms and Background Division - Olympia

Firearms and Background Division Program Specialist 3 Positions

The Firearms and Background Division is hiring 15 Program Specialist 3 positions to fill the new Permit to Purchase section. About the position: The Program Specialist 3 (PS3) positions report directly to the Unit Supervisor, supporting the Division by making independent eligibility determinations on individuals attempting to transfer a firearm, retrieving 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, processing permits to purchase firearms, 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.

About Permit to Purchase: The Permit to Purchase Research (P2P) teams are responsible for researching data sources and issuing permits to purchase firearms, as well as processing appeals of permit denials/revocations, working with courts, attorneys, and appellants. 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 of all units 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.

About the Division: The Firearms Background Division (FBD) is comprised of four sections: Research: In-State (RIS), Research: Out-of-State (ROS), Permit to Purchase (P2P), and Quality Assurance and Training Unit (QATU). This position is assigned to Research: In-State (RIS) / Research: Out-of-State (ROS) / Permit to Purchase (P2P).

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.

About the Agency: The Washington State Patrol is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer and strives to foster an environment in which everyone is encouraged to be their authentic selves, communicate openly, and act with courage. The WSP is dedicated to promoting fair and equitable hiring, training, and promotional practices through innovative recruitment and retention strategies.

Duties

Our new teammate will be able to:

• Conduct adjudication on background checks.
• Record Entry
• Process Permit to Purchase Applications
• Customer Service

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

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.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies. The Washington State Patrol does not provide immigration sponsorship; therefore, applicants must possess work authorization that does not require employer sponsorship. Applicants claiming veterans preference must attach a copy of their DD214 (SSN must be blacked out). If you do not provide the required documentation, the veterans preference will not be awarded. Please click here to determine your eligibility.

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.