Program Administrator (Workforce Education)

Salary: $92,408.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 15611
Department: State Board for Community & Technical Colleges (SBCTC)
Division: Education
Opening Date: 06/08/2026
Closing Date: 6/22/2026 4:59 PM Pacific


Description
View the complete description on our Jobs page.
The recently vacated Student Support Programs Program Administrator (WorkFirst) for Workforce Education is a full-time, federally funded, exempt position. This position is based in Olympia, WA; remote or hybrid work arrangements may be considered.
The WorkFirst program is a compliance-based program with outcome measures linked to WA State's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, poverty reduction efforts, and support strategies to improve access to education and increase attainment of family-wage employment for low-income students. The position also supports the cross-departmental integration efforts of Student Support Programs within the agency and the college system.
This position is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the WorkFirst program, and requires a balance of fiscal and program experience, comprehension, and skill. Experience with grant and budget management including but not limited to the development of grants and/or fiscal budgets, analyzing fiscal data trends, and reconciling expenditures is necessary. A demonstrated ability to successfully manage budgets, projects, provide clear, timely, and consistent communications, and navigate multiple priorities is required.
Additionally, the position requires the ability to think holistically across multiple programs, foster and cultivate collaborative working relationships, understand and interpret complex policies specific to student support programs, research information, and trouble-shoot technical and programming and fiscal issues.
In-state travel required including some multi-day trips.
Duties

• The WorkFirst Program Administrator supports the community and technical colleges (CTCs) and State Board by providing comprehensive program administration of the WorkFirst program and supporting other Student Support Programs and Workforce initiatives and programming. This position is instrumental to the coordination of impactful integration and equity efforts across the agency and CTC system to increase racial, social, and economic equity for students in alignment with the agency's strategic plan, vision, and mission.
  Grant and Budget Management
  
  • Provide grant and budget management guidance and assistance to colleges, including expenditure projections, budget revision feedback, and funding reallocation recommendations.
  • Support colleges in the implementation and administration of WorkFirst Funding Policies, monthly invoice review, and quarterly expenditure tracking analysis.
  • Manage the annual WorkFirst Delivery Agreement application and review process.
  • Develop and provide fiscal and program related reports to various stakeholders, colleges, and SBCTC staff to include WorkFirst performance measures, historical budget trends, and expenditures.
  • Oversee in collaboration with other Student Support Programs the annual granting and program process for colleges.
  • Coordinate the annual development and facilitation of funding survey timeline and quarterly processes with other Student Support Programs Administrators and Fiscal staff.
• Program Administration and Contract Compliance
  
  • Provide daily administration of the WorkFirst program to colleges related to specific programing needs, including contract compliance, policy and process clarifications, requirements, and implementation.
  • Support college and SBCTC staff in facilitation of ongoing learning practice exchanges, workshops, and trainings to support compliance and effective program administration.
  • Collect data on a routine basis to ensure colleges are meeting compliance with DSHS policies and outcomes.
  • Compile, analyze, and provide related reports on WorkFirst performance measures, student enrollment, and program mix data.
  • Provide support to the Relationship and Compliance Analyst for program & fiscal monitoring of college's operations and performance to ensure compliance with WorkFirst program policies, procedures, practices and conformance with rules and regulations.
  • Represent the State Board and CTC needs at stakeholder meetings/engagements such as WorkFirst Partnership, WA Connection Advisory Committee, eJAS Prioritization, and other poverty reduction groups.
• Technical Support and Assistance to Colleges
  
  • Respond to inquiries from colleges, stakeholders, and students.
  • Provide individualized support for colleges as needed.
  • Serve as the WorkFirst system expert for eJAS (DSHS case management platform).
  • Prepare and provide training and technical assistance to colleges as needed, including state-wide program activities, quarterly meetings, information sessions, and workshops.
  • Support efforts to ensure colleges have the resources needed to provide equitable access to education and connect students to support to meet basic needs.
  • Support the administration of the Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET) program and other Student Support Programs
• This position may be required to perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of related experience and/or education.
• Experience in budget and grant management.
• Experience within the Community and Technical College system.
• Demonstrated successful facilitation and collaboration experience with a variety of stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of and commitment to EDI work
• Ability to manage time effectively.
• Strong interpersonal and self-awareness skills.
• Demonstrated experience in interpreting, reviewing, and applying program specific policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and web-based applications.
• Experience in providing technical assistance, workshops, and trainings.
• Ability to understand workforce trends related to WorkFirst, BFET, and other Workforce programs.
• Experience working with low-income populations in an educational setting.

Supplemental Information
HOW TO APPLY Interested candidates may apply by submitting the following items:

• Letter of formal application that addresses your interest in the position and ability to perform the responsibilities described in this announcement.
• Detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience that demonstrates how you meet the qualifications.
• List of at least three professional references with contact information. References are typically contacted after interviews.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. 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 job.
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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 (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 (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 , 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

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