Senior Licensing Certification Specialist

Senior Licensing Certification Specialist The Senior Licensing Certification Specialist is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the processing of Class II and Class III Gaming License applications, renewals, and investigative reports, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements, internal policies, and procedures. This position facilitates the issuance and renewal of licenses for applicants, employees, vendor technicians, and vendor entities. Operating within the framework of the Tribal-State Compact, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), and other applicable laws, the Senior Licensing Certification Specialist serves as the lead subject matter expert for licensing operations. This position provides oversight of licensing activities, quality assurance reviews, regulatory compliance, staff development, and complex licensing determinations. The Senior Licensing Certification Specialist supports communication with regulatory authorities, assists in the development and implementation of policies and procedures, and provides recommendations to Agency leadership regarding licensing and compliance matters. In addition, this position supervises and trains Licensing Certification Specialist staff, promotes consistency in licensing processes, and supports the integrity of gaming operations through attention to detail, sound judgment, and effective communication. This position ensures confidentiality, security, and accuracy of records, and promotes positive employee, client, and community relations. Strong written and verbal communication skills and outstanding client service to fellow employees, clients, vendors, etc. are expected. Regular attendance is required, and on occasion, later hours or weekend time may be required with project deadlines and a neat well-groomed professional appearance is essential at all times. Primary responsibilities are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform. This list of responsibilities is intended to be representative of the duties performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed if such duties relate to the position. Ensures compliance with Tribal-State Gaming Compact, Internal Control Standards, NIGC regulations, and Nisqually Tribal Gaming Agency policies and procedures. Conducts and manages complex background investigations for applicants, employees, vendor technicians, and vendor entities to ensure compliance with all regulatory and tribal requirements. Reviews, analyzes, and makes licensing determinations to ensure compliance with Tribal-State Compact and regulatory requirements. Provides technical guidance, training, and ongoing support to Licensing Certification Specialists to ensure consistency and accuracy in licensing processes. Assigns, prioritizes, and reviews work to ensure timely and accurate completion of licensing functions. Conducts quality assurance reviews of investigations, licensing files, determinations, and regulatory reports to ensure accuracy, completeness, consistency, and compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and departmental standards. Coordinates and ensures timely processing of renewal applications with the Washington State Gaming Commission. Maintains oversight of Conditional License holders, ensuring monthly compliance monitoring and follow-up. Oversees and ensures accuracy of licensing and regulatory data in the NTGS and Kodee databases for Agency, vendors, and casino employees. Oversees fingerprint capture for submission to the Washington State Gambling Commission (WSGC). Conducts follow-up investigations as directed by the Executive Director, Deputy Director, or Investigations Manager. Prepares and submits required reports to regulatory agencies, including NIGC Key Employee and PMO investigative findings, in a timely manner. Maintains and monitors licensing records, ensuring proper documentation, filing accuracy, and regulatory compliance. Conducts audits of licensing records, files, and processes; identifies compliance risks; recommends corrective actions; and implements process improvements to strengthen program effectiveness and regulatory compliance. Generates monthly check requests for payments from casino to Nisqually Indian Tribe for Class II and Class III applications, badges, and processing fees. Oversees issuance of identification badges for employees, vendor technicians, commissioners, and agency staff. Coordinates and communicates regularly with Casino Human Resources, Payroll, and Agency leadership regarding applicant status and licensing processes. Serves as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies and coordinates responses to investigations, audits, inspections, compliance reviews, and regulatory inquiries. Assists in the development, implementation, interpretation, and periodic review of licensing policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure regulatory compliance and operational effectiveness. Develops comprehensive reports, compliance summaries, and trend analyses for Agency leadership and management. Maintains adequate inventory of fingerprint cards, badge materials, and office supplies. Maintains awareness of and reviews Class II and Class III gaming activities and incidents, including Sportsbook operations, to ensure regulatory compliance. Drafts, reviews, and delivers professional correspondence, reports, summaries, and regulatory documentation. Coordinates and monitors training for assigned staff to ensure compliance with departmental standards and applicable requirements. Reviews and interprets complex legal, regulatory, and technical documents to ensure compliance and support licensing determinations. Analyzes complex licensing cases and applies sound judgment to make or recommend licensing determinations. Collaborate effectively with internal departments, regulatory agencies, law enforcement, and external stakeholders to support licensing processes and ensure compliance. Handles complex or escalated licensing cases and provides guidance to staff on resolution. Handles highly confidential licensing, investigative, and regulatory information with discretion, integrity, sound judgment, and ethical conduct in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and Agency policies and procedures. Performs other duties as assigned.