DSHS HCLA Contracts Specialist 3

Management Services Division (MSD) Contracts Specialist 3 Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) We are searching for an experienced DSHS Contract Specialist 3 to provide senior-level work and serve as a contract professional responsible for overseeing contract policy and procedures and ensuring contracts are in compliance as assigned to HCLA and the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). As a Contract Specialist 3, you help ensure our contracts are clear, compliant, and support the work of the agency. You interpret and apply state and federal contracting rules, work with management to develop and maintain standard procedures, and provide guidance to staff on contracting requirements. You create, review, and approve regional custom contracts, maintain pre-approved and semi-custom templates, and oversee the full lifecycle of the Administration’s contracts to support consistency, accuracy, and compliance. This Lacey-based job offers a hybrid telework schedule, with occasional presence at headquarters for on-site meetings. Some of What You Will Do Contract development and management to prepare review, and negotiate contracts, including preapproved templates, semicustom agreements, and custom client, personal, and interlocal contracts for HCLA/DDA. Statewide contract management and oversight to ensure consistent statewide practices for vendor and contract evaluation, management, and oversight. Provide strategic leadership and program support through proactive collaboration, communication, and relationship building between the contracts office and the assigned portfolio to establish and maintain a positive working relationship. Provide guidance and assistance regarding disputes and corrective action and coordinate with DSHS Central Contracts and Legal Services (CCLS) terminations for default. Function as Key Contract Coordinator for contracts to ensure statewide contract compliance with CCLS. Act as the liaison between regional contract staff and CCLS. Instruct, problem-solve and create custom contracts Agency Contracts Database system. Provide consultation and technical assistance for program staff regarding contract creation, monitoring, and requirements. Qualifications A bachelor's degree with a major study in business administration, public administration, business law, commerce, economics, mathematics, statistics, or a closely related field. 3 years of experience in negotiating, administering, or terminating contracts, contract property management, contract cost or price analysis, or contract compliance administration. Skilled research, interpreting, and analyzing skills, applying laws, rules and policies, multitasking, and being meticulous about details. Effective communication and facilitation skills, thoughtful and thorough in approach, and continuously seeking new information to stay current on industry & DSHS best practices. Additional contract-related experience may be substituted, year for year, for education. A master's degree in the above-mentioned disciplines will substitute for one year of work experience. A law degree will substitute for 2 years of work experience. Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Washington State and federal laws and regulations governing contracts and agreements, contract principles, theory and application, contracts terminology and development, and contracts practices and procedures. Capable to negotiate with representatives of business to agree on terms of contracts, assure compliance with terms of contracts. Recognize desirable contract terms and provisions and ability to identify areas and incidents of non-compliance within existing contracts. Questions? Please contact the Recruiter Jenny at bastrjl@dshs.wa.gov or 360-725-5810 and reference #05867. The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security. 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. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle. Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at 360-725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 711 or 1800-833-6384. E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. #J-18808-Ljbffr