Description

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) was created to be a comprehensive agency exclusively dedicated to the social, emotional, and physical well-being of children, youth, and families regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other socioeconomic factors. We believe our workforce should reflect the communities we serve and are actively searching for candidates that reflect that diversity.

We're looking for a Regional Contracts Specialist to join our team to support contract management in Regions 5 and 6 Child Welfare program areas, and other Regional teams within the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) Contracts and Procurement office. DCYF is the lead agency for state-funded services that support children and families to build resilience and health and improve educational outcomes. This job supports the DCYF vision that "All Washington's children and youth grow up safe and healthy-thriving physically, emotionally, and educationally, nurtured by family and community."

The Opportunity:
We are seeking a proven and dynamic performer to join the Financial and Business Services Division in this Contracts Specialist (CS2) job, within the DCYF Contracts and Procurement Office. Your greatest asset in this job is the ability to work under tight deadlines and adapt to changing priorities, seek out creative solutions while delivering first-class customer service, as well as build strong business relationships. You will support Region 5 and 6 Child Welfare program areas and other Regional teams within DCYF Contracts and Procurement Office.

Why you should join us:
If you want the opportunity to become a professional in contracts within a team environment that supports your growth and development, then this is the job for you. Join us today if you are challenged and passionate about a variety of contracting duties that impact the lives of Washington State families.

Some of what you will do:
Contract Management:

• 
  Process background checks received by contractors according to Administrative policies, SOPs, and Guides.
• Establish and maintain provider records in the contract management system and the child welfare case management system according to SOPs and guides.
• Develop, generate, and sign template contracts, and amendments in a timely and accurate manner using the Contracts and Procurement Office contracting system.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in consultation with regional field staff regarding existing contracted services and service needs along with interpreting contract terms and conditions.
• Research and resolve regional contract disputes and keep the Regional Team Supervisor informed.
• Review and Process contract requests according to Administrative policies, SOPs, and guides.
• Assist regional staff with the determination of terminating contracts and processes those terminations in accordance with SOPs and guides.
• Assist with the development of custom contracts as assigned.

Training, Policy, Procedures, and Other Supports :

• Provide consultation, technical assistance, and training to regional contract staff, management, field staff, and contractors on best practices, rules, and regulations of all contracts.

Contract Compliance Activities:

• Plan, develop, initiate, schedule, attend, and conduct on-site contract Compliance.
• Provide on-site Technical Assistance (TA) to Contractors as part of the Compliance Review process.
• Assist program and fiscal staff to resolve non-performance or other problems by communicating to contractors, and drafting TA Action Plans or compliance agreements as needed.
• Facilitate and coordinate any required contract terminations with appropriate parties (i.e. Supervisor, Contracts Compliance Officer, regional programs and management, legal, etc.).
• Identify and resolve areas where the Contractor is out-of-compliance with the contracted terms and conditions of the executed contract/agreement.

What we are looking for:
A Bachelor's degree involves a major study in business administration, public administration, business law, commerce, mathematics, statistics, economics, or a closely allied field.
AND
Two years of experience* in negotiating, administering, or terminating contracts, contract property management, contract cost or price analyses, or contract compliance administration.

A Master's degree in one of the above academic disciplines may substitute for one year of experience.

Degree must be obtained from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or foreign equivalent verified by a NACES-approved organization at naces.org .

Foreign Equivalency certification must be attached to the application for degrees obtained outside the U.S. Incomplete applications may be screened out of the recruitment process.

NOTE: This position will travel to the field and regional offices, as required by the project assignment. Therefore, the incumbent must have a valid driver’s license.

In addition to those required qualifications, our ideal applicant will also have some or all of the following:

• Demonstrated experience in interpreting contract language and applying contracting policies, procedures, and state and federal laws.
• Demonstrated experience working with customers from varying backgrounds and experiences.
• Demonstrated experience assuring compliance with policies, procedures, laws, regulations, or contracted terms and conditions.
• Demonstrated ability to learn unique systems.
• Demonstrated familiarity with DocuSign, SharePoint, or other content management systems
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, with a basic knowledge of Excel and Adobe Acrobat.
• Work within a team environment, utilizing excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to deal with change effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to write clearly and concisely.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality both inside and outside of the workplace.

How do I apply?
Complete your applicant profile and attach the following documents:

• Letter of interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for this position.
• Current resume detailing experience and education.
• College transcripts (unofficial accepted).

Supplemental Information:
Per Governor Inslee's Directive 22-13.1 state employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing verification of your vaccine status, having an approved medical accommodation, or having an approved religious accommodation. No start date will be approved until you have either verified your vaccine status or have an approved accommodation.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal history will 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 position.

This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

DCYF is an equal opportunity employer and supports equity, diversity, inclusion, and respect.

The initial screening will be based on the content and completeness of your application and the materials submitted. All information may be verified and documentation may be required. Applications with comments such as "see attachments" or "N/A" in the supplemental question responses will be considered incomplete.

Need accommodation throughout the application/interview process? Unable to apply online? Contact the Recruitment team at dcyf.jobs@dcyf.wa.gov or (360) 280-3173 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf at 800-833-6388

Experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application? Call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email support@neogov.com.

To take advantage of Veteran's preference please attach your DD-214, member 4 long-form, or your NGB-22. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching.

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