Contract Services Program Manager

State of Montana • Great Falls, VA

8d

About The Position

Job Overview: The Contract Services Program Manager providers leadership and oversight of the Contract Services Program within the Office of the Public Defender (OPD). Duties include supervision of Contract Services Program staff; program development and oversight ensuring contractor compliance with OPD practice standards, procedures, and policies; providing quality assurance of contractor services; and developing and maintaining relationships with OPD contractors; and responding to requests for program-related assistance. The Contract Services Program Manager is ultimately responsible for the efficient, effective, and timely completion of all Contract Services Program functions.

The ideal Contract Services Program Manager candidate demonstrates integrity, accountability, and a commitment to equitable justice. The foster collaboration among staff, contractors, and stakeholders and champion operational excellence in service delivery to clients who depend on OPD representation.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the Public Defender arena, roles and duties of court-appointed counsel, and general knowledge of business applications including contracting, procurement, human resource management, financial management, and budget processes.
• Knowledge of state, court, and agency policies, procedures, and practices regarding the appointment and assignment of counsel to represent the indigent.
• Strong organization, time management, and oral and written communication skills.
• Skilled use of standard office equipment, programs, and software.
• Ability to synthetize information across legal, fiscal, and operational contexts to make informed decisions and recommendations.
• Ability to foster interdisciplinary collaboration among legal, administrative, and management teams.
• Ability to learn, understand, and consistently utilize required agency systems, including the agency’s electronic case management system.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with others and to maintain professionalism in all situations.
• Ability to provide strong leadership and direction, motivating and supervising others, and solving complex management problems.
• Must be self-motivated and customer-oriented.
• Bachelor’s Degree.
• 2 years of directly related experience.
• 1 year of supervision or lead worker experience.

Nice To Haves

• Juris Doctor from ABA-accredited law school.
• Eligible to be admitted to and maintenance of licensure from the State Bar of Montana.
• Experience with legal billing and contracted services management.
• Familiarity with the contractors working in the indigent defense arena in Montana.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the acquisition and termination of contractors, work distribution, administrative oversight, and the development and process training of contractors providing OPD services.
• Recommend new and revise existing contracting standards, procedures, and policies for approval, including the development and implementation of contracts consistent with statute.
• Provides contract services oversight and enforcement to ensure contractor compliance with established OPD and State of Montana standards, procedures, and policies.
• Provide internal and external training as to contracting requirements and administrative best practices.
• Work with internal and external criminal justice stakeholders to ensure contracting objectives are met.
• Review and investigate suspected contract violations.
• Oversee and ensure completion of the review and approval of contractor case assignments, contractor billing, contractor expense pre-authorizations, client complaints of contractors, Service Agreements, Memorandums of Understanding, new provider signups and renewals, help tickets, and all operations regarding contracted services management.
• Collaborate with the Central Services Division Administrator to continually improve the Contract Services Program and practices.
• Collaborate with agency leadership and other Department heads to increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and use of contracted services within OPD.
• Determine program goals in-line with agency priorities and make detailed plans to accomplish these goals.
• Recruitment and maintenance of contractor relationships, including any necessary travel to do so.
• Receive, research, and respond to contractor inquiries and concerns in a timely manner, providing information, explaining policy and procedure, and/or facilitating a resolution.
• Effectively communicate program updates, changes, requirements, needs, and any other relevant information to internal and external stakeholders.
• Recommend reimbursement rates for contracted services to the Director.
• Responsible for hiring, firing, performance management, discipline, work distribution, and employee development within the Contract Services Program.
• Supervise the work of Contract Services Program employees by establishing clear performance expectations, accountability mechanisms, and feedback cycles to ensure quality processes and effective use of resources within the Contract Services Program.
• Perform Other Duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Work/life balance
• Flexible schedules
• Opportunities and room for professional growth
• Telework (when applicable)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive public service loan forgiveness – visit the Federal Student Aid website to learn more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees