Contract Specialist

Northwest Regional Council•Bellingham, WA

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

Northwest Regional Council (NWRC) is a multi-service agency covering Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom counties in Washington, with offices in Bellingham and Mount Vernon. NWRC focuses on creating solutions for aging and disability challenges, behavioral health and recovery, and partnerships between healthcare and social services. NWRC is seeking a Contract Specialist to join its Business Development team. NWRC values respect, inclusiveness, and a healthy work environment, and invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. The Business Development unit supports and grows agency programs, with the contracts department managing all upstream and downstream contracts to ensure necessary services, maintain program standards, and satisfy funding requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, or other closely related field AND three years of experience in a contracts specialist or similar position, preferably in the human service field, focused on services in a community setting.
Experience working in the field of community-based long-term care, contracts management, social services planning and management, aging and/or disability services, and/or human services, OR An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the skills, knowledge and ability to perform the work.
Knowledge of aging and long term services and supports and the Area Agency on Aging service network.
Knowledge of social service program monitoring and evaluation techniques and tools.
Knowledge of administration and contracting of social service programs.
Knowledge of simple mathematical functions.
Knowledge of data collection techniques.
Knowledge of report writing/preparation.
Knowledge of computer (including Microsoft Office Suite), word processing, and data entry techniques.
Skilled in managing information in data systems including, entry, query, and report development.
Knowledge of ProviderOne state program in which services are authorized by Case Management and Community Programs.
Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and coordinate work assignments and/or projects.
Ability to learn and apply federal and state policy directives and program regulations.
Ability to work independently, with good judgment and a minimum of supervision.
Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
Ability to develop program policies and procedures for new service approaches and/or new areas of responsibility.
Ability to make clear and concise recommendations based upon independent research and analysis.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency and subcontractor staff, as well as the general public.
Ability to work with efficiency under frequent pressure of deadlines, while maintaining a professional demeanor.
Demonstrated public presentation skills.
Demonstrates an ability to engage with communities of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities.
Demonstrates an understanding of institutional barriers to services.
Demonstrated ability, willingness and commitment to support an environment that advocates and creates a sense of belonging for individuals of all ethnicities, genders, ages, and backgrounds.
Must have a valid driver's license, appropriate insurance, and a car available at the time of hire for some work-related travel, or alternate form of transport which allows the employee to meet the needs of the position.

Responsibilities

Manage NWRC’s contracting function, including conducting Requests for Proposal/Qualification processes to secure qualified providers.
Develop contracts.
Provide technical assistance to providers.
Monitor providers in delivery of quality services.
Perform day-to-day management of assigned areas and solve problems in accordance with established policies, procedures, and methods.
Provide training.
Oversee NWRC data systems.
Manage program data.
Review cost reports and budgets.
Monitor contracts to assure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements.
Develop contract amendments based upon changing requirements or funding.
Ensure compliance of NWRC policy and procedures for assigned operational functions.

Benefits

100% Employer paid medical for individual employee plans and up to 95% paid medical for dependent coverage plans, with multiple plan options
100% Employer paid Dental and Vision for the employee and eligible dependents with multiple plan options
Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS 2 or PERS 3)
100% Employer paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employee & dependents
Life and Long-term Disability insurance, including voluntary buy-up options
Vacation Leave, accrued at 8hrs/month & increasing with longevity
Sick Leave, accrued at 8hrs/month
13 Paid Holidays Annually
3 Paid Wellness Days Annually
Voluntary Flex Spending Plans for health and/or child/elder care
Voluntary Deferred Compensation Program
Alternative Work Schedules
Hybrid Work Environment
Meets the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) definition of a public service organization.