DSHS HCLA Contracts Specialist 3
About The Position
The Management Services Division (MSD) is seeking an experienced Contracts Specialist 3 for the Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA). This role involves senior-level contract work, overseeing contract policy and procedures, and ensuring compliance for HCLA and the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). The specialist will interpret state and federal contracting rules, develop standard procedures with management, and guide staff on contracting requirements. Key duties include creating, reviewing, and approving regional custom contracts, maintaining templates, and managing the full contract lifecycle to ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance. This position is based in Lacey and offers a hybrid telework schedule, with occasional on-site meetings at headquarters.
Requirements
- 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.
- Ability to apply laws, rules, and policies.
- Multitasking abilities.
- Meticulous attention to detail.
- Effective communication and facilitation skills.
- Thoughtful and thorough approach.
- Continuously seeking new information to stay current on industry & DSHS best practices.
Nice To Haves
- Knowledge of DSHS and DES regulations, policies, and procedures for preparation of contracts and agreements.
- Knowledge of business and professional services, practices and trends, sources of supply and cost factors, contract terminology and development.
- Washington State and federal laws and regulations governing contracts and agreements.
- Knowledge of contract principles, theory and application.
- Ability to negotiate with representatives of business to agree on terms of contracts.
- Ability to assure compliance with terms of contracts.
- Ability to recognize desirable contract terms and provisions.
- Ability to identify areas and incidents of non-compliance within existing contracts.
Responsibilities
- Prepare, review, and negotiate contracts, including preapproved templates, semi-custom agreements, and custom client, personal, and interlocal contracts for HCLA/DDA.
- 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.
- Provide guidance and assistance regarding disputes and corrective action, and coordinate with DSHS Central Contracts and Legal Services (CCLS) for 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 within the Agency Contracts Database system.
- Provide consultation and technical assistance for program staff regarding contract creation, monitoring, and requirements.
Benefits
- Hybrid telework schedule
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
