Contracts Specialist 3 (CS3/DLS)

Contracts Specialist 3 (CS3/DLS) 71090171 This position supports contract managers within Health Care Authority (HCA) programs in drafting and negotiating contracts, grants, federal subgrants, tribal agreements, interagency agreements, and competitive solicitations. The CS3 works independently to make decisions in creating and building all types of legally sound contracts and solicitations. The ideal candidate will bring the ability to navigate ambiguity as well as experience with highly complex service contracts, subgrants, and grants to this role that supports important health care programs in the State of Washington. All HCA employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes .

About the division:

Within the Office of the Chief of Staff of the Health Care Authority (HCA), the Division of Legal Services (DLS) provides the people, processes, and expertise to reduce risk while meeting the agency's strategic goals. Within DLS, the Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP) is managed by the agency's Contracts Administrator. This position will report directly to the OCP Contract & Procurement Manager whose unit directly supports HCA's Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) and Office of Tribal Affairs Unit (OTA).

About the position:

This position performs complex and/or politically sensitive activities related to contracts, grants, subawards, and competitive solicitations that support DBHR and OTA, which include state funded contracts and federally funded contracts utilized by these divisions. This position is eligible to telework and is typically not required to report on-site. The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions - both on-site and telework eligible positions - is within the State of Washington. This position reports to Olympia, WA. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. All agency employees are required to report on-site in Olympia on their first and last days of employment to pick up and return state-issued equipment, regardless of telework status or location. Some of what you will do: Independently initiate, manage, and complete complex contracts, grants, and subawards, exercising sound judgment with minimal supervision in a fast-paced office. Collaborate with program staff to translate their business needs into clear, enforceable contract terms, including statements of work (SOWs) and performance expectations. Lead the development and management of competitive solicitations (contracts, grants, and subawards), including developing strategy, drafting the content and scoring methodology, and leading the evaluation, complaint, debrief, and award processes. Identify, analyze, and mitigate risk in contract structure, language, and execution, including compliance with state and federal requirements. Negotiate contract terms and conditions, including resolving complex or sensitive issues related to scope, payment structure, performance, and the allocation of risk. Independently review contract requests and determine the applicable, laws, policies, and regulations. Provide expert-level guidance on contract strategy, structure, and compliance to internal and external stakeholders. Provide training and guidance to agency staff on contracting processes and best practices. Maintains multiple contract-related data systems through consistently accurate and timely data entry and documentation of work milestones, decisions, and facts.

Required qualifications:

Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options: Option 1: Seven (7) years of experience in negotiating, administering, or terminating government contracts, contract property management, contract cost or price analyses, or contract compliance administration. Option 2: Associate degree involving major study in business administration, public administration, business law, commerce, mathematics, statistics, economics, or closely allied field and Five (5) years of experience in negotiating, administering, or terminating government contracts, contract property management, contract cost or price analyses or contract compliance administration. Option 3: Bachelor's degree involving major study in business administration, public administration, business law, commerce, mathematics, statistics, economics, or closely allied field and Three (3) years of experience in negotiating, administering, or terminating government contracts, contract property management, contract cost or price analyses, or contract compliance administration. Option 4: Master's degree involving major study in business administration, public administration, business law, commerce, mathematics, statistics, economics, or closely allied field and Two (2) years of experience in negotiating, administering, or terminating government contracts, contract property management, contract cost or price analyses, or contract compliance administration. Option 5: Law degree from an accredited college or university approved by the Washington State Bar Association and One (1) year of experience in negotiating, administering, or terminating government contracts, contract property management, contract cost or price analyses, or contract compliance administration. Option 6: One (1) year of experience as a Contracts Specialist 2 in state government or equivalent role.

Required competencies:

The ability to take action to learn and grow. The ability to take action to meet the needs of others. Demonstrated above average knowledge and skills regarding government contracting. Demonstrated skills in providing leadership to co-workers and stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively (oral and written) with internal and external stakeholders with diverse and divergent needs. Demonstrated ability to deliver presentations and participate in meetings with other staff and stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to adapt to change and quickly assimilate new information and requirements into daily work.

Preferred qualifications:

Professional experience independently developing and building complex government contracts and/or subawards from intake of the request through execution. Three (3) years of professional experience demonstrating advanced proficiency in government public contracting, including providing consultation to program staff and/or stakeholders. Two (2) years of professional experience developing and providing consultation to contract managers on competitive government contracts in Washington. Two (2) years of professional experience developing and providing consultation to develop non-competitive and competitive grants. Provide consistent, high-quality (error free) reviews of written communication with acute attention to detail. Ability to interpret and convey rules and regulations, and legal terminology to broad audiences. Strong analytical ability demonstrated by using information received from another party to form a clear and rational thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, create accurate conclusions, and make clear and sound decisions.

How to apply:

Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach in separate files: A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position Current resume To take advantage of veteran preference , please do the following: Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter. Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

About HCA:

Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible. There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.

What we have to offer:

Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve Voices of HCA A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered HCA's Mission, Vision & Values A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options. A great total compensation and benefit package WA State Government Benefits A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby. And free parking!

Notes:

This position is covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Once the listed position(s) is(are) filled, this recruitment announcement may also be used to fill additional position(s) for up to sixty (60) days. Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment. HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCA's mission. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons of disability are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. Persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov . Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Jake Nelko at jake.nelko@hca.wa.gov or 360.725.0945. The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an E-Verify employer . All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply. E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive a list of new job postings at HCA.