Contract Specialist

Contract Specialist

Northwest Regional Council (NWRC) is a multi-service agency that covers the Washington counties of Island, San Juan, Skagit and Whatcom, with offices in Bellingham and Mount Vernon, Washington. NWRC's slogan: "Human services with you at the center" encapsulates its focus on creating new solutions to navigate the challenges of aging and disability, proactive paths to behavioral health and recovery, and new partnerships between healthcare and social services. NWRC is seeking a Contract Specialist to join our Business Development team!

NWRC's values are centered on the concepts of respect, inclusiveness, and striving to foster a healthy work environment for all employees. With these values in mind, we will do our part to support and further diversity, equity, and inclusion not only in our workplace, but in our communities. Toward this goal, we invite candidates from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply and help shape the future of NWRC.

The Business Development unit impacts agency-wide operations by supporting and growing various programs. The primary goal of the contracts department is to manage all upstream and downstream contracts at NWRC in order to provide necessary services in our area, maintain program standards, and satisfy requirements for various streams of funding.

Contract Specialists manage NWRC's contracting function, including conducting Requests for Proposal/Qualification processes to secure qualified providers, developing contracts, providing technical assistance to providers, and monitoring providers in delivery of quality services. Persons at this level are responsible for the day-to-day management of assigned areas and perform their work and solve problems in accordance with established policies, procedures and methods. Contracts Specialists 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, and develop contract amendments based upon changing requirements or funding. This position ensures compliance of NWRC policy and procedures for the assigned operational functions.

NWRC salary ranges are comprised of a 10-Step scale. On their employment anniversary, employees are eligible for an annual pay increase to the next step in the associated salary range, subject to satisfactory performance. In addition to the annual pay increases, NWRC assesses cost of living adjustments (COLA) on an annual basis, subject to Governing Board approval. New employees at NWRC usually start at the first step in the position's assigned salary range. NWRC may consider a higher step when evaluating the candidate's experience, training, or proven capability. Internal equity will be reviewed and prioritized when determining a starting pay rate.

As a full-time, permanent, non-exempt role, this position is eligible for the following 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

Note : NWRC meets the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) definition of a public service organization.

NWRC strives to offer employees schedule flexibility while balancing the needs of their role within the agency with their personal lives. The Contracts Specialist will work with the Contracts Supervisor to develop a schedule that includes regular, in person time in the Whatcom office as well as optional remote days.

Education/Experience:

• 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, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of aging and long term services and supports and the Area Agency on Aging service network; social service program monitoring and evaluation techniques and tools; administration and contracting of social service programs; simple mathematical functions; data collection techniques; report writing/preparation; 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.

Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements:

• 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.

NWRC is committed to continuous improvement in our recruitment and selection practices. We strive to provide a respectful, inclusive and transparent candidate experience, while reducing barriers and supporting equitable access to employment opportunities. We prioritize timely, clear communication with candidates to reduce uncertainty and our selection process is comprised of job-related evaluation methods that are reviewed by multiple hiring team members. Applicants may request reasonable accommodation at any stage of the hiring process.