Contracts Specialist I

Agency: Department of Health and Human Services Division: EMPLOY, INDEP FOR PEOPLE W/DISAB - EIPD Job Classification Title: Contract Specialist I (NS) Position Number: 65040576 Grade: NC14 About Us The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is one of the largest, most complex agencies in the state, and has approximately 17,000 employees. It is responsible for ensuring the health, safety, and well‑being of all North Carolinians, providing human service needs for special populations including individuals who are deaf, blind, developmentally disabled, and mentally ill, and helping poor North Carolinians achieve economic independence. Job Summary This position serves as the contract manager and contract and procurement subject matter expert for the Division of Services for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing. The role provides leadership, guidance, and technical assistance to develop and maintain best practices in the contracting process to comply with department, state, and federal requirements. This includes the purchasing of highly complex specialized equipment and services for consumers. The position requires close collaboration with department and state staff, including programmatic subject matter experts, financial monitors, fiscal and budget staff, contracts and procurement management, and internal and external auditors. The position is located in Raleigh, North Carolina and has a flexible work schedule. Duties and Responsibilities Contract Development & Management Ensure contracts are developed, established, implemented, coordinated and executed in accordance with applicable federal, state, department and division policies, procedures and protocols; this includes amendments, renewals and change orders. Communicate effectively to end users and vendors on contract/purchasing procedures, terms and conditions, disputes, periodic contract reviews and other management areas as required. Identify potential risks and recommend appropriate approaches and/or solutions to mitigate risk. Develop and maintain internal procedures and protocols. Initiate and manage encumbrances in North Carolina Financial System (NCFS) for contracts; manage Department contract database system (Open Windows) for division contracts; manage state databases for division contracts. Procurement Maintain contractual agreements related to facilities, i.e., leased office space and janitorial, agency‑specific contracts. This includes developing specifications for bid solicitations, evaluation of bid proposals, award certification and vendor performance reviews. Responsible for the creation and development of RFQ/IFB/RFP/RFA/bids/agreements for the Division goods and services. Serve as the lead contact for the division regarding contracting processes with the Office of Internal Audit and the Office of the State Auditor; coordinate response and any corrective action. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Management Preferences Experience communicating to others (both internal and external) complex federal and state laws, regulations, and policy regarding contracts and procurement for goods and services. Experience with RFQ/IFB/RFP/RFA/bids/agreement formulation, development, creation, evaluation, and utilization. Experience maintaining records and preparing reports on tabulations from these records. Experience resolving complex problems and the ability to read, interpret and make recommendations based on federal, state, and departmental laws and regulations. Working knowledge of procurement processes and systems. Minimum Education and Experience Minimum Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in business or a related area from an appropriately accredited institution and two years of progressive procurement or contract administration experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Necessary Special Requirements: Completion of the North Carolina Contract Management Certification Program within one year of hire into the position. Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $52,592 - $92,036 (Recruitment Range: $52,592 - $86,000). The State of North Carolina offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, NCFlex programs, paid vacation, sick, community service leave, and paid parental leave. Position Closing Date This position will close at 11:59 p.m. the night before the end date. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices. #J-18808-Ljbffr