DSHS ESA Project Contracts Officer

Full Job Description

The mission of Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance (ORIA) is to help refugees and immigrants achieve economic stability and integration into Washington communities. As part of the Economic Services Administration (ESA), we are seeking a Project Contracts Officer to support the business unit and oversee critical contracting activities for the Washington Migrant and Asylum Seeker Supports Pilot (WA MASS) project.

As a Contracts Officer, you will play a vital role in the implementation of the WA MASS project by developing, executing, and monitoring multi-million-dollar contracts. Reporting to ESA’s Contract’s and Procurement Administrator within the Division of Finance & Financial Resources, you will be accountable for the statewide development, administration, and oversight of WA MASS contracts. Your expertise in contracting practices and regulations will ensure compliance with department policies, state and federal laws, and regulations.

ESA is committed to creating a diverse workforce in a modern work environment that includes the potential for telework options. A hybrid telework schedule within WA state is available for this Olympia-based role. Although temporary, this benefit-eligible, full-time job is funded through June 30th 2027.

Some of what you will do

• Develop, execute, and manage multi-million-dollar contracts for the WA MASS project
• Coordinate procurement processes related to WA MASS contracts and agreements
• Conduct onsite monitoring of assigned WA MASS contracts to ensure compliance
• Provide technical assistance and training to potential and current contractors
• Develop and maintain WA MASS contracting policies and procedures
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to negotiate and approve contracts
• Use independent judgment to effectively utilize contracted services within ORIA/CSD
• Create monitoring tools, corrective action plans, and conduct on-site monitoring of WA MASS contracts

This role involves significant interaction with management across various divisions within the Economic Services Administration and external stakeholders, including city and county agencies and other partners. Your work will play a key role in helping reduce the number of people and families living below the federal poverty level.

Joining ORIA means becoming part of a team dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of refugees and immigrants in Washington State. Your contributions as a Contracts Officer will be instrumental in ensuring the successful implementation of the WA MASS project, supporting our mission of economic stability and community integration.

Who should apply
Those with a bachelor's degree in business or public administration, accounting, finance, or a closely allied field, plus 3 years of experience progressively responsible experience in developing, negotiating, reviewing, approving, amending, and monitoring performance-based contracts and agreements in the DSHS Automated Contracts Database for ESA.

Experience can substitute year for year for education requirement.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Additional experience in designing and developing training tools and conducting training sessions
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including spreadsheet and database development
• Sound contracting practices, procurement processes, and contract monitoring
• Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders both orally and in writing
• Collaboration skills, including the ability to work cooperatively with co-workers, management, and external partners
• High-level organizational and project prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Knowledge of project management principles and strategic planning

This job is classified as an WMS1.

Interested? Please list 3 professional references and contact information on your application and include your current resume and a cover letter explaining how your knowledge, skills, and abilities qualify you for this role.

Questions? Please contact sean.brauner@dshs.wa.gov and reference #02563.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Additional Information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted.

Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job.

This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license.

Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protect­ed veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information.

Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810.

Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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