Contract Specialist - Dhs

Mesa County Department of Human Services is a forward-thinking agency that has over 300 employees serving the needs of nearly 40,000 residents. From the Colorado National Monument to the thriving agricultural lands and city centers, Mesa County contains a diverse, natural landscape that provides many outdoor activities and adventures. As individuals and an organization, we value and respect humanity, honesty, balance, inclusion and teamwork. We provide a level of flexibility for staff to be able to accommodate their lives outside of the office environment. We value family and the relationships that make our lives rewarding.

Our Mission:

The Mission of the Mesa County Department of Human Services is to help individuals and families achieve safety, stabilization and opportunity for meaningful employment.

Our Values:

Mesa County Department of Human Services values represent our behavioral anchors for how we conduct ourselves. Simply stated, we value Humanity, Balance, Honesty, Inclusion and Teamwork

JOB SUMMARY:

This position is part of the Contracts and Support Team within the Fiscal Unit of Mesa County Department of Human Services (MCDHS). This position performs a wide variety of procurement and contracting duties including drafting contracts, memos of understanding (MOU), and interagency governmental agreements (IGA); preparing bidding documents and conducting bidding processes; ensuring all legal, insurance and bonding requirements are met; submitting documents for signature and to public hearing agendas; meeting with contractors; reviewing monthly invoices; and other duties in support of the Contract Supervisor. Negotiates, implements, monitors and manages contractual and use agreements to assure effective delivery of goods and services.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

(The following duty statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other non-essential or marginal duties that may be required. Mesa County reserves the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of this job at any time. All responsibilities may not be performed by all incumbents.)

Provides support to the Contracts and Support Supervisor in the development of agency contracts including coordination of DHS Program staff as well as contractors to develop and report meaningful performance measures as it relates to contracts and to the overall Department.

Manage and develop agency contracts and amendments including coordination with county attorney, county risk management, county purchasing and DHS Program staff. Assist agency leaders in defining contract scope of work and in negotiating the terms of contracts with contractors.

Evaluates or monitors contractor performance to determine necessity for amendments or extensions of contracts, and compliance to contractual obligations.

Analyzes invoices, financial reports, and other data; reviews and interprets contract provisions. Communicates needed corrections to contractors.

Participates in meetings and workshops.

Serves as a liaison between DHS and Contractors to ensure compliance with contract specifications and resolution of problems and issues, as they arise in performance of contracts.

Performs contract and sub-recipient monitoring function to ensure contractor compliance to contract scope of work, financial request, outcome, achievement and recommend appropriate remedial action as necessary. This may include travel in and out of the county.

Collects data and keeps open communication with contractors. Responds to inquiries and audits.

Assists in reporting preparation and prepares annual contract guide for agency leaders.

Tracks contracts and other agreements to which the agency is a party and communicates these to the appropriate DHS Program staff.

Assist agency leaders in developing and communicating program performance information in the context of community meetings, intra-agency meetings, and other areas as assigned.

Promotes and supports Department culture, values, mission and vision.

Oral and written communications must be clear and effective.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field and two (2) years of experience at the professional level. Relevant or transferable skills, education, and experience will be considered.

A combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job.

Preferred Qualifications:

The following supplemental experience, competencies and abilities are highly desirable for this position and may be considered in selecting the successful candidate:

• 2 year(s) of professional experience in accounting, budget, contract creation and monitoring, procurement, and program administration, including familiarity with state and federal guidelines and programs

• Excellent writing and verbal skills so that information can be communicated clearly

• Understanding of federal and state fiscal rules and procurement policies

• Knowledge of programs administered by the Department of Human Services

• Knowledge of federal program requirements including reporting, administration, and procurement guidelines

• Experience successfully communicating both in verbal and written form to high level audiences

• Proven organizational skills

• Excellent computer skills with desktop and mobile office productivity applications, and general tools such as Microsoft products, and Google Suite

• Ability to balance the needs and intent of the Federal and State guidelines with the needs of stakeholders

• Ability to creatively analyze and interpret information necessary to make decisions

• Computer literacy with advanced Microsoft Excel skills

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

This position requires standing, stooping, sitting, bending, twisting, and lifting up to 10 pounds. Work is generally confined to a standard office environment.

In compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act the following items can be used as a determining factor in the starting and ongoing wage of an employee working in this position:

A seniority system that rewards employees based on length of employment.

A merit system that rewards employees for exceptional job performance.

Education, training, or experience to the extent that they are reasonably related to the work in question.

Another factor related to job performance or business operations, such as paying a shift differential to workers on less popular shifts

Travel, if the travel is a regular and necessary condition of the work performed

This position is eligible for the following Mesa County benefits;

• Medical

• Dental

• Vision

• Retirement

• Paid Sick and Vacation Leave

• Life insurance

• Long term disability