Contracts Program Officer- Office of the Public Defender

/To be considered for OPD positions, applicants must complete and submit their application online, as well as upload any required application materials./ /* */ / / Our Mission To Provide the Most Compassionate and Expert Defense of Clients and the Constitution * * Our VisionCreating Expert Teams of Advocates for Justice, Bringing Respect and Dignity to our Clients to Achieve Holistic and Equitable Outcomes /* */ Reasons to work for the Office of the Public Defender:Our work changes lives! The work OPD does, makes a difference for the people in our communities. * *Public Defenders work for their clients, protect constitutional rights and ensure the system remains fair. We are proud of the work we do, to find out more about OPD visit our website HERE. Benefits of working for OPD: The ability to work and play in the beautiful state of Montana is one of the benefits you will love about this opportunity! Montana, offers theaters, museums, fairs, rodeos, a high-quality educational system, and many recreational opportunities. Montana's mountains, rivers and lakes provide year-round opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing, hiking, camping, boating, biking, hunting, skiing, and snowmobiling can be accessed throughout our great state. Other fantastic benefits include: * *Health Coverage* * Retirement plans * *Paid vacation, sick leave and Holidays* * Work/life balance * *Flexible schedules* * Opportunities and room for professional growth * *Telework (when applicable)* * Public Service Loan Forgiveness- Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive loan forgiveness- click HERE to learn more! *Materials Required of Applicants: ** * * Cover Letter * *Resume* * References: /Please provide contact information for three (3) professional references. / * *Supplemental questions (if applicable)* *About this Opportunity!* * The Contracts Program Officer provides expertise, coordination and assistance for contracted services within the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) System. Duties include assisting the OPD Contractor Manager in providing contracted attorney management, contract development and oversight, ensuring contractor compliance with OPD practice standards, performs quality assurance of contractor services, developing and maintaining relationships with OPD contractors and responding to requests for program related assistance. The Contracts Program Officer must have a passion, commitment, and willingness to work collaboratively OPD’s contractors as well as underprivileged populations to, not only, ensure that needed services are provided, they continually advocate and strive to improve the level of services OPD provides to its clients. Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities): The job duties and responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to the following: Contractor Program Assistance (90%)* * · Coordinate program activities or contracted services for a program. · Respond to requests for assistance or program information by interpreting program policies or requirements. · Enter, track, maintain, analyze, and report program data. · Interact, provide guidance, and communicate with community, clients, contractors, or other state agencies to facilitate program activities. · May report complaints, issues, and suspected violations of program requirements. · Subject matter expert responding to elevated complaints or issues from the general public, clients, local, state, or federal agencies. · Analyze documents, data, and reports for program noncompliance and initiates corrective actions. · Determine adequacy of services and recommend identified improvements to a program manager or other executive. · Assist program managers, executives, or others by researching impacts to the program resulting from changes or proposed changes to policy, rule, or legislation. · Attend federal reviews, inspect, visit, or investigate contractor work or sites to determine level of service delivery and ensure compliance. Other Duties as Assigned (10%)* * · Perform quality assurance reviews for compliance with program guidelines or related regulations. · Maintain or revise program manuals, materials and assist with program updates. · May assist with requests for proposals or grant funding applications. Physical and Environmental Demands:/ /This position works primarily in a standard office environment, however state wide travel to contractor sites or other locations may be necessary to perform duties up to 40% of the time. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: This position requires: · Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. · Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solution · Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one · The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). · Skilled in use of standard office equipment, programs and software. · Strong organization, time management, and oral written communication skills. · Ability to learn, understand and consistently utilize required agency systems. · Ability to establish and maintain effective relationship with others. · Ability to effectively research and analyze documents. · Able to maintain professionalism when critiqued. · Ability to work independently or as part of a team. Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience): This position requires: · Bachelor’s degree in Human Service, Business or related field. · Three years of providing program services or related work experience. · Other combinations of education and experience may be considered on a case by case basis. Preferred:* · Previous experience in a legal or criminal defense setting preferred. · Experience with legal billing and client services. · Experience in providing training or guidance to others Title:Contracts Program Officer- Office of the Public DefenderLocation:HelenaRequisition ID:23141455Other Locations:Billings, Missoula, Miles City, Kalispell, Polson, Havre, Glasgow, Glendive, Lewistown, Anaconda, Butte, Hamilton, Bozeman, Great Falls