Contract Specialist

El Paso County Department of Human Services is seeking a Contract Specialist who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and enjoys variety in their day-to-day work. No two days look the same in this role — you'll juggle multiple contract types across programs like Adoptions, Child Care Assistance, and Foster Care, constantly shifting priorities and problem-solving on the fly. This is a mission-critical role that keeps agreements moving, payments accurate, and providers and families well-supported.

Responsibilities

• Manages assigned contracts, including contractual oversight, data entry and evaluation, invoice approval, timely renewal, contract disciplinary actions, and customer service.
• Works with other County offices and Departments to provide or receive information, and to ensure appropriate contractual rules, regulations, and policies are followed.
• Responds in a timely manner to various groups and individuals regarding contractual questions, concerns, and complaints.
• Assists in the development of Requests for Proposals (RFP) and other procurement processes (e.g., Invitation for Bid, Requests for Quotes, etc.); evaluates proposals and contractual services to be purchased for programs and projects; participates in proposal and contractual services negotiations.
• Develops and negotiates contracts, Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), Intergovernmental Agreements (IGA), and grant applications.
• Works with State and Federal offices as required.
• Provides consultation to staff and external agencies with regard to contracts, contract development, and compliance.
• Meets with individual providers and provider groups to offer guidance in achieving contract objectives and makes policy or procedural recommendations based upon findings.
• Analyzes assigned contracts for cost effectiveness and program effectiveness; makes recommendations with regard to findings to leadership.
• Analyzes data collected and draws conclusions consistent with professional contract evaluation standards; submits report of same to the leadership.
• Serves on community or agency boards and task forces as directed.
• Provides public presentations or training on projects as required.
• Attends trainings, conferences, and workshops to maintain knowledge and to meet the department's cornerstone requirements.
• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Three years of directly related work experience.
• Associate’s degree in a related field may substitute for one year of the required experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for two years of the required experience. Education substitutions are not cumulative; only the highest qualifying degree will be considered.

Skills

• Knowledge of governmental contracting practices and procedures, including the ability to prepare specifications and facilitate the process for informal and formal procurement solicitations preferred.
• Knowledge of departmental programs and service delivery systems preferred.
• Knowledge of and the ability to apply Federal, State, and County contracting requirements, including those for State and Federal grants.
• Strong proficiency in language composition, grammar, editing, and written presentations.
• Strong customer service orientation and experience.
• Proficient in the use of software programs relative to the position, including but not limited to Word, Excel, Access, other Microsoft programs, and other database programs.
• Ability to understand methodology and techniques for program development and evaluation.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with co-workers, prospective and contracted providers, other agencies, and the public.
• Ability to efficiently plan, schedule, organize, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to assess situations and make prudent and appropriate decisions; ability to apply conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret and draw valid conclusions from data.
• Ability to use standard office equipment, including computer, fax machine, copier, and telephone.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Government contract work experience.
• Excel experience.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must pass conditional post-offer background investigation and drug screen.
• Additional background checks may be required, including a Government Program Fraud and Child Welfare Abuse & Neglect database (TRAILS) check.

Pay

$57,000.00 - $64,500.00 annually

Schedule

This position has an anticipated work schedule of Monday – Friday; with flexibility between 7:00 am – 6:00 pm, subject to change. Hybrid schedule may be available upon successful completion of the initial evaluation period; subject to change.

Work Conditions

Duties are primarily performed in a high-volume office and remote work environment dependent on business needs. This position requires regular in-person presence as an essential job function. This position may be subject to grant funding.