Contract Specialist II

About the role

The Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) invests over one billion dollars annually in public procurements and contracts with local human‑services organizations to create equitable opportunities for people to be healthy, happy, and connected to community. DCHS is seeking a Contract Specialist II to join its centralized Contracts & Procurement unit, supporting staff in developing and conducting procurements and drafting contracts that are effective, efficient, and equitable. The ideal candidate will prioritize equity, race, and social‑justice considerations when advising staff and collaborating with partners.

Responsibilities

• Support the preparation and implementation of competitive solicitations; coordinate public pre‑bid/pre‑proposal meetings; open submittals and assure compliance with bid or proposal requirements.
• Work with subject‑matter experts to edit scopes of work, technical specifications, and other solicitation/contract documents for clarity and consistency.
• Review, draft, and advise program staff on all terms and conditions of a variety of contracts implementing human and related services throughout the department.
• Meet regularly with program work units to design appropriate alternative procurement approaches and ensure processes meet all applicable federal, state, and county requirements.
• Assist and provide direction and training for other DCHS program staff on procurement and contracting regulations.
• Support the maintenance and enhancement of contract templates.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of two years of professional experience in procurement, solicitation, contract writing, or related work.
• Demonstrated understanding and experience with principles, practices, and terminology used to procure contracts funding human services.
• Knowledge of contract administration and federal, state, and county statutes and regulations pertaining to procurement of human‑service contracts.
• Experience facilitating discussion, resolving conflict, and finding creative solutions to contract and procurement issues.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong communication, training, writing, problem‑solving, analytical, and investigative research skills.
• Proficiency in prioritizing workloads, working under pressure with tight timelines, changing priorities, and ambiguous information.
• Ability to collaborate with program staff and interface effectively with County officials and senior management.
• Demonstrated proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite.

Desired qualifications

• Experience using contract lifecycle management software such as Agiloft, Icertis, Periscope, etc.
• Experience streamlining work processes, improving operations, and decreasing turnaround time in procurement and contracting.
• Experience with SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, and other collaborative online tools.

Schedule

This exempt position follows a typical 40‑hour work week, Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm. It is represented by PROTECT 17 and is designated Non‑Mission Critical; employees are expected to report to work or request leave during emergencies or inclement weather unless directed otherwise.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage options for employees and eligible dependents.
• Life and disability insurance with basic coverage and the option to purchase additional coverage.
• Retirement options including a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred‑compensation plan.
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass.
• 12 paid holidays plus two personal holidays each year.
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave.
• Paid parental, family, medical, and volunteer leaves.
• Flexible Spending Account and wellness programs.
• On‑site activity centers and employee assistance programs.
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position.
• Training and career development programs.

Recruiter: Alan Wedge – alwedge@kingcounty.gov