DSHS HCLA Contracts Specialist 3

DSHS HCLA Contracts Specialist 3 - WA Cares Key Contract Coordinator

Do you thrive in complex policy environments and want your contracting expertise to drive meaningful change? The Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA) is hiring multiple project Contracts Specialist 3 roles in Lacey, WA. Join a team where your work makes a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and communities across Washington State.

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the success of the WA Cares Fund—the first publicly funded long-term care insurance program in the United States. Created by the Washington State Legislature, WA Cares provides affordable long-term care coverage to all working Washingtonians and sets a national precedent in social insurance.

As part of the contract unit, you will manage the statewide contracting process for WA Cares—supporting the creation, oversight, and execution of personal services, interlocal, and competitive procurement agreements. You'll serve as a Key Contract Coordinator (KCC) with delegated authority, provide policy guidance, establish procedures, and collaborate closely with legal and program staff to ensure contract quality and compliance.

This is a rare opportunity to help implement a first-of-its-kind program—impacting lives in Washington and potentially shaping the future of long-term care policy across the country.

Please note : This position works a flexible / hybrid schedule based on business needs. The current expectation is that there will occasionally be in-person meetings throughout the year. Office space is available if the successful candidate wants to be present in-office more frequently. Work schedule is Monday-Friday 8am-5pm.

Some of what you will do :

• Prepare, review and negotiate personal service, interlocal, and custom client contracts for the WA Cares program
• Assist with competitive procurements and guide resulting negotiations and contracts
• Collaborate with the Department of Enterprise Services, Central Contract and Legal Services, and the Attorney General's Office on contract language and regulatory review
• Provide advice and guidance to program and field staff when disputes or compliance issues arise
• Maintain and modify contract templates and develop internal policies and procedures
• Act as a Key Contract Coordinator, ensuring agency-wide adherence to contracting policies under DSHS Administrative Policy 13.10
• Manage pre-contract documentation and ensure every agreement meets state and federal requirements before execution
• Monitor statewide contract activity to maintain compliance with reporting requirements and performance expectations

Who should apply?

A Bachelor's degree involving major study in business administration, public administration, business law, commerce, mathematics, statistics, economics, or closely allied field

AND

Three years of experience in negotiating, administering or terminating government contracts, contract property management, contract cost or price analyses or contract compliance administration.

A Master's degree in one of the above academic disciplines may be substituted for one year of experience.

A law degree from an accredited college or university approved by the Washington State Bar Association may be substituted for two years of experience and the education.

Additional qualifying experience may be substituted, year for year, for the education.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities :

Interested? Apply today!

Questions? Email the recruiter at morgan.daggi@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 06730.

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 an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, 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.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five days of paid bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing, Parental Leave, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

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