Dshs ESA Project Contracts Officer

At the Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance, our mission is to help refugees and immigrants achieve economic stability and integration into Washington communities. As part of the Economic Services Administration (ESA), we are seeking a Project Contracts Officer to support our new business unit and oversee critical contracting activities for the Washington Migrant and Asylum Seeker Supports Pilot (WA MASS) project.

About ORIA

ORIA is responsible for administering Washington State's Plan for Refugee Resettlement, managing over $60 million annually to fund programs focusing on health and wellness, employment and training, immigration assistance, naturalization services, and whole-family support. Our partnerships with over 80 organizations statewide enable us to provide essential services to refugees and immigrants, including newcomer reception, housing, legal support, case management, and access to employment and training programs.

As a Contracts Officer, you will play a vital role in the implementation of the WA MASS project by developing, executing, and monitoring multi-million-dollar contracts. Reporting to ESA's Community Service Division Business and Infrastructure Administration, you will be accountable for the statewide development, administration, and oversight of WA MASS contracts. Your expertise in contracting practices and regulations will ensure compliance with department policies, state and federal laws, and regulations.

ESA is committed to creating a diverse workforce in a modern work environment that includes the potential for telework options. A hybrid telework schedule within WA state is available for this Olympia-based role. Although temporary, this benefit-eligible, full-time, non-permanent job is funded through June 30, 2025. We do expect work to begin July 1, 2024.

Some of what you will do

• Develop, execute, and manage multi-million-dollar contracts for the WA MASS project

• Coordinate procurement processes related to WA MASS contracts and agreements

• Conduct onsite monitoring of assigned WA MASS contracts to ensure compliance

• Provide technical assistance and training to potential and current contractors

• Develop and maintain WA MASS contracting policies and procedures

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to negotiate and approve contracts

• Use independent judgment to effectively utilize contracted services within ORIA/CSD

• Create monitoring tools, corrective action plans, and conduct on-site monitoring of WA MASS contracts

This role involves significant interaction with management across various divisions within the Economic Services Administration and external stakeholders, including city and county agencies and other partners. Your work will play a key role in helping reduce the number of people and families living below the federal poverty level.

Joining ORIA means becoming part of a team dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of refugees and immigrants in Washington State. Your contributions as a Contracts Officer will be instrumental in ensuring the successful implementation of the WA MASS project, supporting our mission of economic stability and community integration.

Who should apply

• Seven years of progressively responsible experience in developing, negotiating, reviewing, approving, amending, and monitoring performance-based contracts and agreements in the DSHS Automated Contracts Database for ESA

• Or, a bachelor's degree* in business or public administration, accounting, finance, or a closely allied field, plus 3 years of experience progressively responsible experience in developing, negotiating, reviewing, approving, amending, and monitoring performance-based contracts and agreements in the DSHS Automated Contracts Database for ESA

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Additional experience in designing and developing training tools and conducting training sessions

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including spreadsheet and database development

• Sound contracting practices, procurement processes, and contract monitoring

• Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders both orally and in writing

• Collaboration skills, including the ability to work cooperatively with co-workers, management, and external partners

• High-level organizational and project prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

• Knowledge of project management principles and strategic planning

See why people like you chose careers with DSHS.

This job is classified as an WMS1. This advertisement has been reopened to allow additional qualified people to apply. If you have already applied for this job, you do not need to apply again--your status remains unchanged.

Interested?  Please list 3 professional references and contact information on your application and include your current resume and a cover letter explaining how your knowledge, skills, and abilities qualify you for this role.

Questions? Email bastrjl@dshs.wa.gov or phone Jenny at 360-791-4168, reference 05928. To learn more about DSHS, go to www.dshs.wa.gov.

Our Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) mission to Transform 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 mission 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.  

#WeAreHiring #InclusionWorksPrior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

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