Contracts Specialist

State of Wisconsin; Wisconsin; Hybrid; USD 79,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Wisconsin is seeking a Contracts Specialist in the Performance Management Section to process funding opportunities and contracts, including reviewing language, deliverables, work plans, and budgets. The role supports procurement activities and ensures compliance with state and federal regulations.

Responsibilities include developing, implementing, and overseeing contract processes, providing guidance to DHS partners to ensure contracts are effective and compliant, and reporting on

Qualifications

• Experience developing, reviewing, executing, and monitoring contracts or grants.
• Experience analyzing procurement, grant, or contract policies and procedures.
• Experience using project management principles across the project life cycle.

Responsibilities

• Process funding opportunities and contracts, including reviewing language, deliverables, work plans, and budgets.
• Coordinate with procurement and contract staff to issue funds and ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
• Provide operational guidance to DHS partners to ensure contracts meet standards and are enforceable.

Job description

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This position can work remotely up to 5 days per week but may be required to report to an office location occasionally based on training or operational need. This position can be headquartered at one of our central or regional offices .

• 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays and ample sick time; limitations may apply for leave time usage in the first six months.
• Exceptional pension plan with a 7.25% employer match in 2027 with lifetime retirement payment. Plus, a tax advantaged supplemental retirement savings plan which allows you to save money directly from your paycheck for retirement. Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package!
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.

The Performance Management Section focuses on contract processing and data collection and analysis for programs administered by the bureau that focus on community-based mental health and substance use services for individuals across the lifespan. As a Contracts Specialist in this section, you will be responsible for processing funding opportunities and contracts,which includes the review of contract language, deliverables, work plans, and budgets and monitoring their implementation. Job duties include:

• Working with procurement and contract administration staff to issue grant funds through funding opportunity announcements and interpreting complex federal program and budget guidelines.
• Providing expertise in executing and modifying state, county, and provider contracts, including developing contract language, analyzing documentation and budgets, and obtaining necessary approvals.
• Developing, implementing, and overseeing the bureau’s internal process for procurement to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations and ensuring the timely, accurate and error-free development of bureau contract documents.
• Providing operational expertise, training, and guidance to DHS partners to ensure contracts meet departmental standards and are effective, enforceable, and compliant with all state and federal regulations.

Salary Information

The starting pay is between $38.00 and $41.51 per hour (approximately between $79,000 and $86,300 per year), depending on qualifications, plus excellent benefits. A 12-month probationary period is required.

Pay for current or former employees is based on the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction. The position is classified as a Contract Specialist Advanced and is in pay schedule and range 07/03.

• All applicants who may be appointed will be required to allow DHS to conduct a background check to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled.
• To work remotely, employees must have access to both a private workspace and secure high-speed internet.
• Mileage reimbursement to the employee’s headquarter location is not provided.
• For positions that allow remote working flexibility, working outside of Wisconsin or in bordering cities will not be allowed except in extremely limited circumstances due to the need to report to an office location in Wisconsin on short notice.
• DHS does not sponsor work visas for this position, thus, in compliance with federal law, selected candidates will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire. DHS is not an E-Verify employer nor a STEM-OPT eligible employer.
• Experience developing, reviewing, executing, and monitoring contracts or grants (e.g., negotiating terms, monitoring and evaluating performance, ensuring compliance, implementing corrective actions, monitoring budgets, etc.).
• Experience analyzing, implementing, and providing training, consultation, or technical assistance to others on procurement, grant, or contract policies and procedures.
• Experience using project management principles or techniques throughout the project life cycle of initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, and closing.
• Experience with the procurement process (e.g., reviewing requests for applications, reviewing requests for proposals/bids, developing funding opportunities, etc.).

Well-qualified applicants will also have one or more of the following:

• Experience interpreting and applying federal and state statutes and administrative rules focused on behavioral health.
• Experience working in mental health, substance use, public health, or similar human services area.
• Experience analyzing fiscal or program data to inform policy recommendations.

Your letter of qualifications is limited to 2 pages, and your resume is limited to 3 pages. For a guide on developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included in these materials, click here .

DHS is an Equal Opportunity and ...

Veterans are encouraged to apply. For complete information on Veterans' hiring programs with the WI Department of Veteran's Affairs, click here .

Deadline to Apply

The deadline to apply is September 18 at 11:59 PM.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to allow ample time to finalize their applications keeping in mind that technical assistance is not available after 4:30 PM on the deadline date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.