Contract Specialist

Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is seeking a Contract Specialist in the Division of Housing Stabilization!

AGENCY MISSION:

Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is within Housing and Economic Development Secretariat and its work touches the lives of all Massachusetts residents.

DHCD's mission is to strengthen cities, towns and neighborhoods to enhance the quality of life of Massachusetts residents by providing leadership, professional assistance and financial resources to promote safe, decent affordable housing opportunities, economic vitality of communities and sound municipal management.

OVERVIEW OF ROLE (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE):

The Contract Specialist for individual and family shelter providers (private non-profit agencies) across the Commonwealth and other related contracts, which provide emergency shelter services to homeless families and individuals in an assigned region of the state.  The Contract Specialist is responsible for monitoring contracted programs, working closely with vendors and producing timely contract documents. The incumbent reviews contract and amendment documents, gives advice & assistance in contract preparation, analyzes contract proposals & related documents, monitors the execution of contracts & prepares reports as needed & requested.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE):

1) Contracting:

• Develops, negotiates and executes timely and accurate contracts, renewals and amendments.
• Works with vendors to ensure maximum contract utilization in order to provide coordinated, appropriate and effective services to homeless clients.
• Ensures that family shelter vendors are active participants in the self-sufficiency plan.
• May participate in Request for Response (RFR) evaluation committees.
• Works with current vendors and potential new vendors to develop new programs and/or expand existing programs as assigned.

2) Monitoring:

• Reviews for accuracy and authorizes on a monthly basis vendor’s request for payment within required timelines.
• Conducts annual desk review to monitor contract compliance and placement goals as well as to provide technical assistance when necessary.
• Conducts annual site visits to review facilities for compliance with health & safety codes and licensing requirements.
• Conducts annual reviews of client files, monthly reports, incident reports, staff issues, utilization and other program requirements
• Develops corrective action plans as necessary to address deficiencies.
• Communicates with vendors and other state agencies by telephone or in writing to resolve accounting discrepancies or obtain documentation regarding dispute and reporting requirements

3) Investigating:

• Investigates client complaints and intercedes in resolution process between vendor/client.
• Interviews shelter residents annually to ensure all services are being received in a safe environment.

4) Technical Assistance:

• Provides technical assistance to employees and vendors to ensure compliance with agency rules and regulations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Knowledge of Department’s Emergency Assistance program rules and regulations.
2. Knowledge of the Department’s family sheltering programs.
3. Knowledge of housing and homelessness policy, with a particular focus on Housing First approaches.
4. Experience interviewing clients and conducting investigations.
5. Demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft Word, Excel and Access.
6. Excellent written communication skills.
7. Excellent oral communication skills.
8. Experience in program analysis, program management, program coordination, program planning.
9. Ability to conduct annual site visits to review facilities for compliance with health & safety codes and licensing requirements.
10. Strong organizational skills, time management skills, handling multiple responsibilities and meeting various deadlines.

COMMENTS:

Please upload resume and cover letter.

This position would be expected to follow a hybrid model of reporting to work that combines in-office workdays and work from home days, as needed.

Salary placement is determined by years of experience and education directly related to the position and the Human Resources Division’s Recruiting Guidelines. In the case of a promotional opportunity, the salary provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

QUALIFICATIONS:

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional, administrative or managerial experience in business administration, business management or public administration the major duties of which involved program management, program administration, program coordination, program planning and/or program analysis, and (B) of which at least one year must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience.*

II. A Graduate degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of three years of the required (A) experience.*

III. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major other than in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.*

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

NOTE: No substitutions will be permitted for the required (B) experience.

Comprehensive Benefits:

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! at https://www.mass.gov/commonwealth-employee-benefits-and-rewards

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Official Title: Program Coordinator III

Functional Title: Contract Specialist

Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-100 Cambridge Street

Job: Administrative Services

Agency: Department o Housing & Community Development

Schedule: Full-time

Shift: Day

Job Posting: May 16, 2023, 3:25:21 PM

Number of Openings: 1

Salary: $68,016.52 - $98,517.12 Yearly

Bargaining Unit: 06-NAGE - Professional Admin.

Confidential: No

Hybrid Work Eligible: Yes

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Jessica Molina - 8572480160