Contract Specialist - Human Services Program Representative 2

Job Details

Working Title: Contract Specialist
Job Class: Human Services Program Representative 2
Agency: Human Services Dept

• Job ID: 85793
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, see changes below, effective 06/01/2025
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/23/2025
• Closing Date: 04/29/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit: DHS-Central Office / BHDH ADAD Grants Mgmt Section
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am to 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $31.92 - $47.05 / hourly; $66,648 - $98,240 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

• Telework is available for employees residing in a bordering county to the state of Minnesota. Generally, employees may telework up to 50% of their scheduled workdays each month from their assigned permanent/principal work location, subject to approval. Furthermore, employees living 75 miles or more from their principal work location may receive an exception to this 50% telework rule based on business needs.

**Flexible work hours may be permitted with supervisor approval.

This position exists to provide direction, management, and coordination of all phases of contracting processes in accordance with state and federal laws, regulations and mandates for the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA). The incumbent will assist in the development, coordination and management of request for proposal processes; draft and execute contracts and amendments. The incumbent will provide technical assistance, training, monitoring and general consultation to all divisional staff related to the contract processes. The incumbent will collaborate on targeted activities, projects and outcomes with other Behavioral Health Administration staff, staff from other DHS divisions and other state agencies.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinate all phases of the contracting processes (contract initiation to final execution of contracts) across multiple program lines for the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) contracts in accordance with applicable law, policy, and procedures.
• Provide technical assistance, training, monitoring and general consultation for BHA grant managers and leadership in all phases of the contract processes from technical assistance with EIORs to final execution of contracts.
• Participate in development, deployment, and maintenance of the contracting process, and related tools and forms, and participates in related continuous improvement projects as the need arises.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Three (3) years competent experience working with grants and contracts.

Experience must clearly demonstrate:

• Strong understanding of core grants and contracts management standards and practices that include drafting and monitoring.
• Knowledge of roles and relationships of county, tribal, state, and federal governments.
• Knowledge of budgeting and business processes required for all procurement process phases.
• Skilled at using MS Office Suite programs: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, , education, public health, or other related fields may substitute for one (1) year of work experience.

**Master’s degree in business, accounting, , education, public health, or other related fields may substitute for two (2) year of work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
• Facilitator of groups to solicit information, feedback, and areas of development.
• Knowledge of behavioral health programs.
• Understanding of program and project management methods.
• Experience integrating, coordinating and/or reconciling the interests, mandates, responsibilities, goals, and perspectives of a complex and diverse set of stakeholders across agencies and disciplines.
• Strong human relations and communication skills; communicate clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing; respond openly to requests and concerns.

Additional Requirements

• Minnesota Department of Human Services(DHS) criminal background check will be conducted on all finalistsfor this position. Finalists must pass the DHS background check.
• Employee reference checks will be conducted on all finalists. This may include a review of documentation related to job performance. It alsoincludes contact with the applicant's former employer(s).

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Jenny Rennquist at Jennifer.rennquist@state.mn.us.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID# 85793, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Dennis Stevenson at dennis.b.stevenson@state.mn.us.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Human Services’ ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES_ADA@state.mn.us for assistance.

About Human Services Dept

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.