Contracts & Planning Coordinator, Human Services Department

SALARY:

Hiring Rate: $37.43/hour

Hiring Range (Depending on Experience) $37.43 - $44.69/hour
  Grade 22, Non-Exempt Position, AFSCME-Human Services Unit and MNA
  
  Our Mission: Provide Exceptional Public Services to Assure a Safe, Healthy, Vibrant County for All
  Our Values:  Professional | Approachable | Responsive | Collaborative | Fair & Equitable

Stearns County is seeking a dedicated individual to join our team in the area of contracts, planning, projects, and grants performance management. If you have a willingness to learn and are interested in working with the Human Services Department Leadership Team to develop, coordinate, and implement grants and funding opportunities, as well as long-range planning documents, this is your opportunity for a rewarding career in public service.  This position will contribute to the improvement of our public service delivery efforts utilizing a proven planning methodology. Stearns County derives strength from its workforce and provides a welcoming environment where all are respected and valued.

Position Objective
To oversee planning, document management, contract development, and quality assurance. This position enhances departmental efficiency through planning, legal compliance, and stakeholder engagement, contributing to the successful development and evaluation of programs that support the department’s strategic objectives and operational effectiveness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 
These examples do not include all possible responsibilities this position and do not limit the assignment of related duties to this classification.
  
1. Oversees the development, review, and coordination of planning documents, needs assessments, and contracts as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

2. Collaborates with management on grant development and application review; and in the research, analysis, and development of Statements of Need and Letters of Support. 
3. Coordinates data collection for required documents and reporting. 

4. Researches, analyzes, develops, and manages contracts with external vendors. 

5. Researches, evaluates, and drafts proposals for local, state, and federal funding.

6. Leverages project management style methodology and provides leadership to navigate assigned projects by working with shareholders, developing and following the project process, and utilizing process management tools.

7. Assists with the Request for Proposal (RFP) process for vendor services.

8. Participates in the negotiation of rates and terms for purchased services and analyzes service provisions for process improvements and compliance. 

9. Drafts board actions for presentation of contracts, grants, and resolutions to governing bodies. 

10. Manages and implements Human Services grant acquisition process, policies, procedures, and compliance.

11. Support vendors, department employees, and department leadership in understanding contract, grant, and plan terms, and lead meetings with current and prospective service vendors; oversees the preparation, organization, and submission of required reports, while coordinating communication with relevant partners.

12. Coordinates, interprets, and designs procedures for the evaluation and preparation of statistical reports.

13. Develops, implements, and oversees a system for programmatic and quality assurance of contracted services.

14. Manages county Housing Support Program vendors and support vendors through continuous improvement of procedures and develops and maintains proficiency in the program standards and requirements.

15. Serves as primary resource for department leadership and employees for data privacy matters, data requests from the community, and data incidents to ensure compliance with applicable laws.

16. Conducts statutory research and drafts documents and communications that confer and interpret legal information.

17. Monitors and oversees vendor performance, which includes field visits, while maintaining collaborative relationships.

18. Provides knowledge and liaison services between internal partners, counties and State agencies regarding grant and contract provisions, interpretation, and compliance.

19. Attends work regularly and in a timely manner.
20. Performs other duties as assigned or apparent. 

Minimum Qualifications
In order to be considered for this position, applicants must possess the following:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in business administration, computer science, management information systems, public administration, or a related field.
• Five years of related experience in contract management, grant planning, grant administration, project management, or program development.

Preferred Experience Beyond Minimum Qualifications:

• Grant writing and administration experience
• Reviewing and interpreting state laws, rules and regulations 
• Certification in project management (such as PMP) or contract management 

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
1. Knowledge of legal compliance, data practices, and reporting procedures.
2. Knowledge of public sector budget development, planning, and management processes.
3. Knowledge of the methods for data research, compilation of statistics, analysis, and evaluation.
4. Knowledge of contract negotiation and monitoring.
5. Ability to analyze, interpret, and present technical programmatic data.
6. Ability to organize and prioritize work and manage multiple priorities.
7. Ability to work independently and in a team.
8. Ability to show initiative in resolving complex problems.
9. Ability to conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis.
10. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with various County departments, vendors, other agencies, community organizations, and the general public.

11. Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing

Accountabilities Shared By All Employees
  
1. Performs job responsibilities in a manner consistent with the County's vision, mission and values.
2. Develops and maintains a thorough working knowledge of all department and County-wide policies, protocols and procedures that apply to the performance of this position.
3. Develops respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers.
4. Informs immediate supervisor of all important matters pertaining to assigned job responsibilities.
5. Seeks opportunities for further personal growth and development.
6. Represents the County in a professional manner to all internal and external contacts when doing the County's business.
7. Complies with all rules and policies in order to maintain a safe work environment.
  
Work Environment and Physical Demands
The primary responsibilities for this position will be performed approximately 100% of the time indoors. Will have infrequent exposure to health hazards and accidents; requires a low level of physical effort. All employees are required to reside within the state of Minnesota.

Extent of Supervision or Guidance Provided
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Human Services Supervisor.
  
Responsibility for Public Contact

Frequent.

Salary : $37 - $55