Contract Specialist Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/newprint/4820925) Apply  Contract Specialist Salary $59,363.20 - $90,376.00 Annually Location Cedar Rapids - 52404 - Linn County, IA Job Type Full-time Job Number 25-02162 Agency 400 Health & Human Services -Compliance Opening Date 02/05/2025 Closing Date 2/16/2025 11:59 PM Central LinkedIn Tag #LI-POST Point of Contact Teresa Hay McMahon - teresa.mcmahon@hhs.iowa.gov + Description + Benefits + Questions Job Description This position will be responsible for monitoring contractor progress and performance, delivery, acceptance, reporting, compliance with specifications, and payment approvals for child welfare contracts, while adhering to applicable law and administrative rules. This position will work on a cross-functional team, which includes contract specialists, policy, finance, legal, and operations staff. This position will also coordinate monitoring duties across programmatic, fiscal, and organizational monitoring. Responsibilities: Duties of this position include: • Conducting contract monitoring, including analysis of contractor fiscal and administrative performance through desk audits or on-site reviews, adherence to contract requirements and timelines, gathering and interpreting data, overseeing improvement plans, and reporting results. • Interpreting and communicating contractual requirements and laws/regulations affecting delivery of child welfare services. • Acting as a liaison between contractors and state personnel, including program policy staff and leadership. Communicates information between the parties and actively works to identify and resolve issues. • Performing contracting activities, including issuing, or assisting with competitive procurement activities, contract negotiations, managing contracting documentation, approving claims in accordance with contract terms, and contract close-out activities. • Participating in reviewing, making recommendations, and assisting with updating HHS contracting processes. • Participating in reviewing, making recommendations, and assisting with updating programmatic policies related to contract performance or fiscal procedures. Requirements: • Detail Oriented • Minimum education and experience: High School Diploma or GED with at least two years of contract development or fiscal claims processing or contract monitoring experience • Competent in Microsoft Office The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, juggling multiple work demands with competing priorities Benefits Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth: + Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage:Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage! + Paid Time Off:Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year). + Retirement Plans:Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month). + Flexible Spending Accounts:Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses. + Insurance Coverage:Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind. + Employee Assistance Program:Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges. + Employee Discount Programs:Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs. For additional information on benefits click here. Click hereto see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator. Background Checks Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position. The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD). Our agency uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Minimum Qualification Requirements Graduation from high school, or G.E.D., and eight years of full-time work experience in the procurement of technical, standardized, expendable, and non-expendable items, or in services procurement and contract administration, including the review of ongoing compliance with contract requirements and terms; OR graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in business or public administration, accounting or economics and four years of the required experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting one year of education (30 semester hours or one year) for each year of the required experience; OR graduate course work from an accredited college or university in business or public administration, accounting, or economics, may be substituted to a maximum substitution of one year (30 semester hours or one year) of the required experience; OR employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to eighteen months as a Purchasing Agent 2. For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description. (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class\_and\_pay/JobClassDescriptions/PurchasingAgent3-00212.pdf) Why Choose the State of Iowa? At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice. Our Robust Benefits Package Includes: Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise. Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits. Health and Wellness: Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost. Retirement Planning: We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS (https://ipers.org/members) . Paid Time Off: Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters. Professional Development: Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement. Employee Assistance Program (EAP): We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program. Diversity and Inclusion: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation. Join Us - Elevate Your Career: Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority! 01 Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely.Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question.Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa. + Yes - I understand and agree. + No 02 PLEASE READ CAREFULLY Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq? + No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq + Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq 03 Do you have a High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (G.E.D.)?IF YESHow many years do you have of full-time work experience in the procurement of technical, standardized, expendable, and non-expendable items, or in services procurement and contract administration, including the review of ongoing compliance with contract requirements and terms? + No experience in the identified areas + Less than two years of experience in the identified areas + Two years to less than four years of experience in the identified areas + Four years to less than six years of experience in the identified areas + Six years to less than eight years of experience in the identified areas + Eight or more years of experience in the identified areas 04 Have you graduated from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in business or public administration, accounting or economics?IF YESHow many years do you have of full-time work experience in the procurement of technical, standardized, expendable, and non-expendable items, or in services procurement and contract administration, including the review of ongoing compliance with contract requirements and terms? + No experience in the identified areas + Less than two years of experience in the identified areas + Two years to less than three years of experience in the identified areas + Three years to less than four years of experience in the identified areas + Four or more years of experience in the identified areas 05 How many years do you have of combined post high school education in business, public administration, accounting, or economics AND/OR full-time work experience in the procurement of technical, standardized, expendable, and non-expendable items, or in services procurement and contract administration, including the review of ongoing compliance with contract requirements and terms? (30 semester hours equals one year of experience) + No experience in the identified areas + Less than two years of combined post high school education and/or experience in the identified areas + Two years to less than four years of combined post high school education and/or experience in the identified areas + Four years to less than six years of combined post high school education and/or experience in the identified areas + Six years to less than eight years of combined post high school education and/or experience in the identified areas + Eight or more years of combined post high school education and/or experience in the identified areas 06 How many years do you have of a combination of GRADUATE level (post bachelor's degree) course work from an accredited college or university in business or or public administration, accounting, or economics AND/OR experience in the procurement of technical, standardized, expendable, and non-expendable items, or in services procurement and contract administration, including the review of ongoing compliance with contract requirements and terms? 30 semester hours equals one year of experience. Applicants may substitute a MAXIMUM of 30 semester hours (1 year) of graduate level course work in the designated areas and must have a minimum of three years of the identified experience. + I do not have any of the combined graduate education and/or experience + Less than four years of the combined graduate education and/or experience + Four years or more of the combined graduate education and/or experience 07 Are you a current State of Iowa employee (executive branch)? IF YES – Do you have 18 months of full-time work experience in the classification of Purchasing Agent 2 for the State of Iowa? + Not applicable - I am not a State of Iowa employee + Yes + No Required Question Employer State of Iowa Website hhs.iowa.gov Apply Please verify your email addressVerify Email