What are the responsibilities and job description for the Contracts and Grants Specialist I position at County of Contra Costa, California?
The Position
We are currently recruiting for two (2) Contract & Grants Specialist I vacancies in the Health Services Department. However, the eligible list resulting from this recruitment may also be used to fill other vacancies countywide.
Why Join Contra Costa Health Services?
Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) mission is to care for and improve the health of all people in Contra Costa County with special attention to those who are most vulnerable to health problems. Contra Costa Health Services is the largest department of County government, employing more than 4,250 individuals. CCHS provides high-quality services with respect to responsiveness to all. CCHS is an integrated system of health care services (both primary and behavioral health care), community health improvement, and environmental protection. Health Services encourages creative, ethical, and tenacious leadership to implement effective health policies and programs.
This position will be assigned to the Health Services Department’s Contracts and Grants Unit located at 50 Douglas Drive Suite #320A. This Unit is responsible for processing over 1700 contracts per year for all of the Health Services Divisions including the Office of the Director, Public Health, Behavioral Health, Contra Costa Regional Medical Center, Environment Health, Hazardous Materials, Contra Costa Health Plan and Health, Housing and Homeless Services Divisions.
Professional services contracts may include contracts with individuals including consultants, accountants, physicians, therapists, and many different medical professionals. It also includes contracts with Community Based Organizations that run various programs for the County including drug abuse and mental health treatment programs. The Unit is responsible for processing incoming grants with the State, Federal, and other grantors.
This Unit is responsible for following policies and procedures put in place by County Counsel, Risk Management, County Administrator’s Office, Purchasing Agent and Auditor Controller. The unit is responsible for working with Clerk of the Board to place contracts on the Board of Supervisors Agenda for consideration. This position is essential to ensure that all deadlines are meet so contractor can be paid in a timely manner and there are no interruptions in services provided to County’s patients and clients.
This is an exciting time to join Contra Costa County!
We are looking for someone who:
- Is reliable and accountable. You will make commitments to what you are required to do and take full responsibility for the results.
- Is innovative and solutions-focused. You will need to take a fresh look at various past practices and identify opportunities to modernize and streamline the work of your team.
- Has the ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
- Is detailed-oriented. You will need the ability to pay attention to details to avoid human errors.
- Is organized and results-driven. You will need to balance multiple assignments and priorities in a fast-paced environment and ensure the timely participation of other team members.
- Is adaptive to changes. You will follow detailed instructions that can constantly change and document findings accordingly.
- Has a positive work attitude. You will have the ability to handle stress in a positive way.
What you will typically be responsible for:
- Prioritizing assigned contracts.
- Meeting deadlines for assigned contracts.
- Working with County Counsel, Risk Management, CAO, Purchasing Agent and Auditor to ensure appropriate procedures have been followed.
- Drafting clear and concise contract language.
- Communicating with your Supervisor appropriately when issues arise.
- Working with others in the Unit to share information and complete projects.
- Researching policies, procedures, prior decisions, and prior contracts to ensure all are implemented into assigned contracts.
- Following up on assigned contracts to keep them moving.
A few reasons you might love this job:
- The contracts created help many members of the community to receive necessary services
- You will be responsible for prioritizing own assignments
- It feels good to complete a legally binding agreement
- You get to work with Health Services staff, other County-wide staff, and vendors.
- You are able to create contract language on your own
A few challenges you might face in this job:
- Policies and procedures change often
- Lots of information to keep track of
- Strict deadlines
- Need approvals for various places on work assignments
Competencies Required:
- Analyzing & Interpreting Data: Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative and qualitative data.
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding and using written information.
- Legal & Regulatory Navigation: Understanding, interpreting, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
- Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job.
- Action & Results Focused (Taking Initiative): Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishment.
- Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products.
- Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honest, adherence to principles, and personal accountability.
- Presentation Skill: Formally delivering information to groups.
- Writing: Communicating effectively in writing.
- Negotiating: Reaching mutually satisfying agreements and compromise.
- Professional Impact: Presenting self as a positive representative of the organization.
- Delegating: Sharing responsibility, authority, and accountability.
- Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals.
- Business Process Analysis: Defining, assessing, and improving operational processes and workflow.
- Project Management: Ensuring that projects are on-time, on-budget, and achieve their objectives.
Read the complete job description at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/contracosta/classspecs/4510
The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six months.
Minimum Qualifications
License Required: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License. Out of state valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License will be accepted during the application process.
Education: Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in business administration, public administration or a closely related field.
Substitution: Experience in processing or preparing grant applications, state and federal contracts or purchases of service contracts may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of four (4) years.
Selection Process
- Application Filing and Evaluation: Applicants will be required to complete a supplemental questionnaire at the time of application, applications will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
- Online Multiple-Choice Assessment: Candidates who possess the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in an online multiple-choice assessment. The assessment will be conducted online to measure candidates; competencies as they relate to the Contracts and Grants Specialist I classification. These may include but are not limited to: Analyzing & Interpreting Data, Reading Comprehension, Professional & Technical Expertise, Action and Results Focused, Attention to Detail, Professional Integrity & Ethics, Writing, and Project Management.
TENTATIVE EXAM DATES
Multiple Choice Test: Tentatively scheduled to take place via computer (remotely)
November 26 - December 1, 2025
November 26 - December 1, 2025
The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.
For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Rachel Filamor at Rachel.Filamor@hrd.cccounty.us For any technical issues, please contact the Government Jobs’ applicant support team for assistance at 1 855-524-5627.
CONVICTION HISTORY
After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.