What are the responsibilities and job description for the DSHS ALTSA Contracts Specialist 3 position at State of Washington Dept. of Social and Health...?
Description
Contracts Specialist 3 - WA Cares Key Contract Coordinator
Are you someone who thrives in complex policy environments and wants your contracting work to make a lasting impact? The Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA) are hiring for a Contracts Specialist 3 to join the Management Services Division's (MSD) Contract Unit in Lacey, WA.
This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the success of the WA Cares Fund—the first publicly funded long-term care insurance program in the United States. Created by the Washington State Legislature, WA Cares provides affordable long-term care coverage to all working Washingtonians and sets a national precedent in social insurance.
As part of the contract unit, you will manage the statewide contracting process for WA Cares—supporting the creation, oversight, and execution of personal services, interlocal, and competitive procurement agreements. You’ll serve as a Key Contract Coordinator (KCC) with delegated authority, provide policy guidance, establish procedures, and collaborate closely with legal and program staff to ensure contract quality and compliance.
This is a rare opportunity to help implement a first-of-its-kind program—impacting lives in Washington and potentially shaping the future of long-term care policy across the country.
Please note: This position works a flexible/hybrid schedule based on business needs. The current expectation is that there will occasionally be in-person meetings throughout the year. Office space is available if the successful candidate wants to be present in-office more frequently.
- Prepare, review and negotiate personal service, interlocal, and custom client contracts for the WA Cares program.
- Assist with competitive procurements and guide resulting negotiations and contracts.
- Collaborate with the Department of Enterprise Services, Central Contract and Legal Services, and the Attorney General’s Office on contract language and regulatory review.
- Provide advice and guidance to program and field staff when disputes or compliance issues arise.
- Maintain and modify contract templates and develop internal policies and procedures.
- Act as a Key Contract Coordinator, ensuring agency-wide adherence to contracting policies under DSHS Administrative Policy 13.10. (Download PDF reader)
- Manage pre-contract documentation and ensure every agreement meets state and federal requirements before execution.
- Monitor statewide contract activity to maintain compliance with reporting requirements and performance expectations.
Who should apply?
Three or more years of experience** in negotiating, administering, or terminating government contracts, contract property management, contract cost or price analyses or contract compliance administration.
- Additional qualifying experience may be substituted year for year, for the education.
Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities we're looking for:
- Contract interpretation – Ability to navigate and explain legal and technical contract language, ensuring clarity and compliance across the board.
- Policy development – Experience creating policies that translate federal and state guidance into practical procedures.
- Analytical thinking – Ability to interpret financial data and identify trends in contract budgets and expenditures
- Communication – Skilled in clearly articulating complex concepts to stakeholders at all levels, including staff, contractors, and executives.
- Negotiation – Proven strength in managing high-level procurement discussions and contract settlements.
- Regulatory fluency – Strong knowledge of Washington state procurement rules, DSHS and DES policies, and public sector contract law.
- Collaboration – Comfortable acting as a liaison across multiple entities and navigating bureaucratic frameworks with tact and confidence.
- Systems expertise – Experience using contract management systems to track workflows, generate reports, and maintain compliance documentation.
- Adaptability – Thrives in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment with shifting priorities and emerging needs.
- Attention to detail – Ensures documentation, templates, and procedures are executed precisely and align with current policy.
Interested? Apply today!
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring an equity, anti-racism, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to create greater access and affirming representation of the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Questions? Please contact georgina.pringle@dsha.wa.gov and reference job number 02578.
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
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