Description

The Deputy Contracts Administrator directs the overall operations of The Office of Contracts and Procurements (OCP) and is directly responsible for OCP staff tools, resources, and development. They are the second in command to the Contracts Administrator and are responsible for setting the tone and direction of the customer experience. This position is further responsible for contracting and procurement, policy development and improvement. If you have experience with government contracts, enjoy streamlining processes and implementing your ideas, this may be the position for you!

All HCA employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes.

About the division:

The Health Care Authority (HCA) administers programs that provide health care coverage to approximately 2.2 million Washington residents. HCA provides health care coverage to 370,000 public employees, retirees and their dependents and Washington residents and an additional 200,000 to 300,000 school employees. HCA is the largest health insurer in Washington State, responsible for over $20 billion of the state's biennial budget, which are dispersed primarily through contractual relationships. In addition to these traditional and ongoing roles, HCA is spearheading efforts to consolidate Washington State government's multi-billion dollar annual health care purchasing and the state's implementation of federal health care reform.

About the position:

The Office of Contracts and Procurements (OCP) is part of the Division of Legal Services (DLS) within the Central Services Administration (CSA) of the Health Care Authority. It provides contractual and procurement leadership, education, and support to all divisions of the agency at all employee levels to mitigate risks, comply with changing laws and assist the agency in accomplishing its goals. The Contracts Administrator is the Section Manager of OCP and provides contract and procurement direction to all HCA contracting, procurement, purchasing activity.

Duties

Some of what you will do:

This position is the second in command of the Office of Contracts and Procurement (OCP). OCP is a very large section with many units and teams. This position has the full delegated authority to act on behalf of the Contracts Administrator; duties performed may include:

• 
  Plans, leads, and directs OCP recruitment, onboarding, employer of choice activities and strategies, staff development, recruitment, and teambuilding activities in accordance with HCA administrative policies and procedures.
• Plans, leads, and implements contracts and procurement related training programs for contracts professionals within OCP as well as the staff that manage contracts to meet conditions prescribed by state and federal law and regulation in managing those contracts.
• Manage contract, legal or policy training and develops and presents briefing materials in person or in writing to the Contracts Administrator, Chief Legal Officer or other executives, managers, and line staff, including contracts management training required by state regulation.
• Research and implement laws, rules, policies, and procedures governing the development and execution of contracts of all types used by HCA; interpret published federal or state rules or requirements, and competently advises agency staff.
• Develop and administer policies, procedures, and processes for contracting and procurement as appropriate to ensure consistent agency practices.
• Analyze bills and legislation as it pertains to contract and procurement for the agency and informs executive leadership of any potential benefits or challenges from proposed legislation.
• Participate in the development and management of the agency’s grant application/management policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with agency senior and executive leadership on process improvement initiatives and special assignments; and with Division of Legal Services Management Team to resolve organizational issues, and other duties as assigned.
• Responsible for developing the agency’s response to DES Risk Assessments.
• Provides support to Contracts Administrator and OCP Unit Supervisors in administering large scale contracting and procurement projects.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

Qualified candidates will meet one of the following criteria:

• 
  A Juris Doctorate in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association AND three years of the experience as defined below, OR
• Master’s degree AND four years of the experience as defined below, OR
• Bachelor’s degree AND five years of the experience as defined below, OR
• Seven years of the experience as defined below
• Note: required degree in business administration, public administration, contracting, business law, commerce, mathematics, statistics, economics, or closely allied field.

The experience required:

• Advanced/senior level state government experience (or closely related private sector experience) procuring, negotiating, administering, or terminating contracts.

Required skills and abilities:

• Experience leading others through change and adversity.
• Experience developing and implementing training.
• Experience with technical and/or policy writing.
• Expert knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing public procurement and contract administration.
• Advanced knowledge of implementing process improvements and setting up monitoring mechanisms to ensure improved performance.
• Expert knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of large-scale purchasing, and methods employed in the preparation of specifications and analysis of bids;
• Ability to work with diverse groups of people and work collaboratively with others.
• Ability to handle customer service questions and complaints in a professional manner.
• Meets commitments, works independently, accepts accountability, stays focused under pressure.

Preferred qualifications:

• A Juris Doctorate in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association.
• Experience working with Medicaid, the behavioral health industry, information technology, and/or employer group insurance plans.
• Working knowledge of laws related to intellectual property, software licenses, computers and internet preferred.
• Working knowledge of insurance contracting and procurement.
• Experience with federal grants, subawards, and state grants.
• A law degree from an accredited college or university approved by the Washington State Bar Association.
• Two or more years of project management experience.
• Two or more years developing and providing training.
• Supervisory experience including conducting employee performance reviews.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex information, verbally and in writing to a non-technical audience.
• Experience with federal grants and subawards
• Extensive working knowledge of rule and policy making in a state government setting, preferably in large agency setting.

How to apply:

Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach:

• A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position
• Current resume

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
• Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Supplemental Information

About HCA:
The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is committed to whole-person care, integrating physical health and behavioral health services for better results and healthier residents.

HCA purchases health care for more than 2.5 million Washington residents through Apple Health (Medicaid), the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) Program, and the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) Program. As the largest health care purchaser in the state, we lead the effort to transform health care, helping ensure Washington residents have access to better health and better care at a lower cost.

What we have to offer:

• Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve Voices of HCA
• A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered HCA's Mission, Vision & Values
• A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.
• A great total compensation and benefit package WA State Government Benefits
• A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby.
• Tuition reimbursement
• And free parking!

Notes:
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.

HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Lisa Fleming at (360) 725-1723 or lisa.fleming@hca.wa.gov.