Contract Specialist III

Waltham, MA Full Time
POSTED ON 4/3/2024
The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) seeks a dynamic candidate to excel in the pivotal role of Contract Specialist III. This position is integral to managing the entire contracts/amendments process and overseeing fiscal reporting within contracts.

The ideal candidate will offer invaluable guidance, support, and assistance to agency staff, Area Directors, and Providers on all contract-related matters. Crucially, they will ensure optimal utilization of purchase of services funds, timely payment to providers, and compliance with governing laws and regulations.

If you're eager to embark on a journey of professional growth and make a positive contribution to our team, DDS invites you to apply. Your expertise and passion have the potential to shape a brighter future with us.


Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all-inclusive):


  • Process and review contract documents for accuracy, thoroughness, and compliance with governing laws, rules, and regulations.
  • Monitor the overall engagements and amendments process, ensuring proper documentation (Crosswalk, Roster, Authorization for services, MMARS) and timely updates.
  • Review and process engagement documents for assigned areas, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and the Regional Purchase of Service (POS) plan.
  • Develop and maintain contract crosswalks for reporting and projection purposes alongside electronic financial tracking and analysis.
  • Review and process authorized SDRs and payment invoices in EIM, resolving discrepancies, and following up with providers.
  • Monitor and analyze Utilization reports, identifying potential underutilization or reversions and coordinating with provider agencies.
  • Utilize various computer applications such as MMARS, Excel, ICMS, Virtual Gateway, and EIM for data verification, budget allocations, and reporting.
  • Reconcile Area FMIS with the Contract Officer's Internal tracking tools to maintain accurate fiscal data.
  • Maintain ICMS database for Chapter 257 contracts and amendments, providing reports for contract development and amendment processes.
  • Recommend policy and procedure changes to improve service quality and communicate with supervisors or the Contracts Manager.
  • Address discrepancies related to billings and contracts, collaborating with Areas, providers, and staff for resolution.
  • Regularly meet with Area or Site Directors and designated vendor professional staff to review contracts, budget issues, and contract-related matters.
  • Conduct annual reviews of provider contract work, attend meetings, and prepare contract-related documents for decision-making purposes.
  • Prepare contract-related documents and financial tracking reports for analysis and recommendation purposes, offering guidance on policy updates and contract issues.
  • Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Required Qualifications


  • Proficiency in basic accounting principles and practices.
  • Comprehensive understanding and application of laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures governing assigned unit activities.
  • Strong analytical skills to evaluate contract data and make informed recommendations.
  • Proficient in gathering information from records, documents, and individuals.
  • Ability to interpret and apply complex oral and written instructions.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Effective in providing clear, precise written and oral instructions.
  • Demonstrated ability to consistently meet deadlines.
  • Capable of preparing general reports.
  • Skilled in creating and utilizing charts, graphs, and tables.
  • Commitment to maintaining accurate records.
  • Proven ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with others.

Preferred Qualifications


  • In-depth understanding of laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines governing Contracts unit activities.
  • Familiarity with agency procedures and guidelines regarding Purchase of Service and provider contracts.
  • Proficiency in utilizing various agency forms for different purposes.
  • Understanding of proper procedures for making and receiving agency telephone calls.

About the Department of Developmental Services

The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to create innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to their communities as valued members. DDS serves over 43,000 vulnerable individuals throughout their lifetimes, providing a spectrum of day, employment, and residential supports. The agency directly oversees and manages $3 billion in public funds ($2.7B operating budget) and approximately 5,500 staff, the largest state employee workforce of any agency in the Massachusetts executive branch of government.

For more information about our agency and programs, visit: www.mass.gov/dds

Pre-Hire Process:

Recommended candidates must successfully complete pre-employment screening which includes:

  • Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/dppc-abuser-registry

  • Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services.

http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

  • National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check.

https://www.mass.gov/lists/dds-fingerprint-background-checks

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form

For technical help with MassCareers, including logging into your profile and/or resetting your password, please call the Employee Service Center at 617-979-8500 for assistance.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4.

Qualifications

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.


Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have at least (A) three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or technical experience in business administration, management or public administration, the major duties of which included contract management or contract administration and (B) of which at least one year must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in business administration, management, public administration or law may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.*

II. A Graduate degree with a major in business administration, management, public administration or law may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience.*

  • Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

NOTE: No substitutions will be permitted for the required (B) experience.

Special Requirements: None.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!


An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Official Title: Contract Specialist III
Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Waltham - 465 Waverly Oaks Rd
Job: Accounting and Finance
Agency: Department of Developmental Services
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: Day
Job Posting: Apr 2, 2024, 1:36:31 PM
Number of Openings: 1
Salary: 64,949.30 - 92,874.60 Yearly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Christina Hyppolite, Christina.R.Hyppolite@mass.gov - 8572835830
Bargaining Unit: 06-NAGE - Professional Admin.
Confidential: No
Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes

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