Grants And Contracts Specialist

The State of Connecticut, Department of Social Services, located at 55 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT is recruiting for a Grants and Contracts Specialist to work in our Contracts Administration within the Financial Services Division. This is a full-time (40 hours per week M-F) position.

The Department of Social Services (DSS) delivers and funds a wide range of programs and services as Connecticut’s multi-faceted health and human services agency.  DSS serves about 1 million residents of all ages in all 169 Connecticut cities and towns.  We support the basic needs of children, families, older and other adults, including persons with disabilities.  Services are delivered through 12 field offices, central administration, and online and phone access options.  Follow us on twitter@ctdss and see what we are all about!                                                                                                                                                                   

The following documents may be requested:

Non State Candidates:

• Two (2) supervisory reference letters.

State Employees:

• Two (2) most recent Performance Appraisals and Attendance Records.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Meiko Chandler at meiko.chandler@ct.gov, 860-424-5819.

In a state agency, this class is accountable for performing as a specialist in planning, implementation, management and evaluation of a large complex grant program or group of programs in one field where responsibilities are assumed for program development, liaison and coordination with federal, state and community agencies and organizations, program implementation and administration, program monitoring and assessment.

Oversight and administration of all contracts and procurement functions within the Contract Administration Unit with related support functions in the area of vendor management and contract negotiations to include but not limited to supporting the Connecticut Medicaid Enterprise Technology System (CT METS) and Shared Services initiatives. Developing and preparing of contracts for the department and ensuring that the department complies with policies and procedures pertaining to contracting promulgated by the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) and that all contracts contain the requisite contract provisions, as directed by OPM and the Attorney General's Office.  Identifying and facilitating contract variations to achieve improved performance measures and outcomes while maintaining compliance and ongoing vendor evaluation of performance standards, service level agreements and expectations.  Assistance with the preparation of Federal Advance Planning Documents.

Considerable knowledge of grant preparation and administration; considerable knowledge of program evaluation and monitoring functions; knowledge of research methods and techniques; some knowledge of budget preparation and monitoring; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; ability to utilize computer software; some supervisory ability.

Seven (7) years of experience in planning, implementation and/or management of grant programs on a community, state or federal level.

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in a closely related field may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

Preference will be given to candidates who have experience in developing requests for proposals, contracts, performance measures, contract compliance and monitoring and effective vendor management, preferably including experience in an organization providing human services; must have superior writing skills and ability including editing content, style and grammar; must have proven experience in grants management, contract development and  administration with considerable knowledge of and ability to interpret relevant State and Federal laws, statutes and regulations; preferred experience of the full procurement process with solicitation for various awards of cost-effective performance based contracts; preferred working knowledge with healthcare, human services or information technology related contracts or experience working in the healthcare, human services or information technology related areas or have healthcare, human services or information technology regulatory experience on a State or Federal level; preferred interpersonal skills and be customer service oriented; must have very effective strong oral and written communication skills; must be able to coordinate and lead small project teams; preferred knowledge of budget preparation.  Candidates should have ability to utilize multiple computer software with strong working experience and personal computer skills with Microsoft Word and Excel including preparation of spreadsheets, word processing and presentation software. Candidates should have the ability to work independently with good problem solving skills, ability to adapt to changing needs by acquiring new skills and knowledge, managing multiple priorities, organize, interpret, communicate data and adapt to changing work priorities and compressed deadlines. 

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.