Salary: $69,348.00 - $93,288.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Lacey, WA
Job Type: Agency Internal - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number:Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: HCLA
Opening Date: 07/16/2026
Closing Date: 7/26/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
DescriptionManagement Services Division (MSD) Contracts Specialist 3We are searching for an experienced DSHS Contract Specialist 3 to provide senior-level work and serve as a contract professional responsible for overseeing contract policy and procedures and ensuring contracts are in compliance as assigned to HCLA and the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA).
As a
Contract Specialist 3, you help ensure our contracts are clear, compliant, and support the work of the agency. You interpret and apply state and federal contracting rules, work with management to develop and maintain standard procedures, and provide guidance to staff on contracting requirements. You create, review, and approve regional custom contracts, maintain pre-approved and semi-custom templates, and oversee the full lifecycle of the Administration's contracts to support consistency, accuracy, and compliance.
This Lacey-based job offers a hybrid telework schedule, with occasional presence at headquarters for on-site meetings.
Some of what you will do- Contract development and management to prepare review, and negotiate contracts, including preapproved templates, semicustom agreements, and custom client, personal, and interlocal contracts for HCLA/DDA.
- Statewide contract management and oversight to ensure consistent statewide practices for vendor and contract evaluation, management, and oversight.
- Provide strategic leadership and program support through proactive collaboration, communication, and relationship building between the contracts office and the assigned portfolio to establish and maintain a positive working relationship.
- Provide guidance and assistance regarding disputes and corrective action and coordinate with DSHS Central Contracts and Legal Services (CCLS) terminations for default.
- Function as Key Contract Coordinator for contracts to ensure statewide contract compliance with CCLS. Act as the liaison between regional contract staff and CCLS.
- Instruct, problem-solve and create custom contracts Agency Contracts Database system.
- Provide consultation and technical assistance for program staff regarding contract creation, monitoring, and requirements
Professionals that have knowledge of DSHS and DES regulations, policies, and procedures for preparation of contracts and agreements, business and professional services, practices and trends, sources of supply and cost factors, contract terminology and development should apply. Along with:- A bachelor's degree with a major study in business administration, public administration, business law, commerce, economics, mathematics, statistics, or a closely related field.
- And, 3 years of experience in negotiating, administering, or terminating contracts, contract property management, contract cost or price analysis, or contract compliance administration.
- Also needed: Skilled research, interpreting, and analyzing skills, applying laws, rules and policies, multitasking, and being meticulous about details. Effective communication and facilitation skills, thoughtful and thorough in approach, and continuously seeking new information to stay current on industry & DSHS best practices.
Additional contract-related experience may be substituted, year for year, for education. A master's degree in the above-mentioned disciplines will substitute for one year of work experience. A law degree will substitute for 2 years of work experience.
Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Washington State and federal laws and regulations governing contracts and agreements, contract principles, theory and application, contracts terminology and development, and contracts practices and procedures.
- Capable to negotiate with representatives of business to agree on terms of contracts, assure compliance with terms of contracts.
- Recognize desirable contract terms and provisions and ability to identify areas and incidents of non-compliance within existing contracts.
DSHS partners with people to access support, care, and resources.
Questions? Please contact the Recruiter Jenny at or 360-725-5810 and reference #05867.
Supplemental InformationPrior 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.
Updated 01-07-2026
