Dcf/Dfes/Bwf/Pips

DCF/DFES/BWF/PIPS

Contracts Specialist Advanced

Position #338827

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Program Integrity and Performance Section Chief, this position provides contract administration and oversight, technical assistance and contract monitoring to the Transform MilwaukeeJobs (TMJ) and Transitional Jobs (TJ) program contract agencies.The position is responsible to ensure local agency conformance with complex program requirements and assure effective high-quality services at the local level. This position investigates and resolves problems related to funds, budgets and expenditures, and provides reports and analyses on complex fiscal issues, as assigned.The position monitors and evaluates contract compliance with state and/or federal laws, rules, policies and guidelines; monitors local agency achievement of program performance standards; and coordinates with agencies to resolve customer and constituent concerns with services. This position is in the Bureau of Working Families (BWF) in the Division of Family and Economic Security.

The Bureau administers the Wisconsin Works (W-2) and related programs. W-2 is Wisconsin's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program for low-income custodial parents, non-custodial parents and pregnant women. Related programs include: 1) The Emergency Assistance program, 2) The Job Access Loan program, 3) Contracted Child Care, and 4) Refugees Cash Assistance. BWF has multiple online applications it uses to administer these various programs, including Client Assistance for Re-employment and Economic Support (CARES), CARES Worker Web (CWW), the Barrier Screening Tool (BST), and the Emergency Assistance Tracking System (EATS). To compile data from these systems and create reports, BWF uses Business Objects to develop its Web Intelligence (WebI) reports.

The Bureau also administers:

1. The Transform Milwaukee and Transitional Jobs programs, which provide subsidized employment to parents and low-income young adults.

1. Community Services Block Grants (CSBG) to local Community Action Agencies to provide services to low income residents of their communities.

1. Other TANF funded contracts providing a variety of services to low income adults and youth.

The Program Integrity and Performance Section (PIPS) is located within BWF and assists in the administration of bureau contracts, develops and monitors contract performance outcomes, monitors contract compliance with state and federal requirements, and provides technical assistance to contractors. While Contractor-specific monitoring transcends sections within BWF and DCF, the section is also responsible for assisting with ad hoc monitoring requests.

DESCRIBE THE GOALS AND WORKER ACTIVITIES OF THIS POSITION

TIME%GOALS AND WORKER ACTIVITIES

30%A. Provide Contract Administrative functions for subsidized employment contracts throughout the state.

A1. Issue contracts, contract renewals, and contract amendments for subsidized employment programs and ensure their timely return from contractors. Provide input in determining appropriate funding allocations for the subsidized employment contracts.

A2. Maintain the contract language, including relevant attachments and appendices, for TJ and TMJ contracts.

A3. Closely manage and monitor agency earnings and expenditures. Provide fiscal reports and evaluation on fiscal impacts of financial performance.

A4. Lead the creation of Request for Proposals for assigned contracts, including the development of benchmarks for rating proposals and the selection of vendors.

A5.Ensure that all TJ/TMJ contract agencies submit required reports. Review reports for completion and analysis of fiscal performance.

A6. Participate on workgroups and meetings related to contract development, renewals or evaluations. Act as lead in meetings related to subsidized employment contract development, renewals or evaluations.

A7. Coordinate periodic subsidized employment contract meetings and develop materials for discussion at these meetings.

A8. Review and process subsidized employment programcapitation reports, and submit to finance for payment.

20%B. Coordinate the maintenance of policy and systems that support subsidized employment contracts, and other contracts as assigned.

B1. Participate in workgroups that develop policy and implement policy for TJ, TMJ or other programs as assigned.

B2. Maintain an understanding of the complex business requirements for system developments, fixes, changes and enhancements to ensure automation of policy is accurate. Participate in workgroups based on program development, changes or updates.

B3. Perform user acceptance testing/regression testing of TJ, TMJ or assigned program system modifications.

B4. Participate in the development of training and policy materials related to the rollout of new policy or systems related to TJ, TMJ or other assigned programs.

B5. Identify needed system changes, engage contract agencies in identify needs and requirements.

B6. Participate in the development and updates of WebI monitoring reports and tools for TJ, TMJ or other assigned programs.

B7. Provide support and technical assistance to TJ and TMJ contract agencies.

35%C. Conduct contract and program monitoring of TJ, TMJ contracts and other contracts as assigned.

C1. Monitor TJ, TMJ and other assigned program agencies for compliance with federal and state statutes, policies, rules and regulations.

C2. Monitor TJ and TMJ agency performance towards meeting capitation goals. Provide consultation and technical assistance to assure achievement of program goals.

C3. Monitor and evaluate local program implementation through a review of agency processes, case reviews and customer and employer feedback.

C4. Review and assure that agencies are in compliance under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

C5.Investigate and respond to complaints from TJ and TMJ workers, advocates, legislators and others regarding TJ and TMJ program services.

C6. Coordinate with other workforce systems, community organizations and the technical college system. Connect TJ and TMJ contract agencies with these and other resources as appropriate to enhance services to participants.

C7. Maintain knowledge and understanding on state and federal statutes, policies, rules and regulations related to TANF, sub-recipient monitoring and cost allocation.

15%D. Perform other functions critical to the success of the Section and Bureau.

D1. Develop and maintain an understanding of process development, including LEAN principles.

D2. Participate in Section and Bureau meetings, state/local advisory boards or workgroups, policy planning groups, and program and project implementation groups.

D3. Participate on Bureau, Division or Departmental work groups as assigned or as a volunteer.

D4. Assist in the testing and implementation of changes related to CARES/CWW, Webi or other systems.

D5. Utilize unique skills (e.g. language, meeting facilitation, technical software expertise) to assist BWF operations.

D6. Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

1. Knowledge of federal and state statutes, including administrative rules and policies governing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs such as Wisconsin Works, Transform Milwaukee Jobs, Transitional Jobs, etc.

1. Knowledge of accepted practices and procedures for Requests for Proposals, competitive bidding and contracting.

1. Extensive knowledge of program management, agency administration, and practices of public administration, including sub-recipient monitoring.

1. Knowledge of and ability to use automated data systems such as SPARC, CARES, CWW, WebI.

1. Ability to use Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Project.

1. Ability to communicate, negotiate, and advise on matters that are highly complex and sensitive in nature. Ability to communicate effectively with persons on all levels both inside and outside the organization.

1. Excellent written communication skills.

1. Excellent critical thinking skills and judgment.Analytical and problem-solving skills and ability to accurately and appropriately assess and address discrepancies.

1. Knowledge of program and fiscal monitoring, assessment, and evaluation analysis techniques.

1. Ability to compile and analyze data, prepare and interpret program and fiscal reports.

1. Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks pertaining to program and state administrative responsibilities.

1. Ability to work as a team member or facilitator utilizing team resources.

1. Ability to establish positive working relationships with other agencies in the interest of quality human service delivery.

1. Ability to work independently, plan and coordinate workload demands, coordinate with other staff and agencies as needed, and raise issues to management in order to complete tasks timely.

Travel within the state is required on an occasional basis.

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