Contract Specialist III

The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is dedicated to creating, in partnership with others, innovative and genuine opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate fully and meaningfully in, and contribute to, their communities as valued members.

The Department of Developmental Services is seeking a candidate for the Contract Specialist III position. The primary function of the Contract Specialist III position is to track allocations and expenditures, forecast potential savings and review monthly utilization for individuals with developmental disabilities.

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

1. Ensure compliance with all applicable statutes, regulations, rules, policies, and regulatory requirements.

2. Provide recommendations, guidance, and technical assistance to Area Offices and providers regarding funding account selection, appropriations, service eligibility (including Autism and T22), and fiscal processes.

3. Maintain accurate, up-to-date electronic financial tracking systems and spreadsheets reflecting expenditures, allocations, encumbrances, and contract crosswalks.

4. Analyze annual Area allocations to support re-engagements; identify fund types, appropriations, transfers (within and across Areas), and account details for the new fiscal year.

5. Coordinate and process re-engagements, new fiscal year contracts, amendments, start-ups, capital improvements, and new home openings in alignment with Regional spending plans and Comptroller deadlines.

6. Review, process, and verify all engagement, amendment, and contract submissions for completeness, required documentation, accuracy of encumbrances, and proper appropriation coding.

7. Monitor and approve transfers (intra- and inter-region) and assist with Area of Assignment updates and related fiscal adjustments.

8. Review and approve FMIS authorizations, ensuring alignment of start/end dates, service codes, rates, roster terms, and correct encumbrance of funds, including LUSA authorizations.

9. Develop, maintain, and submit hourly rosters based on FMIS authorizations for approval and encumbrance during amendment cycles.

10. Run and analyze FMIS/MOSAIC and related system reports to validate transactions, monitor utilization, prevent reversions, and provide timely fiscal updates to management and Area staff.

11. Prepare fiscal analyses, reports, and documentation to support decision-making by the Regional Contracts Manager and DDS leadership.

12. Perform additional contract management and administrative duties, special projects, and related assignments as required.

Required Qualifications (this is a general summary and not all inclusive) :

1. Knowledge of the principles and practices of business law relative to contracts.

2. Knowledge of the methods of general report writing,

3. Ability to understand, explain and apply the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines governing the department contracting process.

4. Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of contract data, to draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.

5. Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written expression.

6. Ability to accurately record information provided orally.

7. Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information.

8. Ability to exercise sound judgment.

9. Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of supervision

Please Note :

This position is located in the Regional Office in Springfield, MA

Schedule: 9:00am – 5:00pm

Days Off: Sunday/Saturday

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:

Pre-Hire Process:

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Record Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

• Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

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

• Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) Abuse Registry Search:
• Criminal background check (CORI) by regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services.
• National Background Checks, Chapter 234 of the Acts of 2014, conduct fingerprint-based check.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

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.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

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-Springfield- 1 Federal Street

Job : Administrative Services

Agency : Department of Developmental Services

Schedule : Full-time

Shift : Day

Job Posting : Mar 16, 2026, 8:06:07 AM

Number of Openings : 1

Salary : 69,600.44 - 99,525.66 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, [email protected] - 8572835830

Bargaining Unit : 06-NAGE - Professional Admin.

Confidential : No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : Yes