Contract Services Program Manager

To be considered for OPD positions applicants must complete and submit their application online as well as upload any required application materials. This position may be based out of any OPD Office in the State of Montana.

Our Mission

To Provide the Most Compassionate and Expert Defense of Clients and the Constitution

Our Vision

Creating Expert Teams of Advocates for Justice Bringing Respect and Dignity to our Clients to Achieve Holistic and Equitable Outcomes

Reasons to work for the Office of the Public Defender:Our work changes lives! OPDs work makes a difference for the people in our Defenders work for their clients protect constitutional rights and ensure the system remains are proud of the work we do. To find out more about OPD visit our website.

Benefits of working for OPD:The ability toworkandplayin thebeautiful state of Montanais one of the benefits you will love about this opportunity!Montana offers theaters museums fairs rodeos a high-quality educational system and many recreational mountains rivers and lakes provide year-round opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing hiking camping boating biking hunting skiing and snowmobiling can be accessed throughout our great state.

Other fantastic benefits include:

• Health coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid vacation sick leave and holidays
• Work/life balance
• Flexible schedules
• Opportunities and room for professional growth
• Telework (when applicable)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness -Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive public service loan forgiveness visit the Federal Student Aid website to learn more!

Materials Required of Applicants:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• References:Please provide contact information for (2) current or former supervisors and (1) professional peer.

About this Opportunity!

Job Overview: The Contract Services Program Manager providers leadership and oversight of the Contract Services Program within the Office of the Public Defender (OPD). Duties include supervision of Contract Services Program staff; program development and oversight ensuring contractor compliance with OPD practice standards procedures and policies; providing quality assurance of contractor services; and developing and maintaining relationships with OPD contractors; and responding to requests for program-related assistance. The Contract Services Program Manager is ultimately responsible for the efficient effective and timely completion of all Contract Services Program functions.

The ideal Contract Services Program Manager candidate demonstrates integrity accountability and a commitment to equitable justice. The foster collaboration among staff contractors and stakeholders and champion operational excellence in service delivery to clients who depend on OPD representation.

Essential Functions (Major Duties and Responsibilities):

The job duties and responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to the following:

A. Contracted Services Management (65%)

• Responsible for the acquisition and termination of contractors work distribution administrative oversight and the development and process training of contractors providing OPD services.
• Recommend new and revise existing contracting standards procedures and policies for approval including the development and implementation of contracts consistent with statute.

• Provides contract services oversight and enforcement to ensure contractor compliance with established OPD and State of Montana standards procedures and policies.
• Provide internal and external training as to contracting requirements and administrative best practices.
• Work with internal and external criminal justice stakeholders to ensure contracting objectives are met.
• Review and investigate suspected contract violations.
• Oversee and ensure completion of the review and approval of contractor case assignments contractor billing contractor expense pre-authorizations client complaints of contractors Service Agreements Memorandums of Understanding new provider signups and renewals help tickets and all operations regarding contracted services management.
• Collaborate with the Central Services Division Administrator to continually improve the Contract Services Program and practices.
• Collaborate with agency leadership and other Department heads to increase the efficiency effectiveness and use of contracted services within OPD.
• Determine program goals in-line with agency priorities and make detailed plans to accomplish these goals.
• Recruitment and maintenance of contractor relationships including any necessary travel to do so.
• Receive research and respond to contractor inquiries and concerns in a timely manner providing information explaining policy and procedure and/or facilitating a resolution.
• Effectively communicate program updates changes requirements needs and any other relevant information to internal and external stakeholders.
• Recommend reimbursement rates for contracted services to the Director.

B. Office Supervision (30%)

• Responsible for hiring firing performance management discipline work distribution and employee development within the Contract Services Program.
• Supervise the work of Contract Services Program employees by establishing clear performance expectations accountability mechanisms and feedback cycles to ensure quality processes and effective use of resources within the Contract Services Program.

C. Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

Perform Other Duties as assigned.

Physical and Environmental Demands: This position works primarily in an office setting. Fluctuation of workload may require more than a 40-hour work week and requires occasional exposure to stressful situations. Depending on location travel to attend external and internal meetings around the state could be up to 10% of the time.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

This position requires:

• Knowledge of the Public Defender arena roles and duties of court-appointed counsel and general knowledge of business applications including contracting procurement human resource management financial management and budget processes.

• Knowledge of state court and agency policies procedures and practices regarding the appointment and assignment of counsel to represent the indigent.

• Strong organization time management and oral and written communication skills.

• Skilled use of standard office equipment programs and software.

• Ability to synthetize information across legal fiscal and operational contexts to make informed decisions and recommendations.

• Ability to foster interdisciplinary collaboration among legal administrative and management teams.

• Ability to learn understand and consistently utilize required agency systems including the agencys electronic case management system.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with others and to maintain professionalism in all situations.

• Ability to provide strong leadership and direction motivating and supervising others and solving complex management problems.

• Must be self-motivated and customer-oriented.