Salary: $30.74 Hourly
Location : Government Center, 100 Polk County Plaza, Balsam Lake, WI
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202600906
Department: Community Services Division
Opening Date: 06/11/2026
Closing Date: 7/5/2026 11:59 PM Central
DescriptionThe job duties of the Provider Relations/Contract Specialist include but are not limited to providing oversight, guidance and training to contracted providers within the Community Services Division (CSD). This position is responsible for the development and management of contracts under the direction of the Business Services Director.
Duties and ResponsiblitiesEssential Functions- Execute, maintain and monitor provider contracts for the CSD programs as outlined by policy and procedures.
- Works with CSD Business Services team, departmental and division administration to negotiate provider contracts and contract rates.
- Prepare contracts/addendums for signature, route and track contracts and addendums through appropriate approval processes.
- Collect, manage and monitor contract data and expenditures of signed contracts/addendums.
- Meet with prospective providers to discuss CSD programming and expectations of providers.
- Organize and facilitate county provider relations meetings. Communicate updates, contract changes and performance standards to providers.
- Coordinate and facilitate provider-based training related to contracting, onboarding and provider expectations.
- Provide coaching and guidance as necessary for provider related conflicts, breeches in contract and potential corrective action plans, with oversight by departmental and division administration.
- Coordinate, plan and implement various provider related projects, as assigned.
- Attend program, state and other meetings as appropriate.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Other Duties and Responsibilities- Other job-related duties may be necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the position.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
QualificationsEducation & Experience- Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of relevant work experience required.
- Associate's degree required and four (4) years of relevant work experience required.
- Combination of training and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, abilities and skills.
- Experience working with contracted vendors is preferred.
- Recent work experience in a human service, government or non-profit setting preferred.
- A valid driver's license is required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities- Ability to understand contracting processes and regulations related to the provision of mental health and substance abuse services.
- Ability to maintain a professional demeanor when working with staff and contracted providers.
- Ability to instruct and train in methods and procedures.
- Ability to understand programming, implement change and working with contracted providers.
- Ability to comprehend, retain and apply County, State, and Federal policies and legislation, i.e. local ordinances, procedure manuals, codes, etc.
- Ability to analyze issues, regulations, and practical processes from a programmatic and fiscal perspective to create efficient and effective programs.
- Possess experience and knowledge regarding the expectations and processes of third-party payers.
- Knowledge of budget and rate setting processes.
- Knowledge of business and governmental contract language and excellent negotiation skills.
- Ability to build and maintain working relationships with providers, and governmental entities.
Communication and Reasoning- Ability to communicate effectively with other members of the staff, supervisor, and the public.
- Ability to communicate in both written and verbal forms.
- Ability to develop, interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal, State, and local regulations.
- Ability to respond to complaints per department/division protocol.
- Ability to define problems and manage them in a professional manner.
- Ability to effectively solve problems, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
- Ability to categorize data and information to determine the relationship of the data with reference to established criteria/standards.
Additional InformationPhysical RequirementsThe duties of this job include physical activities such as stooping, kneeling, sitting, standing, reaching, walking, lifting and/or moving (up to 10 pounds), grasping, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, and repetitive motions.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work EnvironmentWork is performed in office, clinical, and community settings. The employee may encounter varying weather conditions and typical community-based practice environments. Travel within Polk County may be required for client visits, community events, and partner collaboration.
Personal Time Off (PTO) is frontloaded and prorated upon hire and a maximum of 300 hours can
carry over to the new accrual year.
Extended Leave Accrual at the rate of five (5) days, 46.25 hours annually (cap 20 days)
Holidays Ten (10) paid holidays per year (Employees working on holidays, paid over-time rate - 1 ½ times regular rate of pay)
Term Life Insurance One (1) times annual salary at no cost to employee. Supplemental Life available for employee, spouse, & children
Retirement - WRS Employee portion: 7.20% Employer portion: 7.20%
Deferred Compensation Wisconsin Deferred Comp - three (3) options for additional retirement savings (pre-tax)
Health Insurance Begins on the 1st of the month following date of hireHealth Partners - three (3) plan options to choose from
Other Insurance Dental, Vision, Long-Term Disability, Accident and Hospital
Flexible Spending Account Administered through WEX (pre-tax dollars for medical expenses and daycare costs)
Employee Assist. ProgramHealth Partners confidential counseling services
Wellness OptionsEmployees may select to participate in various wellness programs and activities throughout the year. Onsite Fitness Center and wooded walking trail available for staff enjoyment.
Tuition ReimbursementUp to $1,500 reimbursement for approved expenses per class; and a maximum benefit of $3,000 annually