PROFESSIONAL WORKER III (MED-QUEST) - OAHU (OHHI)
Salary
See Position Description
Location
Island of Oahu
Job Type
Various
Job Number
OHHI-26041
Department
Human Services
Opening Date
05/12/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
Recruitment Information
Recruitment Number OHHI-26041
This recruitment is being conducted under the Operation Hire Hawaii (OH-HI) project, a targeted outreach initiative featuring an expedited hiring process, fast-tracking qualified applicants into job opportunities throughout Hawaii.
Applications received for this recruitment will be reviewed for Legal Authorization to work in the US. All applicants who pass the Legal Authorization review will be referred to the hiring department for consideration and an initial review of the application.
Applicants who meet the initial review requirements at the departmental level may be contacted by the hiring program for an interview. All applicants interviewed by the hiring program will be notified of their selection or non-selection by the department.
The application referral and potential interview conducted at the departmental level does not imply that applicants have met all Minimum Qualification Requirements. A thorough review of all applications received will be conducted by the Department of Human Resources Development and all applicants will be notified of the final disposition.
Salary: $4,961 to $6,043 per month (SR-20, Step D to I)
Note: Hiring rates will be based on availability of funds, the applicants qualifications, and other relevant factors.
A continuous recruitment may be closed at any time. The notice of the last day to file applications will be posted on the State of Hawaiis Civil Service Job Opportunities Listing page of our website.
Duties Summary
The Professional Worker III reflects the first independent worker level in a series of professional work. Work assignments routinely encompass problems of average difficulty and complexity, requiring the application of technical knowledge, skills and sound judgment in applying the fundamental principles, techniques, standards, policies, procedures, rules and regulations pertinent to the occupational specialty and program area. Problems encountered are usually those which can be resolved by direct application of specific standards, regulations or other similar guides. Additional assignments are selected to develop the employee for eventual progression to the fully independent worker level.
Contracts Specialist (MED-QUEST) - position is a fully independent worker level, coordinates and participates in the administration of contracts entered into by the States QUEST medical assistance program, including establishing contracts with assigned health plans and individual providers to provide comprehensive medical, dental, and behavioral health services to eligible individuals and families. Responsibilities also include working closely with divisional staff and representatives of the health plans in monitoring and evaluating the performance of contracted parties to assure compliance with the terms and conditions of the contracts; serving as a liaison for the States medical assistance program with contracted parties, recipients, and other programs, agencies and/or individuals; coordinating and participating in the evaluation of contract proposals and recommending additional terms and conditions, if necessary; and participating in rate negotiations. This position also participates in assessing administrative requirements and contributes in other areas based on the ongoing monitoring and evaluation of assigned health plans; is involved in the development of new medical assistance programs; and performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
To qualify, you must meet all of the following requirements:
Legal Authorization to Work:
The State of Hawaii requires all persons seeking employment with the government of the State shall be citizens, nationals, or permanent resident aliens of the United States, or eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment in the United States.
Prerequisite Knowledge and Abilities Required:
Knowledge of: Research methods and techniques; report writing, problem solving methods and techniques; principles, techniques, standards, policies, procedures, rules and regulations pertinent to the occupational specialty and program area (e.g., knowledge of health care delivery systems; current principles and practices in health care financing; principles and practices of contract administration; various provisions found in service provider contracts; evaluative techniques; problem solving methods and techniques; and report writing).
Ability to: Obtain pertinent factual data; analyze and make sound recommendations as to the action to be taken; successfully complete assignments selected to develop the employee for higher level work; communicate effectively with others orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Education: A bachelors degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
Specialized Experience: One and one-half (1-1/2) years of progressively responsible professional work experience in the development and/or administration of contracts which significantly involved one (1) OR a combination of the following:
A. Preparing proposals or formal requests for proposals for contractual services which involved the application of professional judgment and analysis in determining contract terms and conditions and/or developing proposals to meet such requirements; OR
B. Evaluating, developing, negotiating, or revising the content of proposals and/or contracts; OR
C. Monitoring and evaluating the performance of contracted parties to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions stipulated in the contracts
Substitutions Allowed: A law degree from a school of law accredited by a nationally recognized specialized accrediting body (or course work deemed comparable by a nationally recognized specialized accrediting body) may be substituted for one year of Specialized Experience.
The information provided above represents a summary of the complete Minimum Qualification Requirements.
To view the requirements for Professional Worker III in their entirety, please CLICK HERE.
To view the requirements for Contracts Specialist (MED-QUEST) in their entirety, please CLICK HERE.
02002/02131:051812/040815:13:KJ
Other Information
The State of Hawaii complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations in completing an application, any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please call 808-587-1111 for assistance.
PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS (PSLF) PROGRAM
The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please click: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION TO APPLICANTS
The Department of Human Resources Development (HRD) will use electronic mail (email) to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of their applications as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of green resources, and minimize delays and costs.
Please ensure that the email address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails or fail to check your email-box in a timely manner. In addition, please be aware that you may no longer receive notification about applications submitted if you choose to disable the Job Application Emails feature in your Account Settings.
TESTING INFORMATION
The examination for this recruitment will be conducted on an unassembled basis where the examination score is based on an evaluation and rating of your education and experience. It is therefore important that your employment application provide a clear and detailed description of the duties and responsibilities of each position you held.
In-person interviews and/or further testing in Hawaii may be required at the discretion of the hiring agency. If in-person interviews and/or further testing is a requirement, applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements and are referred to the vacancy must be available to participate in person and at their own expense in this required phase of the selection process.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. In addition to employment availability and score, the referral of qualified applicants may be based upon other factors including date of receipt of application.
CLICK HERE for further information about Equal Employment Opportunity, the Merit Civil Service System, Citizenship and other requirements, Reasonable Accommodation, Veterans Preference, Examination Requirements, and the State Recruiting Offices Levels of Review.
YOUR JOB BENEFITS WITH THE STATE OF HAWAII
The State of Hawaii offers its employees who are members of the civil service a range of benefits. Some benefits are offered as a result of collective bargaining agreements and changes may occur.
A summary of these benefits, which is based on full-time employment, is listed below.
Note: Benefits for NON-CIVIL SERVICE appointments will be provided by the hiring department at the time of interview.
With Civil Service modernization, effective July 1, 2002, employees appointed to temporary positions may also gain membership in the civil service upon satisfactory completion of an initial probation period of at least six months. As a temporary member of the civil service, you will be eligible to apply for promotion and transfer opportunities to permanent as well as other temporary positions. You may also enjoy other rights and benefits afforded to members of the civil service, with the exception of return rights and placement rights associated with a reduction-in-force of a permanent member of the civil service.
Paid Holidays
You may be eligible for 13 paid holidays each year; 14 holidays during an election year.
Paid Vacation
You may earn vacation leave at a rate that other employers find tough to match 21 days each full year from the FIRST year of employment. This compares to an average of 10 days offered by private companies. You may accumulate up to a total of 90 days (720 hours) of vacation.
Paid Sick Leave
You may earn sick leave at the same rate as vacation 21 days per year from the FIRST year, and there is no limit on the amount you can accumulate. Expectant mothers may also use sick leave for pre-natal or post-natal check-ups or any illness related to pregnancy. Plus, unused accumulated sick leave may eventually be used to increase your retirement benefits in certain situations.
Other Leaves
Reasonable time off with pay may be provided for jury or witness duty, a death in the family, some military duty, and donation to the Blood Bank. Leave sharing donations may be granted to eligible employees who have serious personal illnesses or injuries or need to care for a seriously ill or injured family member. Various leaves without pay may also be granted with full re-employment rights.
Health Insurance
The State pays a part of the premiums for each employees enrollment in a State sponsored Medical, Drug, Vision, and Dental Plan. For more information, visit the Employer Union Trust Fund website www.eutf.hawaii.gov for coverage and options.
Group Life Insurance
The State provides a free life insurance policy for employees.
Retirement Plan
The State contributes to a retirement plan for eligible employees. Generally, employees under the Hybrid Plan with 10 years of credited service and who have reached 65 years of age or have 30 years of credited service and have reached 60 years of age may retire and receive benefits. To find out more about the options you have, go to http://ers.ehawaii.gov.
Premium Conversion Plan
Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct the cost of health care premiums before payroll taxes are withheld.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Eligible employees can reduce their federal and state income taxes and social security taxes through a tax-savings benefit program called Island Flex. This program allows employees to set aside money from their paychecks to pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and eligible dependent care expenses on a BEFORE-TAX basis.
Transportation Benefits
Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct qualified transportation expenses (i.e. eligible parking fees, monthly bus passes for TheBus, fare coupons for The Handi-Van, Vanpool Hawaii participation fee, etc.) through pre-tax payroll deductions.
Deferred Compensation
The State offers employees a voluntary pre-tax retirement savings plan designed to give employees a tax break today and an opportunity to build a retirement nest egg through voluntary payroll deductions. Several types of investment options are available.
Temporary Disability Insurance
Qualified employees may be eligible to receive benefits for a disability caused by a non-work related injury or illness under this program.
Social Security
As an employer, the State also contributes to an employees social security account.
Promotions & Transfers
For employees with membership in the civil service, the State offers promotion and transfer opportunities throughout the State Executive Branch.
Training & Continuing Education
The State supports developmental activities related to an employees work. In many departments there are numerous in-service training opportunities available. Sabbatical leaves with pay are available for qualified employees.
Travel Expenses
The State may pay for certain business related travel expenses including mileage reimbursement for use of a personal car during work, airfare, meals and lodging expenses for trips to neighbor islands or out of state.
Incentive & Service Awards
The State has a program that recognizes employees for their years of service and provides cash awards for their superior accomplishments and other contributions that improve State operations.
Union & Collective Bargaining
Employees have the right to join the union for collective bargaining with the State and employee representation. Some employee unions provide discounts, insurance and other opportunities. Employees may also decide not to join a union, however, employees are required to pay union service fees unless the employees job is excluded from collective bargaining.
The above information is solely intended as a summary of the benefits available to State of Hawaii employees and is subject to change. Whether or not you are entitled to a particular benefit will depend on your specific appointment and employment status (included, excluded, exempt, non-exempt). Please refer to the appropriate collective bargaining agreement or executive order and all applicable laws, rules, policies, or plan documents for further details. Nothing herein shall be deemed as creating an employment contract, promise of employment, promise of continued employment, or obligation of any kind on the part of the State of Hawaii.
CLICK HERE for more information on the State of Hawaiis Benefits At-A-Glance.
The State of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Revised 01/13
01
RECRUITMENT SURVEY (MANDATORY) Completion of this survey is mandatory. You must select one option; multiple selections permitted. The information you provide will be used to improve our recruitment efforts. We appreciate your cooperation.
What led you to explore career opportunities with the State of Hawaii?
02
EMPLOYMENT STATUS SURVEY #1
Completion of this survey is mandatory. You must select one option. This information will assist us with our recruiting efforts. We appreciate your cooperation.
Which of the following reflects your current employment status?
03
EMPLOYMENT STATUS SURVEY #2
Completion of this survey is mandatory. This information will assist us with our recruiting efforts. We appreciate your cooperation.
If you selected recently laid off in response to Employment Status Survey #1, please indicate the name of the employer from which you were laid off.
If you selected other in response to Employment Status Survey #1, please explain.
if these two options do not apply to you, please indicate "N/A."
04
APPLICANTS ACKNOWLEDGMENT - REQUIRED SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS
The responses you provide to these Supplemental Questions will be used in combination with your application to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements and/or your final score. Failure to provide detailed and complete information may result in your application being rejected or receiving a lower score.
Please do not submit a resume in place of completing the Supplemental Questions. A resume submitted in lieu of addressing the supplemental questions and/or answering "n/a," "no experience" or in any other manner that does not address the questions below will not be accepted and your application will be deemed ineligible.
You must submit verification (e.g., copies of official transcripts or diploma as instructed below) in order to receive credit for education. In general, proof of education downloaded from and/or submitted through the internet will not be accepted. Education obtained outside the United States must be comparable to education earned at an accredited school in the United States. We also reserve the right to request further information about your academic program, evidence of comparability, or an original transcript.
To receive credit for substitute, internship, temporary assignment, or volunteer experience, you must submit an official letter of verification. The letter should include the job title, employment dates, number of hours worked, a description of the duties performed, and a contact name and phone number.
Any information you submit may be verified.
Supporting documents must be either electronically attached to your application or submitted to our office at: State of Hawaii - Department of Human Resources Development - 235 South Beretania Street, 11th Floor - Honolulu, Hawaii 96813.
05
APPLICANTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (Continued)
Applicants must meet all the requirements for the position they are seeking as of the date of the application, unless otherwise specified.
In general, concurrent experiences and/or education will not be double credited unless otherwise specified.
Your possession of the required amount of experience will not in and of itself be accepted as proof of qualification for the position. The overall paid or unpaid experience must be of such scope and responsibility as to conclusively demonstrate that you have the ability to perform the duties of the position.
Our calculation of experience will be based upon a full-time, 40-hour work week. Part-time experience will be pro-rated.
Example: Twelve months of experience at 20 hours/week will be pro-rated to six months of experience. Also, hours worked in excess of 40 hours/week will not be extra credited.
Example: Twelve months of experience at 60 hours/week will be credited as one year of experience, not one and a half years.
06
APPLICANTS ACKNOWLEDGMENT - MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS (Complete information and details)
The information provided in the job announcement represents a summary of the complete Minimum Qualification Requirements. A live link to the complete Minimum Qualification Requirements was provided to me in the job announcement.
07
BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT
Do you possess a Bachelors degree from an accredited four-year college or university as stated in the MQRs?
By answering Yes, you understand and agree that you will submit verification of such education at the time of application. Please attach a copy of your OFFICIAL DIPLOMA and/or TRANSCRIPTS of your bachelors degree to your online application or send a copy to our office as soon as possible.
NOTE: If you are using relevant work experience in lieu of a bachelors degree to fulfill this Basic Requirement, you must clearly describe this work experience in your application.
In order to receive credit, your experience must be comparable in scope, level, and quality to knowledge and skills gained via completion of study leading to a bachelors degree as specified in the complete Minimum Qualification Requirements.
08
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT
Do you possess at least one and one-half (1-1/2) years of professional work experience in the development and/or administration of contracts which significantly involved one or a combination of the following:
A. Preparing proposals or formal requests for proposals for contractual services which involved the application of professional judgement and analysis in determining contract terms and conditions and/or developing proposals to meet such requirements; OR
B. Evaluating, developing, negotiating, or revising the content of proposals and/or contracts; OR
C. Monitoring and evaluating the performance of contracted parties to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions stipulated in the contracts; AND INCLUDES
One year of the experience must have involved the development and/or administration of contracts for health care services.
By answering Yes, you acknowledge you understand and will ensure that your resume and attached documentation will clearly substantiate each of the requirements.
09
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT - CONTINUED:
If you stated that you possess the Specialized Experience, please provide the following information to address your relevant background.
Address each change in employer or positions with the same employer separately.
The information for each employer and/or position should include:
A. Name of employer, your official job title, complete dates of employment (mo/yr to mo/yr) and the average hours worked per week.
B. Describe this employer, the services provided, and its clientele. How was this employer organized (name its major departments)? Which department did you work in?
C. What was the primary purpose of your job? What were your major duties and responsibilities?
D. Describe your experience, if any, in each of the following areas. Be specific and complete in your responses and provide relevant examples.
1) Development and/or administration of contracts, including the kinds of contracts involved and your specific role and authority.
2) Preparation of proposals or formal requests for proposals for contractual services in determining contract terms and conditions and/or developing proposals to meet such requirements. Include a description of the types of factors you had to consider and the kind of analysis that was involved.
3) Evaluation, development, negotiations or revision of the content of proposals and/or contracts.
4) Monitoring and evaluation of the performance of contracted parties, including your specific role and extent of authority. Indicate whether you had enforcement authority, and if not, which staff member did.
E. What was the average number of hours per week spent collectively on duties stated in 1-4 above?
F. Was there another, separate corporate office or entity who had contract responsibility and final approval? Please explain, including how this entity impacted your position?
G. What was the official job title of your supervisor? Describe in detail how your duties and level of authority differed from your supervisor.
Be specific and complete in your responses. Employers and each position held must be identified. We do not make assumptions.
10
SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
Will you be substituting a law degree from a school of law accredited by a nationally recognized specialized accrediting body (or course work deemed comparable by a nationally recognized specialized accrediting body) may be substituted for the required one (1) year of Specialized Experience; however, it may not be substituted for the required one (1) year of experience involving the development and/or administration of contracts for health care services.
By answering Yes, you understand and agree that you will submit verification of such education at the time or application, in order to receive credit. Please attach a copy of your OFFICIAL DIPLOMA and/or TRANSCRIPTS of your Law s degree to your online application or send a copy to our office as soon as possible.
Required Question
Employer State of Hawaii
Address DHRD - Employee Staffing Division
235 S. Beretania Street, 11th Floor, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813-2437
Phone 808-587-1111 or 1-877-447-5990 (TTY)