The Contra Costa Health Plan Provider Relations Program is redesigned to add one Clerk Specialist Level position in its contract management unit. The Clerk Specialist-Level would be responsible for contract management to process provider and vendor contracts, single patient agreements, state contract addendums and change orders, assist with contract negotiations and maintain and track all contracts and documents in an Access database. This position has a direct impact on obtaining required services for our members. Without the expertise in processing contracts, the members would not have timely access to medically needed services.   
  
The department has determined that the Secretary Journey-Level position will not meet the operational needs of the unit as the duties are more in the scope of the Clerk Specialist Level. The incumbent is retiring on October 31, 2018, and the vacant position will be canceled effective November 1, 2018.

If this action is not approved, the Provider Relations Division of the Contra Costa Health Plan in Health Services will not have adequate staff to process provider and vendor contracts, single patient agreements, state contract addendums and change orders, assist with contract negotiations and maintain and track all contracts and documents in an Access database. This position has a direct impact on obtaining required services for our members.