Project Specialist

Salary : $33,820.80 - $66,000.00 AnnuallyLocation : 6007 - House of CorrectionsJob Type: Full-timeJob Number: 10327-HRDepartment: 6007 - Public Safety - CorrectionsDivision: 600701 - House of Corrections AdminOpening Date: 03/10/2026Closing Date: 3/31/2026 11:59 PM EasternDescriptionProject SpecialistThe Department of Public Safety, Corrections Division, is looking for a suitable candidate to assist the Department in coordinating and conducting all activities related to medical billing for services rendered to persons in the care and custody of the Cleveland Division of Police. The Project Specialist serves as the primary point of contact supporting the Jail Liaison in validating prisoner custody status as well as monitoring and maintaining oversight over contracted medical claims providers working for the City. This position plays a critical role in ensuring accurate custody verification, facilitating vendor coordination, supporting vendor quality assurance, and supporting financial accountability related to inmate medical services. Accurate custody validation and claims processing directly impacts financial accountability, regulatory compliance, and responsible stewardship of public funds. The Specialist will work closely with an external vendor responsible for processing and paying hospital claims based on confirmed custody validation. This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, financial oversight capabilities, and the ability to manage cross functional communications between hospitals and vendor partners.Examples of DutiesUnder administrative direction, is responsible for assisting with duties related to completion of projects, programs, or initiatives for a City division or department. Serves as the specialist to the supervisor or manager of projects, programs or initiatives. Provide administrative support, schedule meetings and ensure deadlines are met. Assist in creating schedules, timelines, and maintain project budgets. Provides reports, presentations, communications and correspondence as required. Performs other related duties as required.Minimum QualificationsHigh School Diploma or GED required. Associate or Bachelor's Degree from an accredited two year or four-year college or university in Business or Public Administration, Social Sciences, or closely related field preferred. One year of full-time paid experience in government or private industry required. Substitution: Completion of a fellowship program, apprentice program, or other similar program; OR completion of a certification program, i.e., Project Management, Human Resources, etc. Must be able to lift and carry thirty (30) pounds. Valid State of Ohio Driver's License or State-issued identification card. Must be proficient utilizing all Microsoft Office products.Supplemental InformationDuties include, but are not limited to:Custody Validation & OversightValidate prisoner custody status at the time medical services were rendered.Maintain accurate and detailed records of custody verification.Ensure documentation aligns with vendor requirements for claim processing and payment.Develop and maintain tracking systems and reporting tools related to custody validation.Vendor Coordination & Financial MonitoringServe as the main point of contact for any external vendor.Meet regularly with the vendor to define and refine project scope.Monitor project costs to ensure services remain within approved budgets.Review and approve vendor invoices for accuracy and compliance prior to payment.Ensure vendor performance aligns with contractual expectations.Conduct periodic quality assurance audit functions to ensure contract compliance.Project Management SupportAssist the Jail Liaison in developing project plans, timelines, and budgets.Organize and coordinate project meetings with internal stakeholders and vendor representatives.Prepare meeting agendas, document minutes, and track action items.Monitor project progress and provide regular status updates to the Jail Liaison and vendor.Identify potential risks, delays, or misalignments and recommend corrective actions.Communication & AlignmentFacilitate clear communication between the vendor and hospital systems.Promote transparency and alignment across all parties.Ensure timely resolution of discrepancies related to custody validation or billing.Provide regular written and verbal updates to stakeholders.Create and maintain filing systems, both electronic and physical.Performs any other duties assigned by the Chief Director of Public Safety as required.GeneralWork with other City Departments to assist in document preparation, budget reconciliations, appropriations and reimbursements.Research new vendors, as well as funding sources and opportunities for the Division of Correction.Perform any other duties as assigned and required by the Chief Director of Public Safety.Qualifications: • High School Diploma or GED required. • One year of full-time paid experience in government or private industry required. Substitution: Completion of a fellowship program, apprentice program, or other similar program; OR completion of a certification program, i.e., Project Management, Human Resources, etc. • Must be able to lift and carry thirty (30) pounds. • Must be proficient utilizing all Microsoft Office products. • Must possess a valid State of Ohio Driver's License (Those persons who live or work outside of Ohio must have the ability to obtain one within 60 days of the date of hire). Must possess the following skills: Strong computer skills - Microsoft Office and the ability to quickly learn software utilized by the Department and other related governmental software; Strong oral and written communication - including the ability to make presentations throughout the Department; Excellent interpersonal skills.Preferred Qualifications • An Associate or Bachelor's Degree from an accredited two or four year college or university in Business or Public Administration, or closely related field is preferred. • Light physical effort in sedentary to light work. May involve some manipulation of lightweight items (5-10 pounds). May involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.The City's guiding principles are as follows: Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.