BCP Purchasing Specialist II

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.
The Blind Children’s Purchasing Specialist II performs complex (journey-level) purchasing and procurement work to facilitate access to Blind Children’s Vocational Discovery and Development Program (BCVDDP) services. In collaboration with the team of the Blind Children's Specialist and the BCP Service Specialist, the Blind Children’s Purchasing Specialist II purchases routine and complex goods and services for children enrolled in BCP services. The BCP Purchasing Specialist II works with internal (HHSC PCS or Accounts Payable) and external partners, including parents, medical providers, and contractors/vendors. Provides guidance to others regarding purchasing policy and completes case reviews to support program quality assurance standards. Supports the Purchasing Manager in the development of procurement documentation and contract execution. Works under general supervision from the Purchasing Manager, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Three (3) years experience in purchasing, accounting or contracting for a City, State or Federal government agency or an organization that adheres to strict guidelines and quick turnaround times.
• Three (3) years of experience delivering customer service and technical assistance for purchasing activities.
• Two (2) years of experience supporting Quality Assurance standards through case reviews or other QA measures to ensure program and policy compliance and improve service delivery.
• Experience working with or supporting individuals with disabilities.
• Knowledge of comparable benefits for medical services
• Knowledge of State of Texas contracting and procurement requirements
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws relating to program responsibilities.
• Knowledge of contract administration, state purchasing, and both fiscal and programmatic monitoring practices.
• Knowledge of assigned commodities and products on the open market and supply sources.
• Skill in problem solving and in the use of a computer and applicable software including Microsoft Office programs (Word, Outlook and Excel).
• Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities
• Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions
• Skill in organizing, coordinating, and directing projects and reports
• Skill in communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Skill in understanding and applying policies and procedures.
• Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups including individuals seeking services, contractors, vendors, internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to perform arithmetical computations
• Ability to obtain quotes and evaluate bids
• Ability to develop methods and procedures for locating supply sources
• Ability to maintain a system of recordkeeping
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with vendors and suppliers
• Ability to understand, interpret and apply rules, regulations, policies and procedures
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to independently plan, organize, prioritize and manage multiple work assignments.
• Must obtain CTCD and CTCM certification within six (6) months of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Associates degree or higher.
• Experience interpreting and applying Texas statewide procurement requirements to support agency purchasing activities.
• Experience completing research activities to identify appropriate purchases related to individuals with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Ensures that purchases are appropriate and allowable based on the agency and program rules and policies. Completes and documents all required steps to ensure best value for each purchase including but not limited to obtaining quotes, confirm staff have identified comparable benefits, selecting appropriate procurement method, and issuing service authorizations. Confirm receipt of goods or services from staff or family, validate invoices, and make payment. Responsible for monitoring the purchasing email box for vendor inquiries and overseeing vendor setup queue.
• Maintains compliance with HHSC/BCVDDP policies, procedures and best business practices, initiates, tracks and monitors the client purchasing process to ensure goods and services are provided, within program case management data system. Completes research activities to identify appropriate purchases of services to meet child/family’s needs for individual purchases as well as direct skills trainings in a group setting. Ensure payment for services meets agency timelines and payment is received by vendors.
• Works to support and meet Quality Assurance (QA) requirements and completes case reviews of purchasing team. Prepare and analyze and review reports for QA compliance to include development of actions for case review findings and trends. Assist with identifying case load needs and responding accordingly. Includes all activities ensuring compliance with QA Standards (programmatic and contract oversight and support).
• Supports program purchases through the development of solicitations, contracts, and amendments by identifying provider resources, describing services to be rendered, evaluating information supplied by bidders, and entering requisitions on behalf of the program. Consults with program staff on any purchasing regarding direct skill trainings.
• Coordinates and participates in program contract management projects, contract monitoring and provides input to purchasing management. Leads special projects related to purchasing and contracting as needed.
• Completes trainings and professional development activities. Assist with preparation of spreadsheets and reports and participates in program development activities, including but not limited to workgroups. Attend and participate in all program meetings. Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
• defined benefit pension plan
• generous time off benefits
• numerous opportunities for career advancement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED