Community Services Contract Specialist V

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 Texas Health and Human Services Commission Community Services (CS) Department seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the Contract Specialist V position. The position reports to the Community Services Operations Director of Contracts and Projects. This position performs highly advanced (senior-level) risk management and oversight work. Work includes contract administration work that is not limited to overseeing the full contract cycle, monitoring and auditing contracts within CS. Prepares and reviews working papers, reviews and edits contracts as requested, writes monitoring reports, develops recommendations, provide technical support, run small and large projects, evaluate and write policy, develop and present trainings, and other duties as assigned to support CS leadership and programs. This position provides oversights and support to 5 departments and about 23 programs within Community Services. The ideal candidate thrives in an environment that emphasizes teamwork to achieve goals, excellence through high professional standards and personal accountability, curiosity to continuously grow and learn, critical thinking for effective execution, and integrity to do things right. The best candidate will support applications to change management concepts, project management, and analytical skills to identify barriers and develop solutions to improve business processes and efficiencies for Community Services. This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business need.

Requirements

CTCM, required
Knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, policies, rules, and requirements, for contract and grant management/administration.
Knowledge of business processes, process improvement, contract management/administration systems, and contract management/administration processes.
Knowledge of audit principles, process improvement, and quality management.
Knowledge of contract performance management and monitoring procedures.
Knowledge of competitive solicitation processes and state procurement procedures.
Knowledge of the State of Texas budgeting and other financial policies and procedures.
Skill in writing complex documents/reports, regulations, policies, and procedures an project management.
Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.
Skill in organizing and presenting information effectively to executive leadership and external stakeholders.
Skill in use of computer software including, but not limited to, CAPPS Financial, SCOR, Excel, Access, HHSAS, USAS, or other governmental financial, contract management or human resources applications.
Ability to problem solve and resolve conflict.
Ability to build, establish, and maintain effective working relationships with various groups and entities.
Ability to implement and balance change and lead cross-functional/inter-disciplinary teams to design and deploy new or improved work processes.
Ability to establish goals and objectives while working independently and delivering results in an environment of complex organizational interactions and competing demands on staff resources.
Ability to make independent and sound technical decisions and analyze new situations when encountered.
Ability to learn and use sophisticated software/applications as necessary to successfully perform duties and assignments.
Ability to interpret and apply federal and state statutes, as well as, agency rules, and policies in the development of guidelines, policies, and procedures.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
At least 3 years of full-time professional work experience in large public sector organization in contract development.
Internet access for telework (if applicable).

Nice To Haves

CTCD, preferred or must obtain within 12 months of employment.
A degree with major coursework in business administration, human resource management, finance, public administration, or a related field is generally preferred.
At least 2 years experience in contract monitoring, preferred.
At least 2 years experience in financial contract monitoring, preferred.

Responsibilities

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Performs the monitoring/audits of contract performance by examining fiscal data, eligibility determinations, and program work for compliance with terms of contract and policies.
Coordinates the risk assessment process for contract monitoring and planning.
Works with all pertinent parties to resolve audit findings by defining the criteria/requirements/processes and recommending appropriate dispositions.
Provides consultation and technical assistance to Community Services contract staff on contract concerns and interpretation of policies and procedures related to contract management.
Develops procedures to ensure accountability and documentation related to performance measures and contract management.
Prepares and distributes responses/feedback concerning performance measures and contract deliverables.
Identifies training needs and determines how training should be conducted.
Coordinates with Division managers when appropriate regarding requests for information.
May conduct routine meetings with program staff to discuss contracting/ forecasting/ projections and provide recommendations to address barriers to meeting goals, staffing shortfalls and peak contracting periods.
Analyzes departmental contracting systems, outputs, and activities; identifies gaps and recommends system improvements.
Participates in the development of contract administration policies and procedures.
Responsibilities include implementing goals and objectives to support agency-wide strategic plans, polices, and procedures.
Serves as subject matter expert related to contract management on assigned workgroups in coordination with Grants, budget, fiscal units, legal, and division programs.
May manage special projects as required or requested.
May prepare special correspondence or reports, analyze data and compile statistical reports or surveys using Word and Excel or other word processing and spreadsheet applications.
Other duties as assigned include, but are not limited to, actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.