Community Services Contract Specialist V

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Edinburg, TX

1d•$5,425 - $8,886•Hybrid

About The Position

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Community Services (CS) Department is seeking a highly qualified candidate for the Contract Specialist V position. This role performs advanced, senior-level risk management and oversight work, focusing on the full contract cycle, monitoring, and auditing within CS. Responsibilities include preparing and reviewing working papers, editing contracts, writing monitoring reports, developing recommendations, providing technical support, managing projects, evaluating and writing policy, and developing and presenting trainings. This position supports 5 departments and approximately 23 programs within Community Services. The ideal candidate will thrive in a team-oriented environment that values excellence, curiosity, critical thinking, and integrity. They should be adept at supporting change management, project management, and possess analytical skills to improve business processes and efficiencies. This position may be eligible for telework, subject to state and agency policies, supervisor discretion, and business needs.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. A degree with major coursework in business administration, human resource management, finance, public administration, or a related field is generally preferred. Experience may be substituted for education, year for year.
At least 3 years of full-time professional work experience in large public sector organization in contract development.
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.

Nice To Haves

CTCD, preferred or must obtain within 12 months of employment.
At least 2 years experience in contract monitoring, preferred.
At least 2 years experience in financial contract monitoring, preferred.

Responsibilities

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.
Implements 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.
Actively participates and/or serves in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.