Contract Administration Manager

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

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 Contract Administration Manager I performs advanced contract administration work and assists with daily operational oversight of the Mental Health Contracts Management Unit, Contract Development Team, which develops contracts and helps manage a book of business that totals 500+ contracts valued at over $1.2 billion per state fiscal year. The position assists with establishing goals, objectives, and procedures for the management/administration of mental health contracts and coordinating and leading initiatives designed to strengthen contract management/administration functions. The position provides leadership within the unit and works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment to ensure unit goals are met. This position may assign work and supervise the work of others.

Requirements

Knowledge in general of state and federal laws, regulations, policies, rules, and requirements, and specific knowledge of local, state, and federal laws relating to the mental health services and contract management/administration
Knowledge of business processes, process improvement, contract management/administration systems, and contract management/administration processes
Knowledge of State government organization, administration, management, and operating practices
Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration and state contract management practices
Knowledge of the mental health service delivery system
Knowledge of computer software applications
Skill in writing complex documents/reports, regulations, policies, and procedures
Skill in project management
Skill in problem solving and conflict resolution
Skill in analyzing/interpreting large and complex data sets, and writing complex documents/reports, policies, and procedures
Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities
Skill in organizing and presenting information effectively, both orally and in writing, to individuals at all levels both internally and externally
Skill in providing leadership in a team environment
Skill in organizing tasks and projects
Skill in assessing and evaluating services, and recommending improvements
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 present information clearly, concisely, and effectively to a variety of audiences, verbally and in writing
Ability to build, establish, and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups and entities
Ability to evaluate the performance of staff or contractors responsible for providing services
Ability to implement and balance change and lead cross-functional/inter-disciplinary teams to design and deploy new or improved work processes
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts/data/systems/financial information
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
Ability to organize workload and set priorities
Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) or secure CTCM within 12 months and Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) or secure CTCD within 12 months.
Minimum of three years of direct experience developing or managing contracts for a governmental entity

Nice To Haves

Five years of direct experience developing or managing contracts for a governmental entity preferred.

Responsibilities

Assists with developing short- and long-term goals and strategies designed to strengthen contract management and administration functions with internal and external stakeholders and works internally and externally to develop and manage unit procurements and contracts.
Engages, provides direction, and provides technical guidance to team members to promote the development and growth of future leadership staff. May assign and supervise the work of others. If supervision is required, the position is responsible for hiring/selecting, assigning work, completing performance evaluations, recommending personnel disciplinary actions, approving leave, and managing and developing staff through performance data review, consultation, training, and performance appraisal.
Provides input on or develops standardized contract management/administration protocols, metrics, compliance guides, handbooks, or tools. Oversees development of contract monitoring tools and statewide mental health contract monitoring activities.
Monitors contractor compliance with established regulations and standards and is the principal contract liaison between agency management, contractors, and other internal and external stakeholders.
Performs other duties as assigned, which may include, but are not limited to, reviewing and analyzing legislation related to procurement or contract management, serving as subject matter expert in assigned workgroups, and 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 activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.