Contract Specialist II

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

11d

About The Position

The Contract Specialist II performs complex (journey-level) contract management work. Works under general supervision of the Newborn Screening (NBS) Special Projects Manager IV, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment on several newborn screening related contracts. Works with management and NBS staff on complex issues. This position is responsible for oversight of multiple NBS contracts. Work includes facilitating procurement and monitoring events to ensure goods and services are received in a timely manner. Writes measurable contract requirements in the statements of work. Responsible for monitoring, tracking, and reporting contract performance, including service delivery and fiscal monitoring. Handles contractor billings and resolves billing problems and issues to allow for timely and accurate payments. Communicates and collaborates with DSHS staff and vendors including providing technical assistance. Provides technical assistance to newborn screening related to assigned contracts. This position conducts kick-off and pre-proposal meetings, post-award conferences, team briefings, and evaluation scoring. This position also collaborates with DSHS legal and contract management, procurement and monitoring staff. Runs reports in CAPPS Financial and System of Contract Operation and Reporting (SCOR) to ensure accurate funds are allocated appropriately.

Requirements

• Knowledge of DSHS programs, applicable standards, policies, functions, and the mission and agency role in meeting the program's health objectives and priority health outcomes.
• Knowledge of Administration and management techniques; of statistical analysis processes; of budget processes; of training techniques; and of program management processes and techniques.
• Knowledge of Contracting regulations and procedures of contract management and administration.
• Knowledge of Audit principles, process improvement, and quality management.
• Knowledge of State of Texas budgeting and other financial policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of Organizational planning, organizational development, and implementation methods needed to provide oversight of multiple contracts
• Knowledge of Accounting and budgetary principles, practices, and procedures.
• Skill in Contract management principles and practices.
• Skill in Managing databases and reviewing and analyzing data.
• Skill in Using Microsoft Office software, including advanced features of Microsoft Excel.
• Skill in Project management and prioritization of competing priorities.
• Skill in Problem solving and conflict resolution.
• Skill in Communicating technical information and preparing presentation of information, both orally and in writing.
• Skill in Preparing written analyses and administrative reports.
• Skill in Analyzing and making recommendations affecting overall contracting activities; and
• Skill in Evaluating different types of administrative reports.
• Ability to Interpret policies and develop effective operating procedures for the NBS contracts oversight.
• Ability to Facilitate meetings and communicate verbally by phone or virtually.
• Ability to Evaluate and monitor contractor performance and provide recommendations.
• Ability to Gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems; to prepare reports; to develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures; to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; and to train others.
• Ability to Lead or work as part of a team.
• Ability to Perform and prioritize multiple tasks, assignments and projects.
• Ability to Interpret and apply federal and state statutes, regulations, agency rules, policies and procedures related to contracts.
• Ability to Evaluate financial data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity to contract requirements.
• Ability to Complete assignments with high attention to detail.
• Experience in procurement, contract monitoring, or accounting. Experience with local government or state business operations is preferred.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in business management or field relevant to assignment preferred. Experience in procurement or contracting and education may be substituted for one another on a year for year basis.
• Experience using word and excel.
• Experience with writing reports.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) is preferred or must be obtained within first year of employment. Must complete continuing education and maintain certification.

Responsibilities

• Monitors assigned NBS contract performance by investigating billings, fiscal data, deliverables, and eligibility determinations for compliance with the terms of contract and following DSHS policies.
• Completes invoice approval activities accurately and according to agency timelines.
• Oversees NBS vendor compliance to statement of work and state and federal regulations by monitoring and tracking vendor performance.
• Tracks deliverables, invoices, and contract requirements, files electronic records.
• Reviews fiscal expenditure reports for NBS and ensures the report has the appropriate information and is accurate and complete.
• Serves as a liaison with contract providers to ensure funds are used appropriately and align with DSHS policies.
• Develops solicitations, contract content, and amendments by creating a detailed outline proposal to contractors and SMEs and conducts meetings with staff for finalization of contracts.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees