Contract Specialist II

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Grand Prairie, TX

2d•$3,793 - $5,921•Hybrid

About The Position

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), Community Services, Community Care Services Contracts Section, is hiring a Contract Specialist II to perform complex, journey-level contract management work involving enrollment, maintenance, and monitoring. The position develops, evaluates, negotiates, processes, and manages contracts and amendments for community care services programs. It works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment, and provides contractors and other stakeholders with orientation and technical assistance on program rules and policies. The specialist monitors contract performance and service delivery, conducts fiscal compliance reviews and investigations, reviews contractor billings, resolves billing problems, and recommends or tracks corrective actions and sanctions. The role also handles contract applications and projects, helps identify training needs and develop materials, and may provide guidance to contract or department staff. The position may participate in State Office of Administrative Hearings proceedings and perform special assignments or other duties as required. The role is based in Grand Prairie and may be eligible for telework, subject to applicable policies, supervisor discretion, and business needs. Extensive travel, including some overnight travel, is required. A valid driver's license is required. Certification as a Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) must be completed between the sixth and twelfth month of employment.

Requirements

Certification as a Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM), to be completed between the sixth and twelfth month of employment.
Journey-level knowledge of contracting and procurement regulations; contract negotiation and development; business administration and accounting principles; and contract management policies and procedures.
Knowledge of contract enrollment and maintenance procedures, regulations, and policies.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to contract enrollment, maintenance, and administration.
Knowledge of community care services programs, policies, rules, and regulations.
Skill in managing multiple priorities and projects and meeting tight deadlines.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including preparing communications for varied audiences.
Computer and applicable software skills.
Ability to evaluate contracts and recommend continuation, termination, or adverse action; evaluate fiscal data for reasonableness, necessity, and contract compliance; interpret relevant policies and regulations; gather and analyze facts; organize work and set priorities; problem-solve and mediate; write and edit contract requirements and specifications; negotiate contract features; provide guidance; and work in a team environment.
Valid driver's license, required to perform the duties involving extensive travel and some overnight travel.

Nice To Haves

Experience interpreting policies, rules, and regulations under state and/or federal law.
Experience with HHSC Community Care Services programs.
Experience making decisions based on interpretation of federal and state laws.
Full-time work experience in the health and human services field.
Experience in contract management and monitoring.

Responsibilities

Identify the need for service providers and take appropriate action; participate in work groups recommending changes to contract-related documents.
Monitor legal and regulatory requirements related to contracting, complete routine reporting, and handle assigned special projects and tasks.
Provide orientation and technical assistance on program rules and policies to contractors, stakeholders, HHSC staff, and the community.
Prepare and maintain contract documents and assist with developing contract administration policies and procedures.
Initiate, develop, negotiate, process, and manage contracts, renewals, and amendments for community care services programs; upload required documents to the HHSC contracts repository system.
Complete pre-monitoring work, including contractor screening, review of contractor history and performance, preparation of monitoring tools and work papers, and review of electronic visit verification data and billing reports.
Schedule monitoring reviews, select monitoring samples and review periods, and provide required monitoring notices and materials to contractors.
Conduct onsite or offsite contract compliance monitoring to assess compliance with state and federal requirements.
Plan and conduct investigations into allegations about contractors; examine billings and eligibility determinations for compliance with contract terms and policies.
Recommend contract actions or sanctions and track them through completion.
Provide guidance on contract administration, policies, and procedures; assist team members and perform other duties as assigned.
Review contractor billings and resolve billing rejections, problems, or issues.
Identify training needs, assist in developing training materials, and provide guidance to contract or department staff to improve performance and service quality.