Contract Specialist IV

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

11d•$4,801 - $7,762•Hybrid

About The Position

The Contract Specialist IV works in the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s Family Resources and Eligibility Services department and participates in and oversees all phases of the contract lifecycle, from procurement through closeout. The position manages assigned contracts and agreements, including memoranda of understanding, interagency cooperation contracts, and intra-agency transfers. Duties include drafting and processing amendments, renewals, and extensions; reviewing and revising procurement documents for client services; and preparing procurement documents with HHSC-approved tools in compliance with agency requirements, standards, and timelines. The role provides oversight, interpretation, and daily management of contracts, acting as a liaison between vendors and program staff and as the single point of contact for contractual accountability between the State and vendors. It collaborates on procurement and contracting policies and procedures; reviews contractor financial and programmatic reports, deliverables, budgets, and invoices; participates in risk assessments; and tracks contract actions through closeout. The position also helps develop risk-based monitoring plans and serves as a subject matter expert in workgroups and training, including preparing presentations for management and staff. It operates under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment. The position is based at the State Office in Austin and may be eligible for telework, subject to agency policy, supervisor discretion, and business needs. The employee must be willing to travel to the State Office as needed. The regular schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Alternate schedules may be considered after six months but are not guaranteed. Travel is up to 10%.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; relevant experience may substitute for education year for year, up to four years.
At least one year of direct experience administering, managing, or monitoring contracts, in addition to the education requirement or its equivalent.
Experience drafting and editing contract-related correspondence, reports, or other substantive business documents.
Knowledge of procurement, contract administration, contract management, and contract closeout principles and practices.
Knowledge of contracting, performance management, risk assessment, reporting, methods for analyzing contractor performance, reviewing deliverables, and documenting monitoring findings.
Knowledge of corrective actions and methods to monitor and evaluate performance, and of relevant state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Ability to interpret contract terms and performance requirements, evaluate compliance, document deficiencies, and track corrective actions through resolution.
Ability to independently manage daily administration of assigned contracts and coordinate procurement activities, obligations, deadlines, deliverables, amendments, renewals, and records through closeout.
Skill in establishing working relationships; leading or facilitating workgroups; managing time and projects; analyzing problems and proposing solutions; and communicating clearly in writing and orally.
Skill in organizing and presenting information; drafting and editing contract correspondence, memoranda, reports, procurement documents, amendments, and performance requirements; and interpreting policies to develop procedures.
Ability to use personal computers and applicable software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, and other meeting platforms.
Must obtain Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification within 12 months of hire.
Must pass a fingerprint criminal history background check if selected for hire.
Applicants must meet the stated conditions regarding substantiated fraudulent activity against HHSC or programs it administers and any outstanding non-fraud overpayment balance.

Nice To Haves

Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification is preferred.
Experience interpreting contract requirements, evaluating contractor compliance, and documenting performance issues.
Experience preparing written findings and recommendations concerning contract performance or compliance.

Responsibilities

Manage assigned contracts comprehensively, including procurement, administration, monitoring, oversight, and closeout.
Develop procurement and contracting policies, procedures, tools, and documentation; maintain accessible contractor files and complete closeout activities in accordance with HHSC policy.
Plan and coordinate contracting activities, including planning meetings, timelines, contract documents, amendments, and renewals.
Assess contractor operational and contractual compliance using standard assessment tools; inform management and leadership of significant issues and recommend actions.
Analyze contractor performance using performance reports, quality management reports, technical assistance and training documentation, and other relevant data.
Administer contractor sanctions, including recouping funds, assessing penalties, withholding payments, and suspending or terminating contracts.
Coordinate and complete monitoring reviews within assigned time frames and in accordance with contracts, state rules, federal regulations, and program guidelines; monitor plans of correction and sustained improvements.
Establish and maintain effective communications and working relationships with agency staff, contractors, and other stakeholders; respond to inquiries and help resolve contracting matters.
Lead or participate in procurement processes for services, develop procurement and contract documents, and ensure compliance with applicable requirements, standards, and timelines.
Review and respond to contractor correspondence and coordinate or prepare responses to contractor-related issues, inquiries, and information requests.
Review contractor deliverables, budgets, invoices, and financial and programmatic reports for compliance.
Participate in risk assessments, develop monitoring plans based on risk, and track contract actions and activities through closeout.
Serve as a subject matter expert in assigned workgroups and training activities and prepare presentations for management and staff.
Perform other duties as assigned and necessary.