Contract Specialist IV

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

33d

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. Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Services and PASRR is expanding the reach of IDD Habilitative Specialized Services (IHSS), an array of services that supports individuals with IDD living in nursing facilities. We are seeking qualified and passionate professionals to help scale and strengthen this essential program across Texas. Ideal candidates will have experience implementing or expanding statewide initiatives, thrive in dynamic and evolving environments, and bring a creative, solutions-minded approach. Applicants should be comfortable with change, skilled at navigating ambiguity, and capable of quickly pivoting when systems or processes prove ineffective or inefficient. Under the supervision of the IHSS Manager, the Contract Specialist IV provides advanced consultative and technical assistance to HHSC program staff, HHSC contract management staff and contracted providers. Work involves the oversight and monitoring of contractual and program requirements for IHSS providers with HHSC. The CSIV conducts desk reviews and on-site reviews to determine compliance with rules, policies, and procedures. The worker routinely reviews and analyzes contractor performance data to assess risk of contract and program non-compliance and determines trends by reviewing, monitoring, and evaluating contract deliverables (e.g., record reviews, review of policy and procedures, etc.). Conducts follow-up activities with providers and reports analysis of data to HHSC staff, as appropriate. At the conclusion of each on-site and/or desk review, presents a verbal and written summation of all areas of non-compliance and provides consultative services and technical assistance to IHSS provider staff, as well as develops report of findings to be shared with executive staff, stakeholders, and HHSC staff. Participates in unit and cross-agency workgroups related to contractor performance, functions, and planning. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. If you're energized by meaningful work, ready to build sustainable systems that improve lives, and excited to make a difference in the IDD community, we encourage you to apply.

Requirements

Knowledge of the Texas state system for services and supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
Knowledge of program planning, implementation, and evaluation
Skill in researching and analyzing information
Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities
Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with a variety of groups
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships and ability to work cooperatively in a team environment
Skill in the use of computer and related equipment, including the use of Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent to include word processing, spreadsheet, database, or presentation software programs
Ability to prepare concise, accurate reports, memos, policies, and procedures, etc. and communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Must be a Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) or complete the requirements to become a CTCM within 18 months of employment.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited university
A minimum of two years of experience working directly or indirectly serving individuals with an intellectual and development disabilities (IDD).

Nice To Haves

A minimum of two years of direct experience working with PASRR.
Experience working as a habilitation coordinator, service coordinator, or program manager with a LIDDA.
Experience working as a case manager or program director with an IDD waiver provider.

Responsibilities

Facilitate, coordinate, and conduct on-site contract and program monitoring reviews of the IHSS provider agency's performance to determine compliance with rules, laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, which includes record reviews and interviews with staff, individuals, and families.
Prepare for contractual and programmatic monitoring reviews.
Conduct and complete complaint investigations regarding allegations of contractual and programmatic non-compliance in accordance with agency and unit policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Coordinate, facilitate, and provide assistance to the contracted providers for requested corrective action plans as a result of identified elements of non-compliance discovered during monitoring reviews conducted via on-site, desk review, or hybrid methodology.
Produce well-written reports (e.g., debriefings, develop comprehensive reports of findings related to review activities, share corrective action plan feedback and responses with the provider, and respond to any requests for appeal of findings).
Maintain current knowledge of all rules and policies as it relates to PASRR program requirements to provide consultative services and technical assistance on a complex level to LIDDA and provider staff, other stakeholders, and HHSC staff.
Participate in unit and cross-agency workgroups related to contractor performance, functions and planning.