Contract Specialist IV

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

3d•$4,801 - $6,281•Onsite

About The Position

The Contract Specialist IV position is with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), Access and Eligibility Services (AES), in the EODDS Outstationed Worker Program (OWP) Contract Management Team. The role oversees assigned OWP contracts and agreements from development through monitoring and closeout, and serves as a liaison and primary point of contact for contractual accountability between the State and contractors. It works with program staff, Procurement and Contracting Services, the Health and Human Services Legal Division, Finance Operations, and other stakeholders. The position also provides team-lead guidance and support, technical assistance, and subject-matter expertise, and works with considerable independence and judgment. The position develops and maintains contracting policies and procedures; negotiates and develops contracts, letters, amendments, and renewals; monitors contractor performance and expenditures; reviews financial and programmatic reports; and administers contract billing and eligibility-monitoring functions. It coordinates monitoring reviews, tracks invoice payments and receivables, supports timely collections, recommends actions for delinquencies, and ensures contract files and closeout activities meet applicable requirements. The role communicates with contractors and internal and external stakeholders, responds to inquiries, coordinates correspondence, conducts quality-assurance checks, and develops presentations and training materials. The OWP places workers in settings such as hospitals and other healthcare providers to help process Medicaid applications for individuals determined presumptively eligible. The posting describes the work environment as high-performing, innovative, fast-paced, and evolving. The position is based in Austin and is listed as not eligible for telework in the posting details, although other portions of the posting state that it may be telework-eligible subject to policy, leadership discretion, supervisor discretion, and business needs. Travel is up to 5%, including travel to the Austin State Office as needed. The stated 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.

Requirements

Current and valid Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification issued by the Texas Comptroller's Office.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college, or four years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
At least one year of relevant experience in procurement, contract management, contract administration, or contract monitoring; five years of relevant experience if substituting for a bachelor's degree.
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Experience interpreting federal and state laws, policies, rules, and requirements in Health and Human Services programs.
Knowledge of contract administration and management principles and practices, contract performance analysis and monitoring, and relevant state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Skills in effective oral and written communication, relationship-building, time management, project management, and oversight involving planning, development, and implementation of systems and processes.
Ability to write and edit correspondence, memoranda, reports, and performance requirements; communicate with internal and external stakeholders; and develop and maintain working relationships.
Ability to lead or facilitate workgroups and lead projects to completion in a timely manner.
Ability to manage and coordinate contract activities, identify and analyze problems, propose solutions, make decisions, interpret policies, develop operating procedures, and evaluate reports accurately.
Ability to organize and present information, prepare administrative reports and special projects, and operate a personal computer and applicable software.
Applicants may not have a history of substantiated fraudulent activity against HHSC or programs it administers. Applicants with an outstanding non-fraud overpayment balance must agree to repay it as a condition of employment.
Must be willing to travel to the State Office in Austin based on business needs.

Nice To Haves

Experience with SCOR.
Experience with Salesforce.
Experience with CAPPS Financial software.

Responsibilities

Perform comprehensive contract management for assigned contracts from development through closeout.
Develop policies and procedures related to contracting activities and maintain procedures supporting accountability and documentation for performance measures and contract management.
Negotiate and develop contracts, contract letters, amendments, renewals, and related documents; facilitate and plan contracting meetings and timelines.
Maintain accessible electronic contractor files in accordance with record-retention requirements and ensure closeout activities comply with HHSC policy.
Inform OA management and AES leadership of significant contractor compliance or performance issues and recommend actions.
Coordinate contractual accountability activities and complete assigned monitoring reviews within required time frames and in accordance with contracts, state rules, federal regulations, and program guidelines.
Administer billing and eligibility-monitoring functions for contract billings; monitor invoice payments and accounts-receivable reports, ensure timely collections, and recommend contract actions for delinquencies.
Establish and maintain effective communications with HHSC staff, contractors, and internal and external stakeholders; respond promptly to requests and inquiries.
Consult with internal staff to resolve problems and contracting matters, and communicate problematic situations to management and leadership in a timely manner.
Communicate with contractors in writing and orally, review and respond to correspondence, and coordinate responses to issues and inquiries concerning contractor activities.
Provide guidance and technical assistance to stakeholders on contract administration, policies, and procedures.
Complete quality-assurance checks on OWP contracts, agreements, risk assessments, and closeout processes.
Serve as a subject-matter expert in workgroups and training activities, including developing presentations for management and staff.
Provide guidance and support as a team lead and foster effective communication and collaboration.
Attend work on a regular and predictable schedule and perform other duties as assigned.