Contract Specialist IV

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

10d • $57,614 - $88,703 • Hybrid

About The Position

Contract Specialist IVTexas Health and Human Services Commission is seeking an experienced Contract Specialist IV who will make a difference in the lives of family violence survivors. We're a family-friendly workplace with great work-life balance, competitive salaries, extensive opportunities for training and development, and fantastic benefits.

This position is supervised by the Family Violence Program (FVP) contract unit manager within Family and Youth Services and Supports and performs advanced (senior-level) contract administration work.
You will oversee the execution and administration of family violence program contracts and grant agreements by defining requirements, negotiating, awarding, developing, and monitoring contracts. You will also oversee the processing of contract documents to ensure that management understands and authorizes contract terms. Coordinate with agency management on issues related to processing contract documents. Serve as the principal contract liaison between agency management, contractors, and other customers. Assist with negotiation strategies and award new contracts. May assist in the preparation of the scope of work, specifications, and conditions for new contracts. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.Staff in this position may be allowed to telework part-time on an approved schedule; however, reporting to headquarters or other assigned work location as needed and as stipulated by the FVP Manager is a requirement of this position.

Requirements

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relating to HHS procurement and contracting.
• Knowledge of contract management theory and practice, including personnel and financial management, federal grant management, process improvement, and quality management.
• Knowledge of funding and allocation methodologies.
• Knowledge of contract data systems, analysis, and reporting.
• Working knowledge of community-based health programs, Texas legislative processes, and public accountability systems.
• Skill in communication, including the effective organization and presentation of information, both orally and in writing.
• Strong communication and organization skills with attention to detail.
• Experience with Microsoft Windows and Office products: Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Skill in preparing written analyses, administrative reports, and special projects as assigned.
• Skill in analyzing and solving problems and making recommendations affecting overall contracting activities, and comprehensively and accurately evaluating different types of administrative reports.
• Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts.
• Ability to develop and evaluate policies and procedures.
• Ability to deal effectively with state and local officials and the public.
• Ability to work independently while understanding the need for communicating and coordinating work efforts with others.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks, assignments, and projects.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal and state statutes, regulations, agency rules, policies and procedures related to procurements and contracting activities.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university is preferred.
• A minimum of two years of direct experience in contract monitoring, fiscal monitoring, or contract management.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) preferred. If not currently a CTCM, the selected candidate must obtain CTCM certification within 6 months of hire date.
• Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certificate preferred.
• Experience with HHS programs and contract oversight requirements is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs written and oral communication with contractors as the single point of contact for all contractual accountability activities between the State and contractors. Facilitates and ensures delivery of financial and programmatic technical assistance and training. Coordinates resolution of contractor issues, initiates all contract amendments (to include terminations) and sanctions, obtains approval of amendments/sanctions with appropriate program managers, communicates impact of changes to appropriate contractor and program staff, and ensures implementation and resolution of contract sanctions. Ensures all contract closeout activities are performed in accordance with HHSC policy.
• Completes analysis of contractor performance by synthesizing contractor expenditure data, performance reports, quality management reports, technical assistance and training documentation, and other pertinent data as it relates to contractor performance. Communicates results and, as appropriate, recommends actions to program staff on a routine basis.
• Completes on-site and/or desk visits with assigned contractors as needed to ensure appropriate contractor performance with contractors and staff.
• May provide assistance to pre-solicitation program descriptions and performance requirements, collaborate with program subject matter experts on the inclusion of program-specific information for the procurement documents, and the development of review criteria and review tools. Works closely with program staff, Procurement and Contracting Services (PCS), budget, legal, and management to ensure that contracts resulting from procurements contain appropriate program and legal requirements and are completed in a timely manner.
• Prepares management reports, correspondence, and other materials on program contracts. Develop policies and procedures related to procurement and contracting activities with guidance to staff in the development and integration of new methods and procedures. Assists with audit activities.
• Other duties as assigned include, but are not limited to, actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet FVP goals and objectives.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees