Contract Specialist V

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

3d•$5,425 - $8,886•Hybrid

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. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Behavioral Health Medicaid Programs (BHMP) unit seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the Home and Community-Based Services - Adult Mental Health (HCBS-AMH) and Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Waiver Contract Specialist V, or Contract Manager, position. BHMP is driven by the program mission and vision to deliver quality, cost effective services to Texans. The Contract Manager performs highly complex and advanced consultative and technical tasks related to the development, oversight, interpretation, coordination and enforcement of the HCBS-AMH and YES Waiver provider contracts and other diverse contracts in assigned service areas. Completes contract execution, accepts amendments to contracts, monitors contracting requirements, and makes recommendations for approval or otherwise by management as needed. Other accountability responsibilities include: authorizing disbursements, management and productivity improvements, participates in monitoring expenditures for contracted state, local and federal funds, participates in monitoring of compliance with service provision and program requirements, recommend sanctions for breaches of assigned contracts, approval of amendments and expansions, directing and coordinating critical data requirements, data analysis, reporting protocols and follow-up. Requires broad working knowledge of diverse contracts. The contract manager is the liaison between contractors, program staff, and other HHSC areas. The Contract Manager facilitates communication and collaboration between all contract stakeholders and serves as the single point of contact for all contractual accountability activities between the State and contractors. Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

Experience developing client service contracts and contract management.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in human services, business administration, public health, public affairs, public policy or a related field is required.

Nice To Haves

Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) and/or Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) is preferred or must be obtained within 12 months of hire.

Responsibilities

Reviews and processes Open Enrollments. Facilitates planning meetings, setting timelines and developing the Open Enrollment application partnering with IDD-BHS Contract Management Unit. Facilitates amendments to executed HCBS-AMH and YES Waiver provider contracts within established protocols.
Consults and communicates, individually and collectively, with contractors, community stakeholders, state and local agencies involved with the service delivery system to identify needs, resolve problems, and monitor and discuss effectiveness of programs and services. Serves as the vital link (conduit of communications) between HHSC and contractors.
Oversees reviews of contractors to determine compliance with applicable statutes, departmental rules, and contractual requirements. Performs the monitoring of and/or monitors contract performance by examining billings, fiscal data, and eligibility determinations for compliance with terms of contract and policies. Completes analysis of contractor performance by reviewing contractor expenditure data, performance reports, technical assistance and training documentation, and other pertinent data as it relates to contractor performance. Prepares administrative reports to management regarding contract action. Coordinates information needs of contractors and local authorities with other divisions of the department.
Provides consultation and technical assistance to contractors on contract issues. Prepares and distributes routine and adhoc responses/feedback concerning performance measures. Provides oversight of resolution and follow-up of all fiscal management and programmatic findings. Negotiates corrective action plans in collaboration with HHSC components and monitors compliance with recommendations and close out of plans.
Oversees and administers enforcement of sanctions for contractors, including, but not limited to the recoupment of funds, assessing liquidated damages, withholding partial or full payment, and suspension or terminations of the contract. Coordinates resolution of contractor issues, initiates and negotiates all contract amendments (to include terminations) and sanctions with appropriate approvals and ensures implementation and resolution of contract sanctions.
Coordinates and/or prepares responses to issues, inquiries and correspondence concerning contractor’s functions and activities. Collaborates with staff to coordinate reviews, consultation, and technical assistance. Meets with contractors and representatives of governmental agencies to answer contract questions.
Collaborates with colleagues to identify and resolve issues. Communicates plans and changes to plans to contractors individually and collectively. Collects information and prepares legislative and/or management responses as directed by leadership.
Facilitates contract termination and closeout requiring that all required program reports and actions be reviewed, equipment reconciliation performed and client referrals and record disposition approved according to contract terms.
Serves/participates on committees regarding assigned contract/program area, new departmental statewide initiatives, and redesign of contract related processes requiring the development and implementation of effective techniques for evaluating performance and compliance.
Performs other duties as assigned.