Contract Specialist V

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Office of Family Services (FHS) department is seeking an experienced Contract Specialist V who wants to join an exciting and dynamic team working in a high-performing and innovative environment. The Contract Specialist V is supervised by the Thriving Texas Families (TTF) director within FHS, Youth Services and Supports, to perform advanced (senior level) grant administration work and serves as the main point of contact for assigned grant agreements. May assist with negotiation strategies and awards for new grant agreements. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. You will be responsible for high level monitoring of grants to ensure compliance within HHSC and FHS contracting guidelines. Duties also include performing all aspects of grant management, including assisting with procurement and grant agreement development, grant execution, budget reviews and approval, invoice processing, desk or onsite grant monitoring, report development, grantee technical assistance, and grant close-out. Serves as the main point of contact for assigned grant agreements. May assist with negotiation strategies and awards for new grant agreements.

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, grant management, and process improvement.
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 and administrative reports and special projects as assigned.
Skill in analyzing and solving problems and making recommendations affecting overall grant activities; and comprehensively and accurately evaluating different types of grant related reports.
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.
A minimum of three years’ experience in procurement, contract monitoring, fiscal monitoring, or contract management.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university preferred.
Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certificate preferred.
Experience with HHS programs and contract oversight requirements is preferred.

Responsibilities

Performs written and oral communication with grantees as the single point of contact for all grant accountability activities between the State and grantees.
Facilitates and ensures delivery of financial and programmatic technical assistance and training.
Coordinates resolution of grantee issues initiates all grantee amendments (to include terminations) and sanctions and ensures all contract closeout activities are performed according to HHSC policy.
Completes analysis of grantee performance by synthesizing grantee expenditure data, performance reports, quality management reports, technical assistance and training documentation, and other pertinent data as it relates to contractor performance.
Communicates the results and recommends actions on a routine basis to management as appropriate.
Completes on-site and/or desk visits with assigned grantees as assigned to assess grantee performance and compliance, including the development of monitoring reports.
May provide assistance to pre-solicitation program descriptions and performance requirements.
Collaborates with program subject matter experts on the inclusion of program-specific information for procurement and grant documents, including 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 correspondence and other materials related to TTF grants.
Assists with the development of 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 TTF goals and objectives.