Contract Specialist V

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • Austin, TX

67d • $5,425 - $8,886 • Remote

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Branch Manager, the Contract Manager provides leadership and support in contract management by participating in contracting activities such as RFP development, RFP application, budget reviews, contract funding allocation decisions, quality management activities, extensive contract monitoring, and other contract management activities as appropriate and mandated by DSHS policy. Provides assistance and recommends sanctions for enforcement of the terms and conditions of the assigned DSHS agency contracts. With minimal supervision, and with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, performs highly advanced, senior level, technical and consultative work assisting with the oversight of the daily operations and contract management activities from development to closeout within the Contract Management Section (CMS). The Contract Manager is the liaison between contractors, program staff, Procurement and Contracting Services (PCS) and Contract Oversight and Support Section staff. 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. Responsible for completing analysis of contractor performance by reviewing contractor expenditure data, performance reports, and other pertinent data as it relates to contractor performance. Responsible for implementing goals and objectives; developing contract guidelines, policies, and procedures; developing schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving established performance measures; monitoring contract compliance with federal and state laws, rules, regulations, guidelines, policies and procedures. Coordinates and implements changes as new federal and state laws, rules, regulations and agency policies become effective. Provides guidance regarding contract administration policies and procedures to program staff, management, and other Department staff as appropriate. Serves as the lead in contract development activities through execution, initiates amendments, monitors contractor performance and expenditures, provide technical assistance and will close out contracts.

Requirements

• Knowledge of DSHS programs, applicable standards, policies, functions, and the mission and agency role in meeting the program's health objectives and priority health outcomes.
• Thorough knowledge of contracting regulations, of developing contracts, of business administration and accounting principles and practices.
• Knowledge of audit principles, process improvement, and quality management.
• Knowledge of competitive solicitation processes and state procurement procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of organizational planning, organizational development, and implementation methods needed to establish and administer a complex and comprehensive delivery system.
• Skill in management principles and practices.
• Ability to write and edit contract requirements and specifications.
• Ability to interpret policies and develop effective operating procedures for the Contract Management Section.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) is preferred or must be obtained within first year of employment.

Responsibilities

• Participates and oversee the development of contracting activities such as RFP development, facilitating planning meetings, setting timelines and developing the RFP application.
• Coordinates and negotiates contract budget reviews, contract funding allocation decisions, negotiations of revised budgets and performance measures with selected applicants.
• 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.
• Performs written and oral communication with contractors as the single point of contact for all contractual accountability activities between the State and contractors.
• Coordinates the risk assessment process for contract monitoring and planning.
• Coordinates resolution of contractor issues, initiates and negotiates all contract amendments (to include terminations) and sanctions.
• Serves as a point of contact with DSHS, HHSC senior management, Contract Oversight and Support and Contract Liaisons regarding contractor performance issues.
• Participates in the development of contract administration policies and procedures.

Benefits

• Insurance coverage through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Administration of Human Resource Programs
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree