FSS Contract Specialist IV

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

2d•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. Our 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 and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage. Performs highly complex (senior-level) grant and contract management work managing Family Support Services (FSS) contracts. Work involves coordinating, developing, negotiating, monitoring, and evaluating a broad range of FSS service and administrative contracts, including ensuring fiscal accountability and taking any necessary contract action. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment regarding daily FSS contract management decisions. This position interacts routinely with other divisions and agency staff, service providers, and community groups, internal and external stakeholders. Essential Job Functions (EJFs): Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge of state procurement and contract management requirements, policies and procedures for contract management, regulations, and best practices; of negotiating contracts; of business administration and accounting principles and practices.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to FSS contracting.
Knowledge of managing and monitoring contracts and budgets in a social service environment.
Skill in attention to details, effective verbal, and written communication.
Skill in use of a computer and applicable software.
Ability to evaluate contracts and recommend future status; to interpret policies, procedures, and regulation; to evaluate fiscal data for reasonableness, allowability, necessity, and conformity with contract requirements.
Ability to analyze complex information effectively and quickly and to summarize results in a written report to ensure conformity with contract requirements and regulations.
Ability to organize, prioritize and complete multiple tasks to meet Agency and Division policies, procedures, relevant regulations, and deadlines.
Ability to research policy and procedure and apply it to contract management work activities and duties.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in accounting, finance, contracts, business, or a related field. Acceptable Substitutions: Graduation from high school and equivalent of three years full-time job duties in bookkeeping, contracts management, grant management, or financial field.
CTCM (Certified Texas Contract Manager) and CTCD (Certified Texas Contract Developer) required within one year of employment.

Responsibilities

Manages and develops solicitations, including Invitations for Bids, Requests for Applications, and Requests for Proposals, by identifying provider resources, defining services, evaluating bidder information, and negotiating contract specifications.
Coordinates and facilitates procurement-related meetings such as kick-offs, pre-proposal meetings, post-award conferences, team briefings, evaluation scoring, and new grantee orientations using division-specific tools.
Executes contracts, renewals, and amendments by reviewing documents and securing necessary approvals from grantees and contractors. Recommends changes to solicitation and contract documents and provides input on grant or contract modifications for FSS programs.
Oversees and resolves procurement and contract compliance issues, monitors legal and regulatory requirements for FSS contracting, and manages complex grants and contracts by tracking billings, fiscal data, and eligibility determinations.
Administers billing and eligibility processes, projects expenditures to ensure the effective use of funds, and monitors ongoing contract performance to maximize appropriated and federal dollars for prevention services.