Program Specialist IV

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • San Antonio, TX

22h

About The Position

This position location is to be housed in Austin however other locations will be considered based on office availability and qualifications. This position supports the APS Division Manager and aids and support to the APS Contract Unit housed throughout the state. Performs contract management work which involves coordinating, developing, and evaluating a broad range of contracts. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for use of initiative and independent judgement. This position will accomplish group goals and objectives through assisting and supporting others to achieve program goals and assignments. The position will require knowledge in working with SCOR, CAPPS Financial, IMPACT, Excel, Word, SharePoint and other applicable systems. This position is responsible for ongoing updates to internal tracking systems and quality assurance. The position will interact with DFPS Leadership, DFPS staff, and other State agency staff at all levels and the public. This position will also interact with stakeholders, contractors and/or potential applicants. May serve as a lead worker providing direction to others and covering in manager’s absence.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Excel, PowerPoint, Word, IMPACT, SCOR, CAPPS, CAPPS Fin, SharePoint, and other applicable systems.
• Knowledge of contracting regulations and policies to include contract billing/invoicing, contract monitoring, contract management, and contract closeout processes.
• Knowledge of basic legal concepts related to contracting.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to contracting and procurement.
• Knowledge of contract monitoring and evaluation of contractor performance.
• Ability to evaluate fiscal and programmatic data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity with contract requirements.
• Ability to understand new information effectively and quickly and relay that information to others.
• Skill in professional and effective written and verbal communication.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Ability to calculate detailed math formulas accurately.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and complete multiple tasks with deadlines.
• Ability to function as a team member.
• Ability to interpret and apply state policies, rules and regulations.
• Ability to identify problems and make recommendations to correct.
• Ability to work in a stressful environment and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision.
• Ability to lead the work of others.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
• Ability to manage contracts in SCOR and ensures all contract close-out activities are performed according to policy.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Two years full-time contract management or planning, organizing, and coordinating requirements for an entire program area where a wide range of demands are involved, including interpretation of complex written material and analysis of data.

Nice To Haves

• Texas Department of Family and Protective Services experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conducts quality assurances checks to ensure contact management compliance within the APS Purchased Client Services unit by assuring the unit’s contracts adhere to contracting guidelines, handbooks, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Develops and maintains the unit’s resources through documenting and maintaining contract processes for the unit. Assists with developing APS contract guidelines and procedures. Trains, leads, and provides technical assistance and guidance on quality assurance strategies and contract management-related issues.
• Prepares documents and reports. Evaluates expenditure data and makes projections to ensure appropriate use of funds. Coordinates and facilitates the completion of requests and assignments. Is responsible for ensuring staff compliance with data entry and contract file requirements.
• Processes requisitions and works closely with HHS, chart field, operations, and program staff to ensure purchase orders for the delivery of client services are received timely.
• Leads, facilitates, and represents APS contracts in workgroups. Maintains effective communication and working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Serves as a liaison between internal and external stakeholders. Interprets policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and standards related to the program to ensure compliance with contract management requirements.
• Coordinates and/or develops solicitations, contracts, and amendments by identifying provider resources, describing services to be rendered, evaluating information supplied by bidders, and negotiating contract specifications. Coordinates and facilitates procurement-related meetings such as kick-off and pre-proposal meetings, post-award conferences, team briefings, and evaluation scorings. Coordinates the risk assessment process for contract monitoring and planning. Monitors contract performance by examining billings, fiscal data, and eligibility determinations for compliance with terms of contracts and policies and recommends cancellation of contracts when deviations occur. Administers the billing process and eligibility monitoring functions for contract billings.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• excellent health benefits
• special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program
• longevity pay
• generous paid leave
• access to the Wellness program
• lifetime retirement annuity
• Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees