WIC Vendor Compliance Monitor

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Performs complex (journey-level) grocer vendor compliance analysis work for the Vendor Management & Operations (VMO) Unit. Work supports the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. Work involves examining, evaluating, and monitoring grocery vendors for compliance with federal and state program requirements and conducting monitoring, inspection and analysis activities, both onsite and through desk reviews. Compiles, reviews and analyzes data resulting from onsite monitoring visits and desk reviews, verifies documentation, and creates reports regarding compliance for the vendors and agency management. Maintains and evaluates grocer vendor data in internal systems. Through written and verbal communications, provides consultative services to internal and external stakeholders regarding errors among authorized vendors and provides follow-up as needed. Assists in developing and revising grocery vendor monitoring records, programs, policies, documents, and contracts to ensure conformity with laws, rules, policies, and procedures. Monitors for fraud, waste, and abuse among WIC grocery vendors. Responsible for writing vendor corrective action plans and documenting sanctions for vendor violations. Processes the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of materials in response to hearing requests for compliance activities. May provide guidance to others, including internal staff and grocery vendors. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Knowledge of relevant federal and state rules and regulations
• Knowledge of general contract monitoring, inspection, or auditing techniques and methodology
• Knowledge of statistical concepts, methods, and models
• Knowledge of basic research techniques
• Skill in conducting data searches and evaluating large amounts of data
• Skill in providing exceptional customer service
• Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups
• Skill in preparing concise and accurate reports and recommendations
• Skill in use of technology, such as Microsoft Office, Internet research, Adobe Pro, and databases
• Ability to Identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions
• Ability to Prioritize and plan assignments, and handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to Work effectively under pressure
• Ability to Maintain effective, positive working relationships with staff at all levels of the organization, and internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to Think creatively and support creative thinking in others
• Ability to Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to Understand, interpret, and apply department and agency rules, regulations, policies and procedures
• Ability to Provide guidance and direction to others in a clear, understandable manner
• Must be a Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) or complete the requirements to become a Certified Texas Contract Manager within 12 months of employment.
• At least 1 year of experience in compliance analysis, compliance monitoring, onsite inspections, and/or auditing work; a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for the 1 year of experience in compliance analysis, compliance monitoring onsite inspections and/or auditing work.
• The ability to travel up to 60% of the time as indicated on the application.
• Experience in the use of productivity software such as Excel, Outlook, Word or Access.
• Experience creating reports

Nice To Haves

• A minimum of an Associate’s degree

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspection and analysis activities of grocery vendors to include vendor charges, the availability of supplemental foods, and vendor behavior by conducting routine monitoring visits, and compliance inspections of Texas grocery vendors and Farmer’s Markets to examine, evaluate, and monitor compliance with federal and state program requirements.
• Establish corrective action plans for the vendor to ensure program compliance and provide consultative services to WIC grocery vendors through written and verbal communications explaining program specifics and requirements. Verify compliance with WIC requirements by conducting desk and onsite reviews, evaluating compliance data, and documenting compliance activities, such as complaints received or inspection outcomes.
• Recommend sanctions for vendor violations. Sanctions may include administrative fines, disqualification, and civil money penalties in place of disqualifications if it is determined the vendor is out of compliance with State and Federal regulations. Coordinate with the Vendor Outreach Branch to provide vendor technical assistance and to update grocer vendor profiles to ensure that information is current and accurate.
• Collaborate with the HHSC Office Of Inspector General for grocery vendor investigations in areas of possible waste, fraud, and abuse to ensure grocery vendor compliance with all federal and state regulations.
• Assist in developing and revising grocery vendor reports, records, programs, policies, documents, and contracts to ensure conformity with laws, rules, policies, and procedures.
• Process the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of materials in response to hearing requests for compliance activities. Serve as subject matter expert for Compliance Oversight Branch for programmatic initiatives and projects. Collaborate with vendors, staff, project managers, and engagement coordinators on process, and requirements. Review legislative requests and assist management with the development of recommendations or responses. Represent the program at various events statewide as necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including but not limited to actively participating and supporting to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and locations. May provide guidance to others. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level