Contract Specialist V

WHY WORK FOR DFPS?

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected — children, elderly, and people with disabilities — from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the citizens of Texas. DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program but also offers 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.

Brief Job Description:

This position reports to the Contracts Administration Manager (CAM) within the ProVisioning Division of Purchase Client Services (PCS) Division. The position is primarily responsible managing the State Office solicitations and procurement for the division including all procurement activities, such as CAPPS Financials requisition entries, all forms, documentation and/or materials needed to post a solicitation and coordinates support processes to complete a solicitation. Additionally, there may be contract management responsibilities. Work involves developing competitive and noncompetitive procurements; negotiating and awarding contracts; processing renewals, amendments and plan change documents which requires the knowledge of standardized policy for the procurement and contract management requirements.

Leads, schedules, and manages multiple procurements which includes complex procurements that include coordinating extensively and leading workgroups with other areas of DFPS (program, legal, budget, etc.) and Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Responsible for collaborating with procurements services and is the lead in assigned solicitation development as requests. Work involves studying and analyzing financial and programmatic operations, evaluation of program information, planning and coordination of workflow activities, and presenting reports and/or possible solutions to problems.  

Essential Job Functions:

Responsible for building, establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with DFPS internal and external business partners and HHSC to establish goals and objectives in order to develop and maintain the workflow of solicitations, procurements, requisitions, and approvals for contract execution for DFPS service programs

Manages the solicitation process for the State Office contracting team including all procurement activities, such as CAPPS Financials requisition entries, all forms, documentation and/or materials needed to post a solicitation and coordinates support processes to complete a solicitation.

Reviews and analyzes financial and programmatic operations and challenges related to procuring goods and services, including the development of evaluation instruments, and in making recommendations for continuing, renewing, modifying, or canceling contracts.

Conducts special projects including, management/coordination of pilot projects, and other State Office initiatives.

When assigned, completes contract management and monitoring activities as per applicable handbook requirements. Completes associated administrative activities such as maintaining contract documents as per policy and divisional/unit guidelines. Identifies and resolves Contractor issues and manages financial aspects of assigned contracts or payment methodologies. Participates in conducting program specific trainings or meetings for the purpose of interpretation of contract related policy, in the interpretation of service delivery requirements. Conducts intensive invoice reviews and processes bills. Apprises appropriate staff of any significant problems concerning contracts. Serves as primary liaison between contractors and Texas Department of Family and Protective Services staff.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Promotes, monitors, and ensures that respect is demonstrated for cultural diversity.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of contracting regulations and policies and State of Texas Procurement rules.
• Knowledge of Excel, IMPACT, CAPPS Financial, SCOR, SharePoint, and Word.
• Skill in effective written and verbal communication.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective and productive working relationships both internally and externally working relationships.
• Skill at drafting procurement and contract documents
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and complete multiple tasks with deadlines.
• 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 lead and facilitate workgroups.
• Knowledge about Project Management in strategic planning, leadership and resource management and in providing quality assurance consultation to, or oversight of, projects, assignments or special initiatives.
• Ability to present complex information in simple, meaningful ways.
• Ability to develop written reports and materials suitable for specific audiences including contractors, internal staff, and management.
• Ability to apply a critical and analytical approach to problem solving and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to understand new information effectively and quickly.
• Ability to work independently and with limited direction.
 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

CTCM Preferred.

Note: CTCD Required within 18 months of hire

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and two years full-time contract development or contract management.

Prefer 2 years of full-time consultative, social service, professional or technical work which includes analysis of work problems having an administrative aspect; planning, organizing, and coordinating requirements for support services or program operations where a wide range of demands are involved.

Additional Information:

CTCD Certification is required within 18 months of hire.

This position is housed in Austin but other locations may be considered

This position is designated full-time telework.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files. 

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS/DFPS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.