Community Services Contract Specialist V

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Functional Title: Community Services Contract Specialist V 
Job Title: Contract Specialist V 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: CS Operations Support 
Posting Number: 6967 
Closing Date: 07/24/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24 
Salary Range: $5,425.32 - $8,886.16 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 20% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST ST 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 3006,3044,8640,310X,36A,36B,51C,60C0,62S0,63G0,63S0,64PX,651X,6C0X1,751X,FIN10,LS,LSS,SEI16,SK,F&S 
 
 
 

Job Description

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission Community Services (CS) Department seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the Contract Specialist V position. The position reports to the Community Services Operations Director of Contracts and Projects. 

This position performs highly advanced (senior-level) risk management and oversight work. Work includes contract administration work that is not limited to overseeing the full contract cycle, monitoring and auditing contracts within CS. Prepares and reviews working papers, reviews and edits contracts as requested, writes monitoring reports, develops recommendations, provide technical support, run small and large projects, evaluate and write policy, develop and present trainings, and other duties as assigned to support CS leadership and programs. This position provides oversights and support to 5 departments and about 32 programs within Community Services.  

The ideal candidate thrives in an environment that emphasizes teamwork to achieve goals, excellence through high professional standards and personal accountability, curiosity to continuously grow and learn, critical thinking for effective execution, and integrity to do things right. The best candidate will support applications to change management concepts, project management, and analytical skills to identify barriers and develop solutions to improve business processes and efficiencies for Community Services.

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business need.

Essential Job Functions

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. Performs the monitoring/audits of contract performance by examining fiscal data, eligibility determinations, and program work for compliance with terms of contract and policies. Coordinates the risk assessment process for contract monitoring and planning. Works with all pertinent parties to resolve audit findings by defining the criteria/requirements/processes and recommending appropriate dispositions. (30%)

Provides consultation and technical assistance to Community Services contract staff on contract concerns and interpretation of policies and procedures related to contract management. Develops procedures to ensure accountability and documentation related to performance measures and contract management. Prepares and distributes responses/feedback concerning performance measures and contract deliverables. Identifies training needs and determines how training should be conducted (30%)

Coordinates with Division managers when appropriate regarding requests for information. May conduct routine meetings with program staff to discuss contracting/ forecasting/ projections and provide recommendations to address barriers to meeting goals, staffing shortfalls and peak contracting periods. Analyzes departmental contracting systems, outputs, and activities; identifies gaps and recommends system improvements. (20%)

Participates in the development of contract administration policies and procedures. Responsibilities include implementing goals and objectives to support agency-wide strategic plans, polices, and procedures. Serves as subject matter expert related to contract management on assigned workgroups in coordination with Grants, budget, fiscal units, legal, and division programs. May manage special projects as required or requested. May prepare special correspondence or reports, analyze data and compile statistical reports or surveys using Word and Excel or other word processing and spreadsheet applications. (15%)

Other duties as assigned include, but are not limited to, actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%) 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

CTCM, required
CTCD, preferred or must obtain within 12 months of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, policies, rules, and requirements, for contract and grant management/administration.
Knowledge of business processes, process improvement, contract management/administration systems, and contract management/administration processes.
Knowledge of audit principles, process improvement, and quality management. Knowledge of contract performance management and monitoring procedures.
Knowledge of competitive solicitation processes and state procurement procedures. Knowledge of the State of Texas budgeting and other financial policies and procedures.
Skill in writing complex documents/reports, regulations, policies, and procedures an project management.
Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.
Skill in organizing and presenting information effectively to executive leadership and external stakeholders.
Skill in use of computer software including, but not limited to, CAPPS Financial, SCOR, Excel, Access, HHSAS, USAS, or other governmental financial, contract management or human resources applications.
Ability to problem solve and resolve conflict.
Ability to build, establish, and maintain effective working relationships with various groups and entities.
Ability to implement and balance change and lead cross-functional/inter-disciplinary teams to design and deploy new or improved work processes.
Ability to establish goals and objectives while working independently and delivering results in an environment of complex organizational interactions and competing demands on staff resources.
Ability to make independent and sound technical decisions and analyze new situations when encountered.
Ability to learn and use sophisticated software/applications as necessary to successfully perform duties and assignments.
Ability to interpret and apply federal and state statutes, as well as, agency rules, and policies in the development of guidelines, policies, and procedures.

Initial Screening Criteria

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. A degree with major coursework in business administration, human resource management, finance, public administration, or a related field is generally preferred. Experience may be substituted for education, year for year.

At least 3 years of full-time professional work experience in large public sector organization in contract development.

At least 2 years experience in contract monitoring, preferred.

At least 2 years experience in financial contract monitoring, preferred.

Additional Information

Applicants who fail to follow the written instructions completing the State of Texas Employment Application may be disqualified. All fields should be filled in as applicable. To be considered for an interview, applicants must demonstrate a clear match to all Initial Selection Criteria in the summary of experience sections of the application. Resumes may be considered but must meet all application and job requirements. Only applicants selected for an interview will be notified of final selection. At the time of posting, this position is eligible for telework consistent with HHSC telework policy, which is subject to change. Employees may be required to work in the office one or more days a week. The person selected for this position must have internet access for telework.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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 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.

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

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.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS 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 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.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.