Contract Specialist III

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.

Brief Job Description:

The Contract Specialist III manages complex contracts for Contract Operations. This includes developing solicitations, evaluating bids, negotiating terms, and monitoring vendor performance. The contract specialist ensures contracts meet legal and regulatory requirements, maintains quality, and enforces contractual obligations.

The Contract Specialist III guides the team on contract policy, interacts with internal and external stakeholders, and provides excellent customer service.

This position is currently working a hybrid telework schedule that reports on-site in Austin. Telework schedules are subject to change based on agency policy or operational needs.

This role works under limited supervision and requires considerable initiative and independent judgment. Regular and predictable attendance in accordance with the agency leave policy is required.

Other duties may be assigned.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Contract Quality Assurance (20 percent):

• Reviews and performs contract quality assurance for completeness, accuracy, and discrepancies.
• Maintains contract files and enters data in spreadsheets, systems, and SharePoint.
• Process requisitions, maintain a centralized filing structure, and approve contract document changes.

Contract Oversight and Risk Management (20 percent)

• Performs desk and onsite reviews of contract deliverables.
• Conduct risk assessments and compliance reconciliations.
• Monitors performance requirements.

Fiscal Oversight and Billing (15 percent)

• Manages contract billing and reviews expenditure data.
• Prepare financial projections and reports.
• Communicate findings in written and oral form.

Contract Development and Amendments (15 percent)

• Facilitates, drafts, and executes contracts, renewals, amendments, and terminations.
• Update solicitation documents and collaborate on procurements.
• Serve on workgroups and special projects.
• Reviews supporting documentation and monitors contract activity.

Customer Service and Communication (15 percent)

• Resolve contract issues and process adjustments.
• Advise internal and external partners on policy and procedure.
• Help develop contract administration guidelines.

Contract Closeout (10 percent)

Ensures contracts are closed per agency policy.

Other Duties (5 percent)

Perform additional tasks as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Auditing, process improvement, quality management,
• Texas procurement and state contract management law.
• Business administration, accounting, and contract management policy and procedures.
• Legislative process.

Skill in:

• Time management, problem solving, and conflict resolution.
• Preparing clear, concise written reports and data analysis.
• Facilitate meetings, clearly communicate issues, and coordinate oversight across multiple cross-functional divisions.
• Process improvements.
• Operating personal computers and using applicable software, including Microsoft products, emphasizing Excel, SharePoint, and Visio.

Ability to:

• Interpret policy, negotiate contracts, analyze fiscal data, and build strong working relationships.
• Prioritize multiple assignments and projects.
• Review proposals; evaluate fiscal data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity with business/contract requirements.
• Write and edit contract requirements.
• Solve problems, review data to make decisions.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Must hold a current Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduate from an accredited four-year college or university. Experience in contract management and education may be substituted for one another.

At least two years’ direct experience in contract management; encompassing contract monitoring and fiscal monitoring.

Additional Information:

Applicants selected for an interview will provide work samples. Only interviewed candidates receive written notification of results.

You must meet the minimum initial screening criteria and certification requirements to be considered.

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

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.