Contract Specialist IV

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.

Functional Title: Contract Specialist IV 
Job Title: Contract Specialist IV 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: MC Contracts and Oversight 
Posting Number: 6508 
Closing Date: 08/22/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-22 
Salary Range: $4,801.16 - $6,281.33 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework:  
Travel: Up to 25% 
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: Austin 
MOS Codes: 3006,3044,8640,310X,36A,36B,51C,60C0,62S0,63G0,63S0,64PX,651X,6C0X1,751X,FIN10,LS,LSS,SEI16,SK,F&S 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

The HHSC Medicaid CHIP Services (MCS) division seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Contract Specialist IV. MCS is driven by its mission to deliver quality, cost-effective services to Texans. This position makes a significant contribution to MCS’s mission by ensuring that Managed Care Contracts and Oversight meets statutory requirements and implements audit recommendations within prescribed timeframes. The Contract Specialist IV is selected by and reports to the Health Plan Manager located in the Managed Care Contracts and Oversight (MCCO) Division of the Medicaid/CHIP Services Department. This position will be assigned to a team responsible to ensure compliance with contracts between managed care organizations (MCOs) and the agency. This position will participate in the training and mentoring of team members. This position performs highly complex analysis and continuous monitoring of MCOs to determine the effectiveness of operations and contract compliance. The position will evaluate MCO performance and manages corrective actions. This position coordinates the development and evaluation of MCCO policies as they affect the MCO contracts and makes recommendations for changes as needed. This position will work under limited direction with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment and perform other duties as may be assigned or required.

Demonstrates commitment to MCS goals, shows initiative to take on new projects, is team-oriented and committed to outstanding customer service, and focuses on promoting efficiencies and accountability. 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 even when what is right is not easy.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Ensure compliance with contract standards and assess MCO performance by reviewing MCO contract deliverables, performance measures and MCO compliance with state and federal regulations.

On a prompt and regular basis determine the effectiveness of MCO operational and contractual compliance by utilizing a standard set of assessment tools.  

Promptly inform the Health Plan Manager (HPM) of significant MCO compliance and performance issues and provide recommendations for action.
Facilitate collaboration with other Health Plan Management staff, the MCO, and other external/internal stakeholders to ensure contractual compliance by developing, monitoring, and updating action plans.

Work promptly and collaboratively to assess and review recommended remedies for noncompliance of contractual requirements.
Collaborate with HPM Research and Resolution promptly and timely on escalated MCO related issues.

Respond to and review legislative, open records and audit requests within specified timeframes.  

Lead and facilitate functions related to operational on-sites, desk reviews, implementations, readiness reviews, information sessions, or other activities as required.  
Manage or facilitate special research/issues projects as assigned within timeframes.

Develops materials and prepares reports based on findings from readiness reviews.

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships and communications with HHS staff, and other internal/external stakeholders, and provide timely responses to requests and inquiries.

Receive no more than 1-2 justified complaints per annual review period from internal or external customers regarding professional conduct, appropriate interactions with others, and/or timely responses to requests or inquiries. 

Demonstrates commitment to the goals of the Medicaid/CHIP services, shows initiative to take on new projects, is team-oriented and committed to outstanding customer service, and focuses on promoting efficiencies and accountability. 

Communicates with manager in a timely manner regarding problematic situations and applies proper judgment to ensure action taken is appropriate.

Attends work on a regular predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy. Performs other duties as assigned, timely and accurately.

Participates in the development of RFPs and the evaluation of RFP responses within assigned timeframes. Reviews, analyzes and evaluates rules, bills and federal/state laws with implications for the Medicaid and CHIP programs as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): 

Knowledge of subsidized health insurance, including Medicaid, Medicaid Managed Care, and/or CHIP.

Knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations and processes regarding Medicaid Managed Care and CHIP.

Knowledge of contract management and compliance principles.

Ability to research, analyze and create technical reports in an understandable format.

Ability to work under limited direction and to use initiative and independent judgment.

Ability to analyze and organizational skills and the ability to conduct investigations or audits; gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts and data; and devise solutions to problems.

Ability to research and evaluate policies and procedures.

Skill in using personal computer application software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, or other similar programs.

Skill in written and oral communication, including the ability to make public presentations, write technical information in an understandable format, produce sophisticated research and analytical reports.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Certified Texas Contract Manager Certification (CTCM), or must obtain within 12 months upon hire. Must maintain CTCM certification.   

Initial Screening Criteria:

A minimum of 120 semester hours from an accredited college with major course work in a field related to health and human services. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in Health Care Management, Health Care Information Technology, or Health Care Administration is generally preferred. The required experience may be substituted for the education.

Experience and education may be substituted for one another. Minimum of two years of experience with Medicaid and CHIP managed care programs, policies, procedures, contracts, and service delivery models. Minimum of two years of experience of contract management and contract principles. Minimum of two years of experience in using a PC and Microsoft Office Suite including: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.       

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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.