Contract Specialist V

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Brief Job Description:

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Medicaid CHIP Services (MCS) department seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Contract Specialist V. 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 performing highly advanced (senior-level) contract services and technical assistance work, including developing and reviewing policies, procedures and guidelines, identifying training needs, develop training materials, training staff, establishing priorities, standards and metrics to ensure outcomes which can be evaluated, measured and in compliance. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment, under constant pressure to meet required deadlines, standards, and thresholds.

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.

The Contract Specialist V position reports to the NF/ICF Manager and will serve as the Team Lead. The Contract Specialist V performs advanced (senior- level) contract administration, consultative services and technical assistance work related to Nursing Facility and Intermediate Care Facility Contracts. As a member of the CAPM team, the Contract Specialist V works to ensure transparency, accountability, and responsibility as well as continuous improvement in support of the CAPM contract administration and management functions. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  Provides support to Manager. Participates in other contract management activities or special assignments as required.  May be assigned additional duties.

Works collaboratively across MCS to identify innovative and effective solutions for clients and staff. Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1 (30%): Acts as lead contract manager for Medicaid Nursing Facility and Intermediate Care Facility contracts. Serves as point of contact for applicants and contractors. Performs quality assurance activities, enrolling and updating contracts including processing new contract applications, change of ownership, relocations, contract updates, and processing contract terminations. Prepares routine and special correspondence/reports according to designated procedures. Develops policies, guidelines, procedures, and communications affecting the overall functioning of the division.  Develops and implements effective techniques for evaluating policies and procedures, and devising solutions to achieve program improvement. Evaluates methods to streamline processes and ensure efficiency and effectiveness for the division, contractors, and users of the services. Establishes goals and objectives. Coordinates, collaborates, and consults with staff in planning, implementing, analyzing, and documenting needs and actions, and provides technical assistance for division planning.

EJF 2 (25%): Acts as contract manager for CAPM. Serves as mentor for other team members. Provides guidance regarding contract administration, policies, and procedures. Identifies training needs and conducts training. Leads or directs implementation of systems to focus research on highest risk contracting areas and elevates risks and issues to management. Researches and analyzes highly complex program or policy issues, facilitates the identification of strategies or actions to address complex issues, and determines whether planned actions to address issues are logical, complete and in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations. Gathers, assembles, correlates, and analyzes complex information summarizing key facts and providing supporting source documentation.

EJF 3 (25%): Maintains automated databases and tracking systems to plan, track and complete required contract activities Develops, implements, and maintains tracking tools for reporting on projects, initiatives, and contracting or related activities. Coordinates the completion of required activities, tracks actions, and reports to management. Consults with staff who prepare status reports for management identifying progress, productivity, key milestones, and results of evaluation activities. Determines statistics, trends, or anomalies that may require additional oversight and action in order to resolve operational problems. Leads the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of materials in response to requests for documents, reports, data, and technical assistance.

EJF 4 (10%): Represents CAPM in committees, workgroups, and meetings to address significant issues related to development of policies and rules for contract administration. Serves as unit liaison and provides consultation and leadership in developing, implementing, or monitoring program goals/objectives, policies, protocols, or training initiatives by serving on agency workgroups and committees, interagency workgroups and committees, and strategic planning sessions. Collects, organizes, analyzes, edits, and otherwise prepares correspondence, presentations and reports in response to inquiries, assignments, and requests for information. Assists in coordination of legislative analysis, assignments, and inquiries. Tracks, monitors, plans, and coordinates activities to ensure deadlines and requirements are met.

EJF 5 (10%): Other duties as assigned in support of the unit's goals and objectives.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• state and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Medicaid/CHIP programs, and
• contracting regulations, developing contracts, monitoring contracts.

Skills in:

• contract management,
• contract processes,
• operating personal computers, and
• in using applicable software, including Microsoft products, i.e. MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

Ability to:

• evaluate contracts and recommend future actions,
• interpret policies, procedures, and regulations,
• evaluate fiscal data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity with contract requirements,
• develop standard operating procedures,
• write and edit correspondence, memoranda, contract requirements,
• monitor and evaluate contractor performance,
• communicate effectively both orally and in writing,
• work collaboratively with peers and to develop consensus,
• identify and analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and propose effective solutions,
• gather, assemble, correlate and analyze facts,
• manage multiple priorities and devise solutions to administrative problems,
• lead or facility workgroups, and
• communicate with internal and external stakeholders.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification must be obtained within one (1) year of employment, unless otherwise approved by Supervisor.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in human services, business, or legal fields plus four years’ experience in the human services field. Additional work-related experience may substitute for education on a year for year basis with a maximum substitution of four (4) years. Experience serving as a team lead preferred. Experience of contract management or oversight activities with Facility-based, Waiver or Community-based contracts preferred. Experience in writing or interpreting contracting policy and procedures. Experience using the Microsoft Office Suite.

Additional Information:

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.