Apply now »

Contract Specialist V

Date: May 2, 2025

Location:

AUSTIN, TX

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 V	Job Title: Contract Specialist V
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm	Department: SNAP Nutrition Ed - HHFK Act
Posting Number: 5144	Closing Date: 05/16/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External	Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24	Salary Range: $5,425.33 - $8,886.16
Shift: Day	Additional Shift:
Telework: Eligible for Telework	Travel: Up to 10%
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:
This is a Federally Funded Position.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Access and Eligibility Services (AES) department is looking for individuals who want to join an exciting and dynamic team working in a high-performing and innovative environment. AES provides an integrated and streamlined approach to connect individuals to services and supports to reduce institutionalization and allow individuals to remain in their communities and promote economic and personal self-sufficiency. AES is built on its core values of respect, ownership, collaboration, and integrity. AES strives to achieve its goals of delivering best in class customer service to clients and stakeholders; strengthening program oversight, integrity, and accuracy; seeking innovative ways to streamline and improve service delivery; crating and promoting a culture of excellence; and promoting departmental efficiencies and responsible stewardship of agency resources. Our staff are well organized; able to multi-task; possess the ability to continuously learn and improve; able to thrive in a challenging, fast-paced, and evolving environment; and have good communication skills, a positive attitude, strong work-ethic, and a desire to help others. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks highly qualified candidates to fill the Contract Specialist V position within Access and Eligibility Services (AES), Office of Administration (OA) Division. Under the supervision of the OA Community Access Contract Administration Manager, the Contract Specialist V is the primary liaison representative serving as the single point of contact for all contractual accountability activities between the State and assigned contractors. The Contract Specialist V performs highly complex tasks and advanced consultative and technical tasks related to the development, oversight, interpretation, coordination for the enforcement of Health and Human Services (HHS) sub recipient contracts and other contracts as assigned. Provides leadership and support in contract management, contract development, performance monitoring, funding allocations, solicitation development and budget reviews. Position interacts routinely with HHS divisions and management, contractors and stakeholders, organizations, and other state agencies. This position serves as subject matter expert in assigned workgroups and other contract activities. Other responsibilities include authorizing disbursements; coordinating management and productivity improvements, participating in monitoring expenditures for contracted state and federal funds; ensuring grant match attainment; supporting monitoring of compliance with service provision and program requirements; developing amendments; directing and coordinating critical data requirements and providing data analysis. This position also requires broad working knowledge of diverse contracts, programs, and projects. Maintains reports on contractor performance, provides information on barriers and risks to goal attainment. Works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Participates in other Contract Management activities as assigned.

Essential Job Functions (EFJs):
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with HHSC leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
EJF1: Provides advanced technical knowledge related to contract management and program performance. Facilitates authorization of all funding disbursements. Facilitates amendments to contracts within established protocols. Performs comprehensive contract management for assigned contracts. Develops policies and procedures related to procurement and contracting activities. Maintains contractor files ensuring accessibility of information. Ensures all contract closeout activities are performed according to HHSC policy. Determines the effectiveness of contractor operational and contractual compliance by developing and utilizing a standard set of assessment tools. Informs OA management and AES leadership of significant contractor compliance and performance issues and provides recommendations for contract actions and remedies. Participates and oversees the development of contracting activities such as, facilitating planning meetings, developing timelines and contract documents, including amendments and renewals. (25%)

EJF2: Develops and maintains procedures to ensure accountability and documentation related to performance measures and contract management. Completes analysis of contractor performance by synthesizing performance reports, quality management reports, technical assistance and training documentation, and other pertinent data as it relates to contractor performance. Oversees and administers enforcement of sanctions for grantees, including but not limited to the recoupment of funds, assessing penalties, withholding partial or full payments, and suspension or termination of the contract. Monitors plans of correction with other division staff to ensure improvements are sustained. Coordinates monitoring for contractual accountability activities between the State and grantees. Completes assigned monitoring reviews within assigned time frames and in accordance with the contract, state rules, federal regulations, and program guidelines. (25%)

EJF3: Establishes and maintains effective working relationships and communications with HHS staff, and other internal/external stakeholders, and provides timely responses to requests and inquiries for information. Consults with internal staff to resolve problems, identify needs, and resolve contracting matters. Communicates with supervisor, OA management, and AES leadership in a timely manner regarding problematic situations and applies proper judgment to ensure and action taken is appropriate. (20%) EJF4: Oversees the coordination of procurement-related activities including, but not limited to kick-off and pre-solicitation meetings, post award conferences, team briefings, and solicitation approvals. Coordinates and leads all phases of the procurement process. Leads the development of procurement and contract documents on procurement-related tools. Ensures procurements follow establish HHS and state rules, standards, and timelines. Coordinates closely with internal staff to ensure contracts resulting from procurements contain appropriate program and legal requirements and are completed in a timely manner. (10%)

EJF5: Consults and communicates, individually or collaboratively with contractors, community stakeholders, state and local authorities involved in the service delivery system to identify needs, resolve problems, monitor, and discuss the effectiveness of programs and services. Coordinates contractors’ information needs with other divisions and provides timely responses to ensure project success. Prepares written and oral communication in response to grantee or other stakeholder inquiries. Ensures timely review and response on all correspondence. (20%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities (KSAs): Knowledge of the principles and practices of contract administration and management. Knowledge of contract performance analyses and monitoring procedures.. Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relevant to contracts. Knowledge and understanding of program or project budgets. Knowledge of contracting, performance and deliverables management, contract monitoring, risk assessments, and reporting. Strong ability to write and edit correspondence, memoranda/ reports, and performance requirements related to contracting. Strong ability to recommend applicable corrective actions, to and monitor / evaluate performance based on contracting knowledge and expertise. Strong ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to communicate with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships. Strong ability to organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to lead projects to completion in a timely manner. Ability to manage and coordinate procurement activities. Ability to identify and analyze problems and propose effective solutions. Ability to prepare administrative reports and special projects as assigned. Ability to interpret policies and develop effective operating procedures. Ability to interpret state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and policies and procedures relevant to grants and contracts. Ability to provide technical guidance to internal and external stakeholders as needed, Skills in time management. Skills in project management. Skills in effective oversight including organization, planning, development and implementation of systems and processes. Skills in operating personal computers and in using applicable software, including Microsoft products with emphasis on the use of Word and Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams and other similar meeting platforms. Ability to lead or facilitate workgroups. Ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: Must possess a current and valid Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification issued by the Texas Comptroller's Office or obtain the certification within 12 months of hire.

Initial Screening Criteria: Graduate from an accredited university or college with a bachelor's degree. Applicants without a degree may substitute experience on a year for year basis. Experience must be in the areas of contract or grant management, contract administration, program management and/or project management, or contract monitoring. A minimum of three years of experience, primarily in the areas of contract management, contract administration, procurement, or contract monitoring is preferred. Experience in operating personal computers and in using applicable software, including Microsoft products with emphasis on the use of Word and Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams and other similar meeting platforms.

Additional Information: The work schedule for this position is 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday. Telework may be considered for this position in accordance with HHSC policy and at the discretion of AES Leadership to meet business needs.

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.

Nearest Major Market: Austin

Apply now »