Procurement Specialist (PS VII)

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:

Under the supervision of the Director of the Major Procurements Office (MPO), assesses, plans, prioritizes, and performs a variety of technical activities for major procurement initiatives assigned to the MPO. Develops, reviews, and revises multi-million dollar competitive Request for Proposals (RFPs) and other solicitations. Authors and edits procurement documents to ensure that competitive procurements meet MPO and Health and Human Services (HHSC) procurement requirements, standards, and timelines.

Collaborates with HHSC Subject Matter Experts (SME) on the inclusion of program specific information for the procurement documents. Works closely with Procurement and Contracting Services (PCS) and Legal Services staff on determination of appropriate solicitation method, timelines, procurement posting, and management of the procurement process. Serves as SME in assigned workgroups and training activities, including developing presentations for management and staff. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

35% Exercises knowledge of state and federal laws related to procurements and demonstrates skill in procurement process management. Provides high-level technical assistance to Medicaid & Chip Services (MCS) and HHSC staff regarding procurement processes and approaches. Coordinates, organizes, and analyzes procurement requirements from multiple program areas within MCS, as well as partner departments. Converts high-level business, technical, financial, legal and other stakeholder requirements into procurement requirements at an appropriate level of detail and categorization to complete documentation according to standard templates, using clear, concrete, and concise language. Recommends appropriate changes to procurement materials from competing interests. Implements techniques for lessons learned and provides guidance to program SMEs during input in the procurement process. Develops solicitation and related documents consistent with MPO and HHSC guidelines.

35% Oversees the development of solicitation documents to ensure mission objectives, business requirements, proposal requirements, evaluation criteria, and tools are well defined. Reviews developed solicitation documents for quality, consistency, and clarity. Leads and participates on procurement teams for analysis and review of business processes, requirements, and specifications. Leads independent workgroups for high profile initiatives impacting MCS and involving multiple agencies, division, or entities. Utilizes management skills, independent judgement, and critical thinking to validate procurement project work plans and appropriate resources to assist with solicitation development.

20% Coordinates and facilitates task, risk and issue tracking. Conducts risk identification and mitigation strategies for successful completion of procurements. Serves as MPO point of contact for external solicitation reviews, including Office of Attorney General (OAG), Quality Assurance Team (QAT), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and others, as appropriate. Prepares materials for procurement briefings, executive action memos, and other procurement related documentation. Maintains and follows established processes for communication with contractors, stakeholders, and the public related to complex and high-profile procurements. Ensures associated work products are provided with clear, concise, and consistent information, both orally and in writing.

5% Manages and maintains all procurement documents using SharePoint or as directed by the Director of the MPO. Conducts research on current best practices for solicitation development, particularly statements of work and key performance measures.    

5% Other duties as assigned by the Director of the MPO.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• And ability to apply, applicable law, standards, policies, and functions of procurement or contracting process.
• Project management theory and practice.
• Organizational planning, organizational development, and implementation methods needed to create and administer complex documents.
• The Texas legislative process.

Skill in:

• Microsoft Office products including Microsoft Project, SharePoint, Excel, Word, Visio, PowerPoint, and Access.
• Communication, including the effective organization and presentation of information, both orally and in writing.
• Preparing written analyses and administrative reports.
• Analyzing, solving, and making recommendations on problems affecting overall project activities.
• Providing leadership and managing diverse program and personnel in a team environment.
• Communicating on issues and coordinating oversight across multiple cross-functional divisions.

Ability to:

• Coordinate and facilitate large workgroups of stakeholders.
• Develop complex documents for varying audiences.
• Gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts.
• Perform multiple tasks, assignments and projects, both independently and as directed.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Certified Texas Contract Developer required within 6 months of hire.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Required:

1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university;
2. Three or more years of procurement or contract experience that includes developing procurements or contracts, evaluating proposals, negotiating contracts, amendments, renewals, or policy guidance;

Preferred:

1. 4-year degree in a field relevant to contracting and procurement work, including but not limited to Business, management, Policy, Social Work, etc.  
2. Experience with full-time consultative, social service, professional, or technical work which includes analysis of, and solutions for, project work problems where a wide range of demands are involved.

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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.