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: Facilities DEC 
Posting Number: 5960 
Closing Date: 01/08/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-22 
Salary Range: $4,801.16 - $6,281.16 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
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: CORPUS CHRISTI 
Job Location Address: 902 AIRPORT RD 
Other Locations: Abilene; Austin; Big Spring; Brenham; Carlsbad; Corpus Christi; El Paso; Harlingen; Kerrville; Lubbock; Lufkin; Mexia; Richmond; Rio Grande City; San Angelo; Vernon; Waco; Wichita Falls 
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: Contract Specialist IV for HSCS State Office Division - Performs advanced (senior level) contract management work.  Involved in the execution and administration of various contracts including but not limited to Interlocals, Interagency, MOU/MOAs, Affiliation Agreements by defining requirements/statement of work, developing and monitoring contracts for HSCS and Facilities.  This position has a working knowledge of HHSC rules and HSCS facility policies and procedures, demonstrates ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing and provides training as needed to other employees.  Completion of job duties require work under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.  Negotiates contract, contract renewals and amendments. Collaborates with Legal division as required; and with procurement staff during procurement/contracting process.  Provides oversight to facility contract managers & subject matter experts (SMEs). Work includes gathering, analyzing & disseminating information for contract management requirements.  Directly involved with CAPPS Financials & System of Contract Operation and Reporting (SCOR).  Provides guidance, assistance and support to all facility Contract Managers/SMEs, program staff involved in contract process, government agencies, community organizations and to the general public.  This position is open to telework.  Must reside in Texas, select an office base at one of our designated locations and be in commutable distance to said location, as occasional in-office presence may be required.  Travel to and from office base is not reimbursable.  There is no guarantee of permanent telework, employees must meet telework eligibility requirements in accordance with agency policy, and any telework options are subject to change.  

Essential Job Functions (EJFs): Task 1 - Serves as liaison to staff to explain and provide technical assistance on program specifics and requirements for Contract, Amendments, and Renewals to include but not limited to  Memorandum of Agreements (MOA), Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Interagency, Interlocals, Open Enrollment and Revenue Contracts.  Reviews all steps for compliance with established policy and procedures, renewals including contract management of executed contracts and/or purchase orders.  Provides oversight to facility contract managers (CMs) and subject matter experts (SMEs) in the contracting process from iniation of the contract to completion and close out.  Manages/drafts contracts as per policy.  Must complete contract management responsibilities to include:  a.  writing well-defined Statement of Work with input from stakeholders when involved in procuring new contracts; prepares specifications for requests for bids; ensuring requisitions are entered into CAPPS Financials to start the procurement process; receiving applicable approvals via routing processes; serves on evaluation teams as required;

b.  Ensuring all applicable state and federal rules and regulations, HHS and agency policy, and terms and conditions of the contract are adhered to.

c.  Must be well versed in contract terms, including its purpose, scope, requirements, deliverables, and milestones to ensure the contractor is held accountable for timely performance.

d.  Establishes performance measures with Program SME to ensure contractor's performance can be monitored.

e.  Must be informed and involved throughout all stages of the contract lifecycle to ensure successful contract outcomes;

f.  Verify completion and validate data entry into SCOR Contract Detail submodule from CAPPS Financials (term dates, not to exceed amount, Vendor name, address and TIN), completes Baseline Risk Assessment in SCOR and uploads contract documents into SCOR Contract History or Documents sub-module within 60 calendar days from contract effective date; Maintain official contract record including accurate and timely SCOR data entry and document uploads as required;

g.  Required to enter additional fields in SCOR; Division, Department, Section, Contract Manager, Lead Contact; adds Facility Code in "Other Subject Field" in front of description;

h.  Maintains up-to-date documentation as required in SCOR; uploads Executed Contract, Amendments, Risk Assessments, Contractor Performance Evaluations, Monitoring when applicable, and Contract Close Out including Vendor Performance Tracking; Administers contract changes;

i.  Monitors contract performance by examining billings, fiscal data, and eligibility determinations for compliance of contract terms and policies.  Monitors legal & regulatory requirements pertaining to contracting.  Evaluations expenditure data and makes projections with Program SME to ensure appropriate use of funds.  Monitors contractor performance per assigned contracts or requests contractor performance documentation from SMEs; enters results into SCOR; assists in dispute resolution process as needed; provides reports as needed.

j.  Evaluates issues to State Office Business Mgmt Contract Team, management, Legal and PCS Contract Oversight whenever there is a deficiency with contractor's performance in a timely manner and as required per HHS policy.  (70%)

Task 2  Must enter requisitions in CAPPS Financials for purchases and contracts.  Data entry must be accurate and very detailed so that Purchasers have a clear vision of items/services to be procured.  Must be familiar with Origin Codes and Speedcharts to be used in CAPPS Financials.  Must be able to maneuver in CAPPS to research requisition data and approvals, purchase orderdata, and contract data.  Must be able to run queries in CAPPS Fin Reporting to review and research financial data, track requisition approvals, document status, etc.  Must provide accurate data for management as requested. (5%)

Task 3  Prepares contract expenditure reports to keep CM/SME up-to-date as required to ensure sufficient funds are available.  All reports must be accurate and processed within established timelines.  Provides support and collaborates with CM/SME for invoice payment and processing; CM/SME must review invoices confirming work performed, dates of service, applicable costs, and provide approvals to pay.  All processes are accomplished effectively and efficiently withing timeframes to ensure payments are made promptly to avoid interest payments per comptroller rules.  Provides monthly reports and training to CM/SME to ensure compliance with policies/procedures and contract remains within established/approved Not-To-Exceed Amounts or a requisition is needed to add funds and/or an amendment when applicable. (15%)

Task 4  Researches historical contract, purchasing and financial data in DADS, DSHS and HHSC legacy HCATS system and HHSAS system.  Must be able to maneuver in HCATS and HHSAS to research requisition data, purchase order data, contract data and financial data.  (5%)

Task 5  Other duties as assigned.  Attends and participates in all mandatory training in order to meet HHS and HSCS requirements, certification requirements and to maintain job

competence.  Effectively accomplishes other assigned duties professionally, competently, and on a timely bases.  (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of state procurement and contract management requirements, regulations, and best practices; of negotiating contracts; of developing contracts; of business administration and accounting principles and practices; and of policies and procedures of contract management.  Must be able to manage and draft contracts per policy.  Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws related to Contract Management, Procurement or Accounting, Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems; to prepare reports; to communicate details effectively; and ability to train others.  Skill in operating a computer and applicable software applications used by HHSC.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

To maintain employment as a Contract Specialist, this position will require an applicant to obtain specialized certifications as a Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM).  If not currently a CTCM, selected candidate must obtain CTCM certification within 3 months of hire date unless otherwise approved by supervisor, availability of certification classes, and maintain certification throughout employment.

Prefer active CTCM certification.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.  Contract Management Experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year-for-year basis up to four years.

Additional Information:

Pre-screening Assessment Required

In Basket Exercise required at 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.