The Texas Health and Human Services Commission Community Services (CS) Department seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the Contract Specialist V position. CS is a new department within the Chief Programs and Services Office. The position reports to the Community Services Operations Contract Oversight and Support Director.
This position performs highly advanced (senior-level) risk management and oversight work. Work includes contract administration work that is not limited to overseeing the full contract cycle, monitoring and auditing the multiple programs within CS. Prepares and reviews working papers, monitoring report findings and recommendations, ensures necessary contracting steps were completed and properly documented; and ensures documentation is in compliance with applicable contract provisions, standards, policies, and procedures, and that evidence fully supports conclusions, findings and recommendations. Additionally, this position will provide technical assistance as needed, evaluate policy and write guidance, may develop and train others to support CS programs.
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. The best candidate will support applications to change management concepts, project management, and analytical skills to identify barriers and develop solutions to improve business processes and efficiencies for Community Services.

Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Performs the monitoring/audits of contract performance by examining fiscal data, eligibility determinations, and program work for compliance with terms of contract and policies. Coordinates the risk assessment process for contract monitoring and planning. Works with all pertinent parties to resolve audit findings by defining the criteria/requirements/processes and recommending appropriate dispositions. (30)

Provides consultation and technical assistance to Community Services contract staff on contract concerns and interpretation of policies and procedures related to contract management. Develops procedures to ensure accountability and documentation related to performance measures and contract management. Prepares and distributes responses/feedback concerning performance measures and contract deliverables. Identifies training needs and determines how training should be conducted (30)

Coordinates with Division managers when appropriate regarding requests for information. May conduct routine meetings with program staff to discuss contracting/ forecasting/ projections and provide recommendations to address barriers to meeting goals, staffing shortfalls and peak contracting periods. Analyzes departmental contracting systems, outputs, and activities; identifies gaps and recommends system improvements. (20)

Participates in the development of contract administration policies and procedures. Responsibilities include implementing goals and objectives to support agency-wide strategic plans, polices, and procedures. Serves as subject matter expert related to contract management on assigned workgroups in coordination with Grants, budget, fiscal units, legal, and division programs. May manage special projects as required or requested. May prepare special correspondence or reports, analyze data and compile statistical reports or surveys using Word and Excel or other word processing and spreadsheet applications. (15%)

Other duties as assigned include, but are not limited to, actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, policies, rules, and requirements, for contract and grant management/administration.
Knowledge of business processes, process improvement, contract management/administration systems, and contract management/administration processes.
Knowledge of audit principles, process improvement, and quality management
Knowledge of contract performance management and monitoring procedures
Knowledge of competitive solicitation processes and state procurement procedures. Knowledge of the State of Texas budgeting and other financial policies and procedures.
Skill in writing complex documents/reports, regulations, policies, and procedures an project management.
Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.
Skill in organizing and presenting information effectively to executive leadership and external stakeholders.
Skill in use of computer software including, but not limited to, CAPPS Financial, SCOR, Excel, Access, HHSAS, USAS, or other governmental financial, contract management or human resources applications.
Ability to problem solve and resolve conflict.
Ability to build, establish, and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups and entities.
Ability to implement and balance change and lead cross-functional/inter-disciplinary teams to design and deploy new or improved work processes.
Ability to establish goals and objectives while working independently and delivering results in an environment of complex organizational interactions and competing demands on staff resources.
Ability to make independent and sound technical decisions and analyze new situations when encountered.
Ability to learn and use sophisticated software/applications as necessary to successfully perform duties and assignments.
Ability to interpret and apply federal and state statutes, as well as, agency rules, and policies in the development of guidelines, policies, and procedures.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
CTCM, required
CTCD, preferred or must obtain within 12 months of employment.

Initial Selection Criteria:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. A degree with major coursework in business administration, human resource management, finance, public administration, or a related field is generally preferred. Experience may be substituted for education, year for year.

At least 3 years of full-time professional work experience in large public sector organization in contract development.

At least 2 years experience in contract monitoring, preferred.

At least 2 years experience in financial contract monitoring, preferred.

Additional Information:
Applicants who fail to follow the written instructions completing the State of Texas Employment Application may be disqualified. All fields should be filled in as applicable. To be considered for an interview, applicants must demonstrate a clear match to all Initial Selection Criteria in the summary of experience sections of the application. Resumes will not be considered. Only applicants selected for an interview will be notified of final selection. At the time of posting, telework is available and is determined by agency and division and may be required to come into the office, as directed, to fulfill essential job functions. The person selected for this position must have internet access to work from home.
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.

MOS Code:
While there are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the responsibilities, and registration or licensure requirements for this position, these MOS' do have some functions that overlap with the position needs: 51C, 3044, and 3044, 3006. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if they meet the qualifications for this position.

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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.