**This position will have the opportunity to telework within the state of Texas.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Community Services (CS) department seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Contract Specialist V. This position reports directly to the Contract Oversight and Compliance Manager of the Office of Aging and Disability Resource Centers (OADRC). This position will be the primary liaison representative, the single point of contact for all contractual accountability activities between the State and Texas' twenty-eight Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs).
As the lead contract specialist for OADRC, this position performs highly complex and advanced consultative and technical tasks related to developing, overseeing, interpreting, and coordinating the enforcement of Health and Human Services (HHS) sub-recipient and other contracts as assigned. In addition, the selected candidate will provide leadership and support in contract management, performance monitoring, funding allocation, solicitation development, and budget reviews.
The OADRC Contract Specialist V interacts routinely with HHS divisions and management, contractors, stakeholders, organizations, and other state agencies. The position is a subject matter expert in assigned workgroups and other contract activities. Other accountability 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 will also maintain reports on contractor performance and provide information on goal attainment barriers and risks.
The ideal candidate thrives in an environment that emphasizes teamwork to achieve excellence through high professional standards, personal accountability, and critical thinking. This position works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment. Responsible for other Contract Management activities as assigned.
This position will have the opportunity to telework within the state of Texas. The selected candidate for this position may be required to travel to Austin for in-person meetings.
In addition to rewarding, meaningful work, HHSC offers a variety of benefits, which can be found at https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance, and generous leave based on years of service. A list of State of Texas holidays is available at: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Documents/Holidays/Holidays2021.pdf.
Essential Job Functions:
Supports, ensure compliance with, and behaves in a manner that reflects the LAS values in support of the LAS mission and vision. Must also perform other duties as assigned and necessary.
Provides advanced technical knowledge related to contract management and program performance. Facilitates authorization of all funding disbursements. Facilitates amendments to contracts within established protocols. (20%)
Consults and communicates, individually or collectively, with contractors, community stakeholders, and state and local authorities involved in the service delivery system to identify needs, resolve problems, and monitor and discuss the effectiveness of programs and services. Coordinates information needs of contractors with other divisions. (20%)
Provides consultation and technical assistance to contractors on contract issues 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 (20%)
Collaborates with colleagues to identify and resolve issues. Communicates plans and changes to plans to contractors individually and collectively. Collects information and prepares legislative and/or management responses as directed by leadership. (15%)
Oversees the coordination of procurement-related activities such as kick-off and pre-proposal meetings, post-award conferences, team briefings, and solicitation approvals. Reviews specifications that have been prepared for solicitations. (15%)
Facilitates contract termination and closeout, including the review and analysis of all program reports and actions, equipment reconciliation (if applicable), and record disposition according to contract terms. (5%)
Other duties as assigned (5%)
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of contract administration, management, and monitoring principles and practices.
Knowledge of contract performance management and monitoring procedures.
Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relevant to contracts.
Skill in communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
Skill in project management.
Effective oversight skills that include planning, developing, and implementing systems and processes.
Ability to identify and analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and propose practical solutions.
Ability to interpret and analyze statutes.
Ability to analyze, evaluate and summarize management records for accuracy and conformance to procedures, rules, and regulations and to draft clear and concise reports and correspondence regarding findings.
Ability to use Microsoft Office products.
Registration or Licensure Requirements:
A Certified Texas Contract Specialist (CTCM) is required.
A Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTDM) is preferred.
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 a large public sector organization in contract management.
Additional Information:
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
MOS Code:
51C
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
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.