Contract Specialist

Location: Waco, TX

About the role

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Family Resources and Eligibility Services (FRES) department is seeking individuals to join an exciting and dynamic team working in a high-performing and innovative environment. FRES provides an integrated and streamlined approach to connect individuals with services and supports that reduce the need for institutionalization, enable them to remain in their communities, and promote economic and personal self-sufficiency. This role involves overseeing all phases of the contract lifecycle from procurement to closeout, including drafting and processing contract amendments, renewals, and extensions, as well as reviewing and revising procurement documents. The Contract Specialist IV acts as the liaison between vendors and program staff, facilitates communication among stakeholders, and ensures compliance with HHSC procurement requirements.

Responsibilities

• Performs comprehensive contract management for assigned contracts, including developing policies and procedures, maintaining contractor files, and ensuring contract closeout activities comply with HHSC policy.
• Develops and utilizes assessment tools to determine contractor operational and contractual compliance; informs management of significant compliance issues and recommends actions.
• Oversees the development of contracting activities, including facilitating planning meetings, setting timelines, and developing contract documents such as amendments and renewals.
• Develops and maintains procedures for accountability and documentation related to performance measures and contract management.
• Analyzes contractor performance using reports, quality management documentation, and other data; administers enforcement of sanctions, including recoupment of funds, penalties, or contract termination.
• Monitors plans of correction and coordinates contractual accountability activities between the State and contractors.
• Completes assigned monitoring reviews within established time frames and in accordance with contract, state, and federal guidelines.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with HHS staff, stakeholders, and contractors; provides timely responses to inquiries and resolves contracting matters.
• Leads or participates in all phases of the procurement process, including developing procurement and contract documents and ensuring adherence to HHS and state rules.
• Coordinates with internal staff to ensure contracts contain appropriate program and legal requirements and are completed timely.
• Performs written and oral communication with contractors, ensuring timely review and response to correspondence.
• Prepares responses to contractor inquiries and coordinates information needs with other divisions and state agencies.

Requirements

• Graduated from an accredited university or college with a bachelor’s degree. Applicants without a degree may substitute relevant experience on a year-for-year basis up to four (4) years.
• In addition to education (or equivalent experience), candidates must have a minimum of one (1) year of relevant experience in contract management, monitoring, and oversight. If substituting education, five (5) years of relevant experience is required.
• Knowledge of procurement principles, contract administration, management, and closeout.
• Knowledge of contracting, performance management, risk assessment, and reporting.
• Ability to interpret state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures relevant to contracts.
• Skills in managing and coordinating procurement activities and contracts.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and facilitate workgroups.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and time-management skills.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including preparing reports, correspondence, and presentations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), SharePoint, Teams, and other meeting platforms.

Qualifications

• Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) is preferred and required within 12 months of hire.
• Applicants may not have a history of substantiated fraudulent activity against HHSC or its programs.
• Applicants with a non-fraud overpayment must agree to repay the balance as a condition of employment.
• Selected applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal history background check.

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous time-off benefits.
• Numerous opportunities for career advancement.

Pay

Salary Range: $4,801.16 - $7,761.50 per month.

Schedule

• Full-time, regular position.
• Shift: Day (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday).
• Eligible for telework, with potential travel up to 10%.
• Must attend work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with HHSC leave policy.