Contract Specialist IV

Location: Austin, TX

About the role

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Access and Eligibility Services (AES) department is looking for individuals to join an exciting and dynamic team working in a high-performing and innovative environment. AES provides an integrated and streamlined approach to connect individuals to services and supports to reduce institutionalization, allow individuals to remain in their communities, and promote economic and personal self-sufficiency.

This position, under the supervision of the Office of Administration (OA) Eligibility Operations and Disability Determination Services (EODDS) Contract Team Manager, serves as the agency’s subject matter expert (SME) related to the goods or services sought through contract management functions. It participates and/or oversees all phases of contract management, monitoring, and closeout for designated Outstationed Worker Program (OWP) revenue-generating contracts and agreements. The OWP plays a crucial role in processing Medicaid applications for individuals deemed presumptively eligible by qualified entities, such as hospitals or other healthcare providers. These workers are stationed outside typical office environments, often within healthcare settings, to provide more accessible services to applicants.

The Contract Specialist IV provides oversight, interpretation, and daily management for assigned contracts, acting as the liaison between contractors and program staff. This role facilitates communication and collaboration among all contract stakeholders and serves as the single point of contact for contractual accountability activities between the State and contractors. It develops policies and procedures related to contracting services, leads contract development activities through execution, initiates amendments, monitors contractor performance and expenditures, provides technical assistance, and closes out contracts.

Responsibilities

• Performs comprehensive contract management for assigned contracts, including developing policies and procedures, negotiating and developing contracts, amendments, and maintaining contractor files electronically.
• Ensures all contract closeout activities are performed according to HHSC policy and informs OA management and AES leadership of significant contractor compliance and performance issues.
• Participates in and oversees the development of contracting activities, such as facilitating meetings, setting timelines, and developing contract documents, including letters, amendments, and renewals. (20%)
• Develops and maintains procedures to ensure accountability and documentation related to performance measures and contract management.
• Coordinates monitoring for contractual accountability activities between the State and contractors, completing assigned monitoring reviews within required time frames. (20%)
• Administers the billing process and eligibility monitoring functions for contract billings, including monitoring contractor invoice payments, accounts receivable reports, and ensuring timely collections. (20%)
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships and communications with HHSC staff, internal and external stakeholders, and provides timely responses to requests and inquiries. (20%)
• Performs written and oral communication with contractors, ensuring timely review and response on all correspondence.
• Coordinates responses to issues, inquiries, and correspondence concerning contractors' functions and activities, providing guidance on contract administration, policies, and procedures. (20%)
• Completes quality assurance checks on OWP Team contracts, agreements, risk assessments, and the contract closeout process.
• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with HHSC leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college or four (4) years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum one (1) year of relevant experience in procurement, contract management, contract administration, or contract monitoring. This increases to five (5) years if substituting for a bachelor’s degree.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Experience interpreting federal and state laws, policies, rules, and requirements in Health and Human Services programs.
• A current and valid Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification issued by the Texas Comptroller’s Office is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SCOR, Salesforce, and CAPPS Financial software.

Skills

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of contract administration and management.
• Knowledge of contract performance analyses and monitoring procedures.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policy, and procedures relevant to contracts.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of contracting, performance management, and reporting.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Proficiency in operating personal computers and applicable software, including Microsoft Excel, SharePoint, and Salesforce.
• Strong time management and project management skills.
• Ability to lead or facilitate workgroups and manage projects to completion in a timely manner.
• Ability to identify and analyze problems and propose effective solutions.
• Ability to organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to prepare administrative reports and special projects as assigned.
• Ability to interpret policies and develop effective operating procedures.

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.
• Day shift (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM).
• Not eligible for telework, except at the discretion of AES Leadership to meet business needs.
• Up to 10% travel required.