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Job Description

Under the supervision of the Contract Coordination Oversight and Support Director, the Contract Specialist performs highly advanced (senior-level) consultative services and technical work in support of Behavioral Health (BH) Contract Operations. Work involves a broad working knowledge of diverse contracts and procurement and contract management requirements, regulations and processes; development, management, analysis, maintenance and reporting of contract operations data; interpretation and application of contracting regulations and requirements; research, development and implementation/performance of contract compliance and quality assurance projects, reviews and activities to mitigate risk and ensure compliance with contract management requirements; development and implementation of associated unit policies and procedures; collaboration and coordination internal and external to the department; coordinating, collecting and providing information in response to various inquiries and audit related activities; and serve, lead or assist in leading assigned workgroups or projects. As needed, identify and conduct training and support the department’s efforts in the remediation and resolution of audit exceptions.

Position assists with the development, oversight, interpretation, coordination and/or enforcement of Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Behavioral Health Contracts and legislative assignments (e.g., bill analyses and cost estimates) as assigned.

Position works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment and participates in other duties and activities as assigned.

Essential Job Functions

EJF 1. Performs highly advanced consultative and technical tasks related to the development, management, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of contract operations data; contract operations reporting systems, formats, and reports; management and productivity reporting and improvements; and directing and coordinating critical data requirements, data analysis and trending, reporting protocols and follow-up. Consults and communicates, individually or collectively, with various internal stakeholders to identify key metrics for reporting progress and identifying disparities in contract reporting. Organizes available information and metrics into easy-to-understand reporting format to inform and improve evaluation of overall contract units’ performance. Provides contract operations reports to staff and executive leadership regarding, but not limited to, status of contract actions, agency required contract reporting, tracking progress toward implementation of open audit recommendations, contracting compliance and quality assurance projects and reviews; training needs; etc. (25%)

EJF 2. Performs contract compliance and quality assurance projects and activities within BH Contract Operations. Remains current on procurement and contract management state and federal requirements; monitoring legal and regulatory requirements pertaining to contracting and unit processes and procedures to mitigate risk and support compliance with Comptroller’s Office, State Auditor’s Office or other oversight agencies. Research, develop and performs contract compliance/quality assurance reviews and analysis of contract functions, operations and processes; identifies areas needing change or improvement; and assist in development of plans and reports to improve contract operations and functions, create operational efficiencies, and improve quality. Work collaboratively with staff in the performance of routine and special contract compliance/quality assurance projects and activities. Serving on, leading, or assisting with facilitation of meetings and projects as well as maintaining meeting agendas and minutes and reporting on project status and outcomes. (25%)

EJF 3. Collaborates, coordinates and completes the identification, collection, organization, analysis, development, and preparation of materials, information, and responses to various inquires and requests for contracting information (e.g., open records, legislative, media, audit etc.) and routes for review and submission accordingly. Assists with bill analyses and cost estimates as assigned. (20%).

EJF 4. Coordinates and collaborates with staff in planning, development, implementation, analysis and documentation through participation and completion of cross-agency, multi-stakeholder projects, workgroups, reports, and other deliverables aimed at improving contract operations policies and procedures by working to identify and resolve contract administration issues, mitigate risks, and assist in remediation of audit exceptions. Communicates plans and changes to plans to colleagues individually and collectively. (10%)

EJF 5. Utilizes various software including SOURCE/BHSMS, CMBHS, CAPPS and SCOR to collect information in response to inquiries, monitor the section’s procurement and contracting practices, and perform quality assurance activities. (10%)

EJF 6. Participate in the development, management and maintenance of unit policies and procedures; ensure documents, records and correspondence are maintained; and manage/monitor unit mailbox. (5%).

EJF 7. Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned includes but are not limited to participating in workgroups and other contract related activities. (5%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities

Knowledge of state and federal laws, requirements, regulations, policies and procedures, and best practices related to procurement and contract management.

Knowledge of state and federal laws related to the program area, human services programs, applicable standards, mission and objectives.

Knowledge of auditing, statistical analysis processes and research techniques.

Knowledge of project management principles and techniques

Knowledge of risk assessment methodologies

Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance

Skill in the use of computer and applicable software such as Microsoft Office Excel, Word, PowerPoint, ACCESS and Outlook as well as state contract and financial application such as CAPPS FIN and SCOR

Skill in development of spreadsheets and risk documents.

Skill in compilation and analysis of complex financial and programmatic data.

Skill in performing risk assessment and quality assurance activities.

Ability to interpret and apply regulations and requirements.

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts and present information in a professional manner.

Ability to devise solutions to problems.

Ability to work across all staff levels, HHS agencies, executive leadership, and external staff.

Ability to prepare reports and special projects as assigned.

Ability to develop, evaluate, interpret, and apply policies and procedures

Ability to organize, communicate and present information effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to train, lead, assign, and/or prioritize the work of others.

Ability to work as part of a team and manage multiple competing priorities in a system of change.

Registration Or Licensure Requirements

Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) or secure CTCM within 12 months of hire.

Initial Selection Criteria

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in public administration, human services or a related field. Each year of state level experience related to contract management, procurement, or oversight of human services programs may substitute for each year of college.
• Experience communicating, both orally and in writing, and working effectively with staff at all levels of an organization and groups of various size as noted by detail and completeness of information and experience provided on the state application.
• As noted by detail and completeness of information and experience provided on state application, demonstrated knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, policies, and rules requirements related to human services programs or contracting processes. CTCM Preferred.
• Experience in managing, compiling, and analyzing complex programmatic information and data in support of programs.
• Experience with computer software and applications, specifically Excel and/or ACCESS.

Additional Information

Employee must provide transportation. If an employee operates a personal or state motor vehicle in performance of their official duties, the employee must possess a current valid Texas driver’s license for the appropriate type vehicle. Employees/Applicants are responsible for providing a copy of their driver’s license prior to beginning employment, if required.

MOS Code

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include: 6C0X1, 64PX, 3006, and 3044.

For more information, see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

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.

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