Contract Specialist in Austin, TX

Description

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Contract Specialist 
Job Title: Contract Specialist IV 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: TitleV ChildSalaries&Operating 
Posting Number: 9578 
Closing Date: 10/07/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-22 
Salary Range: $4,801.16 - $7,761.50 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 35% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST 
Other Locations:  
MOS Codes: 3006,3044,8640,310X,36A,36B,51C,60C0,62S0,63G0,63S0,64PX,651X,6C0X1,751X,FIN10,F&S,LS,LSS,SEI16,SK 
 
 
 

Job Description

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Family Clinical Services (FCS) unit seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Contract Specialist IV. Under the supervision of the Manager of Contracts, this position performs contract management and contract development actions. Contract management activities include oversight, interpretation, and daily management for assigned FCS contracts. This position acts as the liaison between contractors and FCS program staff. This position will support the specific program areas of FCS, Family Planning Program, Breast and Cervical Cancer Services, Healthy Texas Women, Title V Maternal and Child Health Program, Primary Health Care program, and other programs as determined by the needs of the Office. This position facilitates communication and collaboration between all contract stakeholders and serves as the single point of contact for all contractual accountability activities between the State and contractors. Assist in developing policies and procedures related to procurement and contracting activities. Serves as subject matter expert in assigned workgroups and training activities, including developing presentations for management and staff. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment 

Essential Job Functions (EJFs): 

(25%) Performs written and oral communication with contractors as the single point of contact for all contractual accountability activities between the State and contractors. Facilitates and ensures delivery of financial and programmatic technical assistance and training. Coordinates resolution of contractor issues, initiates all contract amendments (to include terminations) and sanctions, obtains approval of amendments/sanctions with appropriate FCS managers, communicates impact of changes to appropriate contractor and FCS staff, and ensures implementation and resolution of contract sanctions. Ensures all contract closeout activities are performed according to HHSC policy.  (20%) As the subject matter expert for FCS procurements, develops, reviews and revises multi-million dollar competitive and renewal Request for Proposal (RFP) documents, Open Enrollments, and other types of procurements for client services contracts in the FCS section. Writes and edits procurement documents using HHSC-approved tools, and ensures that competitive procurements meet HHSC procurement requirements, standards and timelines. Collaborates with FCS program subject matter experts on the inclusion of program-specific information for the procurement documents, and the development of review criteria and review tools. Works closely with FCS program staff, Procurement and Contracting Services (PCS), budget, legal and management to ensure that contracts resulting from competitive procurements contain appropriate program and legal requirements, and are completed in a timely manner.  

(20%) Completes on-site visits with assigned contractors to ensure appropriate contractor performance and to build relationships with contractor and regional staff.  

(15%) Completes analysis of contractor performance by synthesizing contractor expenditure data, performance reports, quality management reports, technical assistance and training documentation, and other pertinent data as it relates to contractor performance. Communicates the results and recommends actions on a routine basis to program staff as appropriate.  

(5%) Develops training materials and presentations to management and staff related to procurement and contracting requirements. Serves as subject matter expert on assigned workgroups.  

(5%) Prepares management reports, correspondence and other materials on FCS client service contracts.  

(5%) Develops policies and procedures related to procurement and contracting activities for FCS. Provides guidance to staff in the development and integration of new methods and procedures. Assists with audit activities.  

(5%) Other duties as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): 

Knowledge of public health practice and of the laws and ordinance governing public health operations.  

Knowledge of public administration and management techniques.  

Knowledge of community health care delivery needs and barriers to care among diverse Texas populations.  

Knowledge of contract management theory and practice including personnel and financial management, process improvement, and quality management  

Knowledge of contracting and procurement regulations, of developing contracts, and of policies and procedures of contract management.  

Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software.  

Skill in editing documents.  

Skill in analyzing, evaluating and solving work problems and implementing effective solutions.  

Skill in training and group leadership methods.  

Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems.  

Ability to foster relationships with internal/external stakeholders, as well as intra and extra office staff.  

Ability to prepare reports; to develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures.  

Ability to develop complex procurement documents including RFPs and Open Enrollments  

Ability to interpret policies and procedures and health care regulations.  

Ability to plan and organize short-term and long-range assignments and objectives.  

Ability to work on legislative tasks. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: 

Certification as a Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) or obtained within the first six months of hire date.Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance.  

Initial Screening Criteria: 

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university. Work experience in public sector contract development, monitoring, contract management, or similar job functions may substitute for education year-for-year.

2+ years experience in the contract management life cycle.

2 years experience interpreting contract deliverables.

Additional Information: 

N/A 

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans: 

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor's Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. 

ADA Accommodations: 

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS 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. 

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility: 

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks. 

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form 

Telework Disclaimer 

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business need. 

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor's Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS 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.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework.  Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.