Contract Specialist V 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 V 
Job Title: Contract Specialist V 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: Contract Operations 
Posting Number: 16453 
Closing Date: 05/14/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations 
Salary Range: $5,425.33 - $6,166.67 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 10% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST 
Other Locations: Austin 
MOS Codes: 3006,3044,8640,310X,36A,36B,51C,60C0,62S0,63G0,63S0,64PX,651X,6C0X1,751X,FIN10,F&S,LS,LSS,SEI16,SK 
 
 
 

Brief Job Description:

The Contract Specialist V provides senior-level expertise on a dynamic team within the Business Operations Department for the Strategic Operations Division and is responsible for managing complex, high-value contracts that support critical agency operations.

This role combines technical contract knowledge with hands-on execution and offers the opportunity to shape processes, strengthen compliance, and contribute alongside experienced contract professionals.

The specialist leads contract development, monitoring, and closeout activities, ensures alignment with state procurement standards, and serves as a subject matter resource on contract performance and risk. In this role, you'll collaborate across divisions, work closely with vendors and oversight partners, and help ensure contracts deliver value, accountability, and results for the organization.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Contract Management and Execution.

Independently manages a portfolio of complex, high-dollar, or high-risk contracts. Serves as primary point of contact between the agency and the vendor for all contract matters throughout the contract lifecycle. Reviews and processes contract amendments, renewals, change orders, and supporting documentation. Coordinates with PCS on solicitations, contract execution, and procurement policy compliance. Coordinates legal review with the Office of Chief Counsel and budget review with the Finance division. Prepares and routes contract execution documentation, including PCS448s and supporting justification packages.

30%

Contract Monitoring.

Independently monitors assigned contracts for vendor performance, deliverable completion, invoice accuracy, and compliance with contract terms. Conducts on-site and desk monitoring reviews, develops monitoring plans, prepares formal monitoring reports, and recommends corrective actions when performance deficiencies are identified. Reviews and validates invoices against contract terms and deliverables before approving for payment. Tracks vendor performance against established performance measures and service level agreements. Identifies, documents, and escalates contract-related risk to division leadership.

30%

Reporting and Documentation.

Prepares and submits required contract reports to division leadership, oversight bodies, business owners, and external stakeholders. Maintains accurate contract files and documentation in accordance with records retention requirements and agency standards. Tracks and reports contract performance metrics. Supports legislative inquiries, audit responses, public information requests, and Sunset review activities related to assigned contracts. Maintains contract data in agency systems including SCOR, CAPPS, and SharePoint repositories.

20%

Contract Close-out.

Conducts contract close-out activities, including final deliverable validation, final invoice reconciliation, vendor performance documentation, and contract file archiving consistent with state records retention requirements. Coordinates with the Records Management Office on retention compliance. Documents lessons learned and recommendations for future procurements involving the same scope or vendor.

15%

Stakeholder Coordination and Mentoring.

Serves as a senior subject matter expert and resource for less experienced contract specialists and contract managers within the department; reviews their work product when assigned. Provides technical guidance to business owners and program staff on contract management matters. Represents the Contract Operations department in cross-divisional and cross-agency meetings as assigned.

5%

Other Duties as Assigned.

Identifies and recommends process improvements within the Contract Operations department. Develops contract administration policies and procedures. Performs other duties as assigned by the Manager or Director.

5%

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• State of Texas procurement and contract management law, rules, policies, and best practices, including the Texas Procurement and Contract Management Guide

• Contract management, monitoring, and reporting practices for complex services contracts

• Cost and price analysis methodologies

• Federal procurement standards where applicable to HHS System contracts

• HHS System procurement processes including SCOR, CAPPS, and PCS workflows

Skill in:

• Managing complex services contracts post-award through the full contract lifecycle

• Conducting contract monitoring activities, including identifying and addressing performance deficiencies

• Reviewing and validating invoices and deliverables against contract terms; preparing formal monitoring reports, performance reports, and contract documentation

• Negotiating contract amendments, change orders, and corrective actions with vendors

• Use of Microsoft Office, SharePoint, SCOR, CAPPS, and other contract management systems

• Written and oral communication with vendors, internal stakeholders, and oversight agencies

Ability to:

• Independently manage a complex contract portfolio post-award; apply sound judgment to contract decisions with significant financial or operational impact

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with vendors, business owners, and oversight functions

• Adapt to shifting priorities, including fiscal year-end, biennium transitions, and emerging vendor or stakeholder issues

• Communicate effectively in writing and verbally with executive leadership, vendors, and external stakeholders

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Active and valid Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification at time of hire. CTCM must remain active throughout employment.

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in business administration, public administration, finance, accounting, or a related field. Experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis

• Five (5) years of full-time professional experience in contract management, contract administration, procurement, or contract monitoring

• Demonstrated experience independently managing complex, high-dollar, or high-risk services contracts post-award through the full contract lifecycle

• Demonstrated experience conducting contract monitoring activities, including preparation of formal monitoring reports and identification of corrective actions

Preferred:

• Master's degree in business administration, public administration, or a related field

• Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) certification

• Experience with State of Texas procurement systems including SCOR, CAPPS, and PCS workflows

• Experience managing contracts in a Texas state agency or HHS System environment

• Experience supporting legislative inquiries, audit responses, public information requests, or Sunset review activities

Additional Information:

N/A

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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.