FSS Contract Specialist IV 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: FSS Contract Specialist IV 
Job Title: Contract Specialist IV 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: FSS Cont, Fin & Admn Supp 89th 
Posting Number: 9949 
Closing Date: 10/24/2025 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations 
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-22 
Salary Range: $4,801.16 - $5,250.00 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift:  
Telework: Eligible for Telework 
Travel: Up to 20% 
Regular/Temporary: Regular 
Full Time/Part Time: Full time 
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt 
Facility Location:  
Job Location City: AUSTIN 
Job Location Address: 701 W 51ST 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 
 
 
 

As a team lead, the Contract Specialist IV performs highly complex (senior level) grant and contract management work overseeing Family Support Services (FSS) grants. Work involves establishing processes and policies and training FSS grants. Coordinating, developing, negotiating, monitoring, and evaluating a broad range of FSS service and administrative contracts, including ensuring fiscal accountability and taking any necessary contract action. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment regarding daily FSS contract management decisions. This position interacts routinely with other divisions and agency staff, service providers, and community groups, internal and external stakeholders.

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Provides guidance to internal and external stakeholders regarding contract administration, policies, procedures, and FSS administration. (20%)

1. Identifies training needs from internal and external stakeholders and develops and conducts trainings according to identified topics. (20%) (2)

1. Team lead in reviewing budget documents and billing documentation for the team. (15%)

1. Manages and coordinates complex grants and contracts providing a broad range of services, and monitors contract performance by examining billings, fiscal data, and eligibility determinations for compliance with terms of contract and policies and recommends cancellation of contracts when deviations occur. Monitors and tracks legal and regulatory requirements pertaining to FSS contracting. (10%)

1. Administers the billing process and eligibility monitoring functions for contract billing and performance, making method of finance determinations. Evaluates expenditure data and makes projections to ensure appropriate use of funds and maximization of prevention dollars. Ongoing contract monitoring and issuing guidance will demonstrate use of funds to maximize all appropriated and federally granted dollars to ensure families and communities receive optimal prevention services and to minimize the potential for any lapsed dollars. (10%)

1. Coordinates the risk assessment process for contract monitoring and planning. Analyzes individual risk factors assigned to each FSS grantee or contractor. (10%)

1. Provides fiscal oversight of contracts and oversees Notice of Award and Notice to Proceed activities. (10%)

1. Coordinates and facilitates grant/contract-related meetings such as kick-off and pre-proposal meetings, post-award conferences, team briefings, evaluation scorings, and new grantee orientations using developed tools specific to the FSS program. Assist in development of solicitations, contracts, and amendments by identifying provider resources, describing services to be rendered, evaluating information supplied by bidders, and negotiating contract specifications. Makes recommendations to change Request for Application contract documents for FSS. (5%)

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, OR REGISTRATION REQUIRED:

CTCM (Certified Texas Contract Manager) required within one year of employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Knowledge of state procurement and contract management requirements, policies and procedures for contract management, regulations, and best practices; of negotiating contracts; of business administration and accounting principles and practices.

Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to FSS contracting.

Knowledge of managing and monitoring contracts and budgets in a social service environment.

Skill in attention to details, effective verbal and written communication.

Skill in use of a computer and applicable software.

Ability to evaluate contracts and recommend future status; to interpret policies, procedures, and regulation; to evaluate fiscal data for reasonableness, allowability, necessity, and conformity with contract requirements.

Ability to calculate detailed math formulas accurately to evaluate fiscal data for reasonableness, necessity and conformity with contract terms and budgetary constraints.

Ability to analyze complex information effectively and quickly and to summarize results in a written report to ensure conformity with contract requirements and regulations.

Ability to organize, prioritize and complete multiple tasks to meet Agency and Division policies, procedures, relevant regulations, and deadlines.

Ability to research policy and procedure and apply it to contract management work activities and duties.

Ability to operate Excel functions in relation to job duties (enter and manage data, sort and filter, perform calculations, track expenses, create budgets and forecasts, create charts, design dashboards, manage projects, use macros, workbooks).

INITIAL SCREENING CRITERIA:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university in accounting, finance, or related field. Applicants without a degree may substitute experience on a year for year basis. Acceptable Substitutions: Graduation from high school or equivalent with three years full-time bookkeeping, or job duties in a financial field.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This position offers a hybrid schedule of remote (telework) and in-office work and will have the opportunity to telework as HHSC telework policy allows. The selected candidate for this position will be required to work in and attend in-person meetings in an Austin office when not teleworking and to fulfill essential job functions. Any costs associated with working in or attending in-person meetings or required work events in Austin or within a 50-mile radius of Austin will not be qualified travel expenses reimbursed by the State.

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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.