WIC Senior Contract and QA Audit 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: WIC Senior Contract and QA Audit Specialist 
Job Title: Contract Specialist V 
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm 
Department: WIC Salaries 
Posting Number: 14974 
Closing Date: 03/30/2026 
Posting Audience: Internal and External 
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations 
Salary Range: $5,425.33 - $8,886.16 
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24 
Shift: Day 
Additional Shift: Days (First) 
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:  
MOS Codes: 3006,3044,8640,310X,36A,36B,51C,60C0,62S0,63G0,63S0,64PX,651X,6C0X1,751X,FIN10,F&S,LS,LSS,SEI16,SK 
 
 
 

Perform highly advanced (senior-level) contract management, quality assurance, and auditing work for the Vendor Management & Operations (VMO) Unit. Work supports the United States Department of Agriculture Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.  Work involves facilitating the consistent development of contracts, renewals, and amendments; completion of requisitions and risk assessments; evaluation of application information supplied by vendors; and quality assurance monitoring of vendor documents, contracts and amendments. Serve as the liaison, working alongside the Unit Branch Managers, between the Unit and WIC Program Services, HHSC Procurement and Contracting Services, Office of Chief Counsel, and Office of Inspector General in regard to support for contracts, renewals and amendments, and contract monitoring as needed. Facilitate internal and federal audit responses and corrective action plans. Conduct internal quality assurance audits of Unit processes, functions, projects, and policies to ensure compliance with federal regulations and state policies. Responsible for monitoring of federal and state legal, regulatory, and agency requirements related to WIC vendor contracting and monitoring, with a special focus on any new and proposed rules. Responsible for reporting related to contracting and procurement in the Unit. Involved with policy and procedure development and revisions, and assisting Branch managers in reviewing staff work and findings for consistency in implementation. Responsible for capturing vendor violations and facilitating to the appropriate person for entry into USDA Food Delivery Portal. Assist with leading and/or prioritizing the workload of others in regard to contracting and procurements. May assist other Units within WIC with contract duties. Serve as backup for vendor newsflashes, legislative inquiries and bill analyses, and RACI chart. Work under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.      

Essential Job Functions: 

1. Serves as Senior Contract and QA Audit Specialist for the Unit, facilitating the consistent planning, development, and implementation of WIC vendor contracts, renewals, and amendments; completion of requisitions and risk assessments; evaluation of application information supplied by vendors. Conducts quality assurance monitoring of vendor documents, contracts, and amendments. Provides guidance regarding contract administration, policies and procedures. Serves as the liaison, working alongside the Unit Branch Managers, between the Unit and WIC Program Services, HHSC Procurement and Contracting Services, Office of Chief Counsel, and Office of Inspector General in regard to support for contracts, renewals and amendments, and contract oversight and monitoring, as needed.  (25%)  

2. Conducts internal quality assurance audits of Unit processes, functions, projects, and policies to ensure compliance with federal regulations and state policies. Responsible for facilitating internal and federal audit responses and corrective action plans. (25%)  

3. Responsible for monitoring of federal and state legal, regulatory, and agency requirements related to WIC vendor contracting and contract monitoring, with a special focus on new and proposed rules.  Involved with policy and procedure development and revisions, and assisting Branch managers in reviewing staff work and findings for consistency in implementation. Responsible for reporting related to contracting and procurement in the Unit. Responsible for capturing vendor violations and facilitating to the appropriate person for entry into USDA Food Delivery Portal. (25%)  

4. Serves as backup for vendor newsflashes, legislative inquiries and bill analyses, and RACI chart. (15%)  

5. Assists with leading and/or prioritizing the workload of others in regard to contracting and procurements. Assesses workflows and makes recommendations for program or process improvement. May assist other Units within WIC with contract duties. (5%)  

 6. Performs other duties as assigned including but not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or locations. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. (5%) 

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, or REGISTRATION REQUIRED: 

Must be a Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) or complete the requirements to become a CTCM within 12 months of employment    

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES  

Knowledge of:  

• State of Texas contracting and procurement/purchasing regulations, developing contracts, contract monitoring   

• Project management principles 

• Auditing methods and systems and generally accepted auditing standards and procedures 

• State and federal laws, regulations, policies, rules and requirements related to the WIC program  

• Strategic planning and/or business process improvement 

Skill in:  

• Effective verbal and written communication  

• Identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions   

• Working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups  

• Developing and/or revising policies and procedures  

• Program and process improvement   

• Organizing, managing, prioritizing and directing tasks, projects, and schedules 

•  Effective leadership 

• Sampling techniques and creating reports 

• Technical writing 

• Using technology, including Microsoft Office software applications  

Ability to:   

• Write, edit and understand contract requirements and specifications 

• Gather audit information and compose clear and concise audit reports  

• Think creatively and support creative thinking in others  

• Establish goals and objectives; plan, lead, and prioritize the workload of others 

• Interpret data and develop effective operating procedures  

• Organize and present information effectively, both verbally and in writing  

• Build effective work teams with a variety of individuals  

• Prioritize and plan assignments, and handle multiple projects in a fast paced environment  

• Work effectively under pressure  

• Establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with staff at all levels of the organization, and internal and external stakeholders  

• Understand, interpret and apply department and agency rules, regulations, policies and procedures 

INITIAL CRITERIA 

•   At least three (3) years of experience with developing, managing, or monitoring contracts for the State of Texas 

•   At least three (3) years of experience in policy/procedure development and/or revision 

•   At least two (2) years of experience in creating reports 

•   At least two (2) years of experience in conducting audits  

PREFERRED CRITERIA 

•   A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree    

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

To be considered for an interview, applicants must clearly match all initial criteria in the EMPLOYMENT HISTORY, SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE SECTIONS of the application. RESUMES WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. The salary on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum allowed, however, budget considerations often result in salary offers near the MINIMUM of the posted range. Internal applicants are encouraged to check the HR manual for changes to their current salary.  

All applicants chosen to participate in the virtual “face-to-face” interview process will be required to complete an on-camera skills assessment to demonstrate proficiencies associated with this role. All applicants participating in the virtual “face-to-face” interview must also have access to a computer, the internet, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft Word. More than one virtual “face-to-face” interview may be required. Only applicants selected for an interview will be notified of the final selection. This position is currently a hybrid position, with some ability to work from home, but the selected candidate must be physically present in the Austin office at least two days per week, as directed by the manager and director. Other meetings in Austin will be required. This hybrid arrangement is also subject to change at any time. The selected candidate must have internet access for working from home.  

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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.