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Texas Department of State Health Services · 1 month ago

Contract Specialist V

Austin, TX

Contract

Hybrid

Senior Level

$5,425.33/mo - $8,886.16/mo

Texas Department of State Health Services is committed to hiring skilled individuals passionate about public health. The Contract Specialist V will lead and support contract management activities, overseeing the development and compliance of contracts while ensuring effective communication between stakeholders.

Health Care

Responsibilities

Participates and oversee the development of contracting activities such as RFP development, facilitating planning meetings, setting timelines and developing the RFP application. Determine solicitation method/type of contract and/or purchase. Identifies provider resources, describes services to be rendered, finalize the Review Criteria and evaluation instruments in collaboration with programs. Accepts, tracks and ensures response to written questions about the RFP submitted by potential bidders. Plans/participates in bidders conference by pulling department resources to provide accurate technical assistance to potential bidders. Arranges logistics and oversees the proposal review process. (15%)

Coordinates and negotiates contract budget reviews, contract funding allocation decisions, negotiations of revised budgets and performance measures with selected applicants. Obtains from applicants any clarifications and supplemental information. Creates work plan documents where appropriate. Works with Office of General Council on scope of work. Adheres to department, state and federal contracting policy. (15%)

Performs the monitoring of and/or monitors contract performance by examining billings, fiscal data, and eligibility determinations for compliance with terms of contract and policies. Responsible for reviewing the supporting documentation related to contract billing for eligibility. Ensures appropriate tracking of contractor expenditure and performance data as well as appropriate contract deliverables. Completes analysis of contractor performance by reviewing contractor expenditure data, performance reports, technical assistance and training documentation, and other pertinent data as it relates to contractor performance. Projects expenditures to ensure appropriate use of funds. Communicates the results and recommends actions on a routine basis to program and other Department staff as appropriate. (15%)

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 with Contract Oversight and Support Section and appropriate program, regional or Local Health Department staff. Provides guidance to internal and external customers regarding contract administration, policies, and procedures. Identifies training needs and determines how training should be conducted. (10%)

Coordinates the risk assessment process for contract monitoring and planning. Participate in coordinated on-site reviews to encompass both financial and programmatic compliance. Works with all pertinent parties to resolve audit findings by defining the criteria/requirements/processes and recommending appropriate dispositions. (15%)

Coordinates resolution of contractor issues, initiates and negotiates all contract amendments (to include terminations) and sanctions, obtains approval of amendments/sanctions with appropriate Division managers, communicates impact of changes to appropriate contractor and Division staff, and ensures implementation and resolution of contract sanctions. Provides assistance and recommends sanctions for enforcement of the terms and conditions of the assigned contracts in the Contract Management Section (CMS). Ensures all contract closeout activities are performed according to DSHS policy. (10%)

Serves as a point of contact with DSHS, HHSC senior management, Contract Oversight and Support and Contract Liaisons regarding contractor performance issues. Coordinates with Division managers when appropriate regarding requests for information. Maintains contractor files ensuring accessibility of information necessary for appropriate contract management. Conduct routine meetings with program staff to discuss contracting/ forecasting/ projections and provide recommendations to address barriers to meeting goals, staffing shortfalls and peak contracting periods. Ensures continuity of operations during emergencies or catastrophic events. (10%)

Participates in the development of contract administration policies and procedures. Responsibilities include: implementing goals and objectives to support agency-wide strategic plans, polices, and procedures. Serves as subject matter expert related to contract management on assigned workgroups in coordination with Grants, budget, fiscal units, legal, Contract Oversight and Support, and division programs. Analyzes departmental contracting systems, outputs and activities; identifies gaps and recommends system improvements. Manage special projects as required or requested. Prepare special correspondence or reports, analyze data and compile statistical reports or surveys using Word and Excel or other word processing and spreadsheet applications. (5%)

Other duties as assigned include, but are 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 location. (5%)

Qualification

Contract managementBudget analysisRFP developmentMicrosoft ExcelProject managementProblem solvingCommunication skillsLeadershipTeamwork

Required

Experience using word and excel

Experience in contract management activities

Experience with writing reports

Preferred

Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) is preferred or must be obtained within first year of employment

Benefits

Insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS)