Contract Specialist (Austin)
Texas Workforce Commission, Austin, TX, United States
Texas Workforce Commission connects people with careers across the state. We are based in Austin on the north lawn of the Texas State Capitol. We are a Family Friendly Certified Workplace with great work‑life balance, competitive salaries, extensive opportunities for training and development, and fantastic benefits. The Contract Administration Services unit is located at 1117 Trinity Street, Austin, Texas.
Eligibility TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those currently on student or postgraduate visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or be willing to relocate to Texas.
Position Summary Contract Specialist III serves as Contract Manager (CM) for a variety of vocational rehabilitation contracts. The role develops, reviews, manages, and revises new contracts, renewals, amendments, and extensions. It performs risk assessment on contracts at initiation, renewal, and budget amendments; acts as liaison between contractors and program staff; facilitates communication among all stakeholders; reviews contractor financial and programmatic reports for compliance; conducts technical assistance and enhanced monitoring reviews; and performs senior‑level contract management work under limited supervision.
Key Responsibilities
Manage contracts from initiation through closeout, including processing new contracts, renewals, amendments, extensions, and ensuring compliance with agency policies.
Monitor contractor performance, identify issues such as delays or non‑compliance, and take corrective action when needed. Coordinate with management on more complex or escalated matters.
Conduct technical reviews of contractor documentation and use enhanced monitoring methods like data sampling and trend tracking to identify and resolve issues early.
Review and approve corrective action plans submitted by contractors, ensuring they address problems effectively and meet compliance standards.
Maintain accurate and organized contract files and database records, including correspondence, amendments, performance reports, and closeout documentation.
Perform contract close‑out activities in line with TWC policy, verifying that all deliverables are received and obligations fulfilled.
Assist in developing and updating contract administration policies and procedures to improve efficiency and consistency.
Provide orientation and ongoing support to contractors and agency staff to ensure understanding of contract requirements.
Communicate professionally with internal stakeholders, state office staff, and the public to exchange information, resolve issues, and respond to inquiries.
Coordinate the risk assessment process for contract monitoring and planning.
Conduct needs assessments to determine requirements for the purchase of goods or services.
Perform related duties as needed.
Qualifications
Three years of full‑time experience in contract development, management, evaluation, monitoring, or training of contract providers or customers; or in the delivery of workforce development services which included contract development, management, evaluation, monitoring, or training of contract providers or customers.
Relevant academic credits may be applied toward experience qualifications for this position.
Desired Attributes
Writing and editing contract requirements and specifications.
Negotiating and developing contracts.
Knowledge of policies and procedures of contract management.
Strong communication skills.
Current certification as a Certified Texas Contract Developer or a Certified Texas Contract Manager.
Benefits
A Family Friendly Certified Workplace.
Competitive salary: $5,133.50/month.
Defined Retirement Benefit Plan.
Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts.
Medical Insurance.
Paid time off, including vacation, sick, and family care leave.
Additional benefits for active employees can be found at https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefits.
Legal and Compliance Information
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document upon hire.
A position utilizing this classification will be designated as security sensitive according to the Texas Labor Code, Section 301.042.
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Eligibility TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, including those currently on student or postgraduate visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or be willing to relocate to Texas.
Position Summary Contract Specialist III serves as Contract Manager (CM) for a variety of vocational rehabilitation contracts. The role develops, reviews, manages, and revises new contracts, renewals, amendments, and extensions. It performs risk assessment on contracts at initiation, renewal, and budget amendments; acts as liaison between contractors and program staff; facilitates communication among all stakeholders; reviews contractor financial and programmatic reports for compliance; conducts technical assistance and enhanced monitoring reviews; and performs senior‑level contract management work under limited supervision.
Key Responsibilities
Manage contracts from initiation through closeout, including processing new contracts, renewals, amendments, extensions, and ensuring compliance with agency policies.
Monitor contractor performance, identify issues such as delays or non‑compliance, and take corrective action when needed. Coordinate with management on more complex or escalated matters.
Conduct technical reviews of contractor documentation and use enhanced monitoring methods like data sampling and trend tracking to identify and resolve issues early.
Review and approve corrective action plans submitted by contractors, ensuring they address problems effectively and meet compliance standards.
Maintain accurate and organized contract files and database records, including correspondence, amendments, performance reports, and closeout documentation.
Perform contract close‑out activities in line with TWC policy, verifying that all deliverables are received and obligations fulfilled.
Assist in developing and updating contract administration policies and procedures to improve efficiency and consistency.
Provide orientation and ongoing support to contractors and agency staff to ensure understanding of contract requirements.
Communicate professionally with internal stakeholders, state office staff, and the public to exchange information, resolve issues, and respond to inquiries.
Coordinate the risk assessment process for contract monitoring and planning.
Conduct needs assessments to determine requirements for the purchase of goods or services.
Perform related duties as needed.
Qualifications
Three years of full‑time experience in contract development, management, evaluation, monitoring, or training of contract providers or customers; or in the delivery of workforce development services which included contract development, management, evaluation, monitoring, or training of contract providers or customers.
Relevant academic credits may be applied toward experience qualifications for this position.
Desired Attributes
Writing and editing contract requirements and specifications.
Negotiating and developing contracts.
Knowledge of policies and procedures of contract management.
Strong communication skills.
Current certification as a Certified Texas Contract Developer or a Certified Texas Contract Manager.
Benefits
A Family Friendly Certified Workplace.
Competitive salary: $5,133.50/month.
Defined Retirement Benefit Plan.
Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts.
Medical Insurance.
Paid time off, including vacation, sick, and family care leave.
Additional benefits for active employees can be found at https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefits.
Legal and Compliance Information
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document upon hire.
A position utilizing this classification will be designated as security sensitive according to the Texas Labor Code, Section 301.042.
#J-18808-Ljbffr