Contract Specialist V
Texas Health and Human Services, Austin, TX, United States
Date:
Apr 14, 2026 Location:
Austin, TX
Overview The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Family Resources and Eligibility Services (FRES) department seeks a Contract Specialist V to lead contract management activities and serve as the agency’s subject matter expert in contract administration.
Responsibilities
Lead contract management activities such as procurement development, budget reviews, contract funding allocation decisions, quality management, extensive contract monitoring, and other contractual activities as appropriate and mandated by HHSC policy.
Recommend sanctions for enforcement of contract terms and conditions.
Serve as the single point of contact for all contractual accountability activities between the State and contractors.
Coordinate and implement changes as new federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and agency policies become effective; provide guidance regarding contract administration policies and procedures to program staff, management, and other FRES staff.
Lead contract development activities through execution, initiate amendments, monitor contractor performance and expenditures, provide technical assistance, and close out contracts.
Maintain high-quality customer service to external and internal customers by providing timely responses to inquiries, taking initiative to solve problems, exercising flexibility, and seeking improvements within the unit and program areas.
Interact routinely with customers including program managers, staff, contractors, stakeholders, organizations, and other state agencies to ensure appropriate contractor performance according to contract terms.
Maintain reports on contractor performance, provide information on barriers and risks to goal attainment.
Essential Job Functions
EJF1.
Provide advanced technical knowledge related to coordinating agency divisions pursuing a procurement or contract, including Memoranda of Understanding, Interagency Cooperation Contracts, Intra-agency Transfers, Complex Procurements, Work Orders, and other procurement types… (20%)
EJF2.
Lead and support the agency in completion of all agency-related Complex Procurement and Contracting Functions… (20%)
EJF3.
Assist in and/or develop agency’s procurement or contract management needs assessment, procurement methodology, determination of estimated contract value… (20%)
EJF4.
Perform timely and accurate enhanced and standard monitoring activities by coordinating validation with internal and external stakeholders… (15%)
EJF5.
Develop procedures to ensure accountability and documentation related to performance measures and contract management… (15%)
EJF6.
Other duties as assigned including participating in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for Legislative Sessions… (5%)
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of the principles and practices of contract administration and management.
Knowledge of contract performance analyses and monitoring procedures.
Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policy, and procedures relevant to contracts.
Skill in communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
Knowledge of contracting, performance management, risk assessment and reporting.
Knowledge of management theory and practice including process improvement, quality assurance, public information, and public administration.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
Skill in operating a personal computer, time management, and project management.
Skills in effective oversight to include planning, development and implementation of systems and processes.
Skills in operating personal computers and in using applicable software, including Microsoft products with emphasis on the use of Word, Excel, and Adobe.
Strong ability to write and edit correspondence, memoranda, reports, and performance requirements related to contracting.
Strong ability to recommend applicable corrective actions and monitor/evaluate performance based on contracting knowledge and expertise.
Strong ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships.
Ability to lead or facilitate workgroups.
Ability to lead projects to completion in a timely manner.
Ability to manage and coordinate procurement activities and management of contracts.
Ability to identify and analyze problems and propose effective solutions.
Ability to interpret and analyze statutes.
Ability to organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to prepare administrative reports and special projects as assigned.
Ability to interpret policies and develop effective operating procedures.
Ability to analyze and solve problems, to make decisions affecting overall departmental operations, and comprehensively and accurately evaluates reports.
Ability to provide leadership and control in a team environment, communicate issues and coordinate oversight across multiple cross-functional divisions, perform multiple tasks, assignments, and projects.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements, or Certifications
A current and valid Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification issued by the Texas Comptroller's Office is required or must be acquired within the first six months.
Initial Screening Criteria
Education:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college OR Four (4) years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
Experience:
Minimum one (1) year of relevant experience in procurement, contract management, contract administration, or contract monitoring. This increases to five (5) years if substituting for a bachelor's degree. Experience interpreting federal and state laws, policies, rules, and requirements in Health and Human Services programs.
Preferred Experience:
Experience with SCOR, Salesforce, CAPPS Financial, and MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
Additional Information
Applicants may not have a history of substantiated fraudulent activity against HHSC or any programs it administers.
Applicants with a non-fraud overpayment with an outstanding balance must agree to repay the overpayment balance as a condition of employment.
Applicants selected for hire will be required to pass a fingerprint criminal history background check.
This position may be eligible for telework. Must be willing to travel to State Office (701 W. 51st St., Austin, TX) based on business needs.
Work schedule: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday. Alternate work schedules may be considered after the first six months based on performance and needs.
This position follows HHS telework policies; telework eligibility is subject to supervisor discretion.
All HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies and business needs.
EEO Statement Texas Health and Human Services Commission is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.
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Apr 14, 2026 Location:
Austin, TX
Overview The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Family Resources and Eligibility Services (FRES) department seeks a Contract Specialist V to lead contract management activities and serve as the agency’s subject matter expert in contract administration.
Responsibilities
Lead contract management activities such as procurement development, budget reviews, contract funding allocation decisions, quality management, extensive contract monitoring, and other contractual activities as appropriate and mandated by HHSC policy.
Recommend sanctions for enforcement of contract terms and conditions.
Serve as the single point of contact for all contractual accountability activities between the State and contractors.
Coordinate and implement changes as new federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and agency policies become effective; provide guidance regarding contract administration policies and procedures to program staff, management, and other FRES staff.
Lead contract development activities through execution, initiate amendments, monitor contractor performance and expenditures, provide technical assistance, and close out contracts.
Maintain high-quality customer service to external and internal customers by providing timely responses to inquiries, taking initiative to solve problems, exercising flexibility, and seeking improvements within the unit and program areas.
Interact routinely with customers including program managers, staff, contractors, stakeholders, organizations, and other state agencies to ensure appropriate contractor performance according to contract terms.
Maintain reports on contractor performance, provide information on barriers and risks to goal attainment.
Essential Job Functions
EJF1.
Provide advanced technical knowledge related to coordinating agency divisions pursuing a procurement or contract, including Memoranda of Understanding, Interagency Cooperation Contracts, Intra-agency Transfers, Complex Procurements, Work Orders, and other procurement types… (20%)
EJF2.
Lead and support the agency in completion of all agency-related Complex Procurement and Contracting Functions… (20%)
EJF3.
Assist in and/or develop agency’s procurement or contract management needs assessment, procurement methodology, determination of estimated contract value… (20%)
EJF4.
Perform timely and accurate enhanced and standard monitoring activities by coordinating validation with internal and external stakeholders… (15%)
EJF5.
Develop procedures to ensure accountability and documentation related to performance measures and contract management… (15%)
EJF6.
Other duties as assigned including participating in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for Legislative Sessions… (5%)
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of the principles and practices of contract administration and management.
Knowledge of contract performance analyses and monitoring procedures.
Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policy, and procedures relevant to contracts.
Skill in communicating effectively both orally and in writing.
Knowledge of contracting, performance management, risk assessment and reporting.
Knowledge of management theory and practice including process improvement, quality assurance, public information, and public administration.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
Skill in operating a personal computer, time management, and project management.
Skills in effective oversight to include planning, development and implementation of systems and processes.
Skills in operating personal computers and in using applicable software, including Microsoft products with emphasis on the use of Word, Excel, and Adobe.
Strong ability to write and edit correspondence, memoranda, reports, and performance requirements related to contracting.
Strong ability to recommend applicable corrective actions and monitor/evaluate performance based on contracting knowledge and expertise.
Strong ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships.
Ability to lead or facilitate workgroups.
Ability to lead projects to completion in a timely manner.
Ability to manage and coordinate procurement activities and management of contracts.
Ability to identify and analyze problems and propose effective solutions.
Ability to interpret and analyze statutes.
Ability to organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to prepare administrative reports and special projects as assigned.
Ability to interpret policies and develop effective operating procedures.
Ability to analyze and solve problems, to make decisions affecting overall departmental operations, and comprehensively and accurately evaluates reports.
Ability to provide leadership and control in a team environment, communicate issues and coordinate oversight across multiple cross-functional divisions, perform multiple tasks, assignments, and projects.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements, or Certifications
A current and valid Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification issued by the Texas Comptroller's Office is required or must be acquired within the first six months.
Initial Screening Criteria
Education:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college OR Four (4) years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
Experience:
Minimum one (1) year of relevant experience in procurement, contract management, contract administration, or contract monitoring. This increases to five (5) years if substituting for a bachelor's degree. Experience interpreting federal and state laws, policies, rules, and requirements in Health and Human Services programs.
Preferred Experience:
Experience with SCOR, Salesforce, CAPPS Financial, and MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
Additional Information
Applicants may not have a history of substantiated fraudulent activity against HHSC or any programs it administers.
Applicants with a non-fraud overpayment with an outstanding balance must agree to repay the overpayment balance as a condition of employment.
Applicants selected for hire will be required to pass a fingerprint criminal history background check.
This position may be eligible for telework. Must be willing to travel to State Office (701 W. 51st St., Austin, TX) based on business needs.
Work schedule: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday. Alternate work schedules may be considered after the first six months based on performance and needs.
This position follows HHS telework policies; telework eligibility is subject to supervisor discretion.
All HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies and business needs.
EEO Statement Texas Health and Human Services Commission is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.
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