Complex Procurement - Contract Specialist IV

Texas Health and Human Services

Austin (TX)

On-site

USD 54,000 - 63,000

Full time

4 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

100% paid employee health insurance

Defined benefit pension plan

Generous time off benefits

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC) in Austin seeks a Contract Specialist IV to manage procurement activities up to contract execution. You will coordinate RFP/RFQ processes, evaluate proposals, and ensure compliance with state laws and HHSC policies, under minimal supervision.

The role requires collaboration with program staff, attention to timelines, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Telework may be eligible; full-time, day shift with competitive benefits is offered.

Qualifications

Minimum 2 years of experience in purchasing, solicitation development, project management, contract management, or case management.
Experience with the State of Texas and with project management is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop, review and track solicitation and contract documents ensuring compliance throughout the procurement cycle.
Coordinate solicitation timelines with program staff to ensure reasonable timelines and alignment with agency priorities.
Ensure procurements comply with state purchasing laws and HHSC policies.
Monitor correspondence and actions to facilitate timely responses and resolution of issues, including Open Records requests.
Represent PCS at meetings related to anticipated or in-flight procurements.
Maintain procurement files in accordance with state laws and HHSC/PCS policies.
Participate in disaster response, COOP activation, or other agency obligations as needed.
Provide customer service aligned with PCS principles, including responsiveness, transparency, and continuous improvement.
Attend work regularly per schedule and complete other assigned duties.

Education

Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD)

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

SharePoint

MS Project

Job 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.

Job Description

Procurement and Contracting Services is looking for a Contract Specialist (P) IV.

This purchasing position performs all purchasing activities prior to contract execution. These duties include the receipt of requisitions, review of scopes of work, selection of procurement methods, preparation of evaluation criteria, preparation and advertising of solicitation documents, processing of responses and coordination of respondent proposal evaluations. In this procurement role, the Contract Specialist IV collaborates with stakeholders and consistently accomplishes these tasks within established timelines.

This purchasing position works under the Complex Procurement Section of the Procurement and Contracting Services Division. This team solicits moderately complex health care services using the RFP and RFQ methods. The Contract Specialist IV works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions

Develop, review and track solicitation and contract documents ensuring applicable compliance throughout the procurement cycle. (25%)
Coordinate the development and implementation of solicitation timelines, working closely with program staff to ensure timelines are reasonable and best support the agency's strategic priorities. Revise timelines as necessary during solicitation development and communicate any changes to program staff. (20%)
Ensures agency procurements are conducted in compliance with state purchasing laws and Human Services Commission (HHSC) policies and procedures. (15%)
Monitor correspondence, issues, and action items to facilitate timely responses and resolution of issues, including processing Open Records requests. (15%)
Serves as a Procurement and Contracting Services (PCS) representative at meetings related to anticipated or in-flight procurements. (10%)
Maintains procurement files in compliance with State of Texas purchasing laws, record and retention laws, and HHSC and PCS policies and procedures. (10%)
Performs other duties as assigned including participate and/or serve in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. (5%)
Provides customer service excellence in alignment with the PCS Customer Service Principles. Actively demonstrates the eight core pillars of customer service: be responsive; set clear and realistic expectations; be transparent; be courteous; be consistent; be resourceful; embrace complaints; and be intentional about continuous improvement.
Attends work regularly in compliance with agreed-upon work schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and completes other duties as assigned.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

Must have Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) within 6 months of hire.

Knowledge Skills Abilities

Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations governing state purchasing
Knowledge of purchasing and procurement methods and procedures
Knowledge of state of Texas procurement principles and practices
Skill in problem solving, including asking appropriate questions and identifying resources to obtain necessary information
Skills in critical thinking
Skills in prioritize setting and scheduling in a fast-paced environment
Skills in multi-tasking under tight timelines
Skill in attention to detail
Ability to logically assemble and evaluate information
Ability to work effectively as part of a team and to establish and maintain effective working relationships
Ability to provide good customer service
Ability to train others
Ability to use computer and applicable software, including MS Word and MS Excel. Basic SharePoint and MS Project Skills preferred.

Initial Screening Criteria

A minimum of 2 years-experience in work related to any of the following: purchasing, solicitation development, project management, contract management or case management.
Experience with the State of Texas and with project management preferred.

Additional Information

n/a

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.

Compensation