Contract Specialist IV

Texas Department of State Health Services; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Texas Department of State Health Services is seeking a Contract Specialist IV in Austin, TX. This role involves overseeing contract management activities, ensuring compliance, and providing technical assistance. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in contract management and excellent communication skills.

Benefits

Insurance coverage

Employee Benefits

Qualifications

• Experience in contract management activities such as contract or solicitation development.
• Knowledge of contracting regulations and policies.

Responsibilities

• Monitor contract performance and compliance with terms.
• Provide guidance on contract administration policies.
• Analyze contractor performance data.

Skills

Contract Management

Problem Solving

Communication

Education

Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM)

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

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Date: May 12, 2025

Location:

AUSTIN, TX

DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.

Employee Benefits

DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.

Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.

Functional Title: Contract Specialist IV

Job Title: Contract Specialist IV

Agency: Dept of State Health Services

Department: Contract Management

Posting Number: 5470

Closing Date: 11/10/2025

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-22

Salary Range: $4,801.16 - $7,761.50

Shift: Day

Additional Shift: Days (First)

Telework

Travel: Up to 10%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DHT)

Other Locations:

MOS Codes

3006,3044,8640,310X,36A,36B,51C,60C0,62S0,63G0,63S0,64PX,651X,6C0X1,751X,FIN10,LS,LSS,SEI16,SK,F&S

I. Job Description

Under the supervision of the Branch Manager, provides support in contract management by participating in

contracting activities such as contract funding reviews, quality management activities, extensive contract monitoring, and other contract

management activities to support DSHS agency contracts. With minimal supervision, and with extensive latitude for the use of initiative

and independent judgment, performs highly advanced, senior level, technical and consultative work assisting with the oversight of the

daily operations and contract management activities from development to closeout within the Contract Management Section (CMS).

Responsible for completing analysis of contractor performance by reviewing contractor expenditure data, performance reports, and other

pertinent data as it relates to contractor performance. Responsible for implementing goals and objectives; developing contract guidelines,

policies, and procedures; developing schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving established performance measures; monitoring

contract compliance with federal and state laws, rules, regulations, guidelines, policies and procedures. Coordinates and implements

changes as new federal and state laws, rules, regulations and agency policies become effective. Provides guidance regarding contract

administration policies and procedures to program staff, management, and other Department staff as appropriate. Monitors contractor

performance and expenditures, provide technical assistance and will assist with the close out of contracts. Provides high-quality

customer service to external and internal customers by prompt responses to inquiries, taking the initiative to solve problems, exercising

flexibility, and continuing to seek improvements within the unit and program areas. Interacts routinely with customers including program

managers, staff, contractors, stakeholders, organizations, and other state agencies to ensure appropriate contractor performance

according to contract terms.

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other

duties as assigned.

II. Essential Job Functions

EJF 1. 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.

EJF 2. Performs written and oral communication with contractors. Assists with the delivery of financial and programmatic

technical assistance and training. Provides guidance to internal and external customers regarding contract administration,

policies, and procedures. Identifies training needs and determines how training should be conducted.

EJF 3. Coordinates the risk assessment process for contract monitoring and planning. Participate in coordinated

monitoring 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.

EJF 4. Coordinates resolution of contractor issues, communicates to appropriate contractor and Division staff, and ensures

implementation and resolution of contract sanctions. Ensures all contract closeout activities are performed according to DSHS policy.

EJF 5. 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. May manage special projects as required or requested.

May prepare special correspondence or reports, analyze data and compile statistical reports or surveys using Word and

Excel or other word processing and spreadsheet applications. Other duties as assigned to include, 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 and alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

EJF 6. 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.

Iii. Licensure, Certification, Or Registration Required

List the licensure, certification, or registration required to perform this job:

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

Iv. Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required

List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to performance in this position:

Knowledge of DSHS programs, applicable standards, policies, functions, and the mission and agency role in meeting the program's health

objectives and priority health outcomes.

Thorough knowledge of contracting regulations, of business administration and accounting principles and practices, and of policies and

procedures of contract management and administration.

Knowledge of audit principles, process improvement, and quality management.

Knowledge of the State of Texas budgeting and other financial policies and procedures.

Thorough knowledge of organizational planning, organizational development, and implementation methods needed to establish and

administer a complex and comprehensive delivery system.

Working knowledge of Texas legislative processes and public accountability systems.

Knowledge of state and federal legislation as they relate to services and state and federal laws, agency regulations, policies, rules and

requirements pertaining to the provision of health services.

Skill in contract management principles and practices.

Skill in project management and prioritization.

Skill in problem solving and conflict resolution.

Skill in communication including the effective organization and presentation of information, both orally and in writing.

Skill in preparing written analyses and administrative reports and special projects as assigned.

Skill in analyzing and solving problems and making recommendations affecting overall contracting activities; and comprehensively and

accurately evaluating different types of administrative reports.

Skill in providing leadership and managing diverse program and administrative personnel in a team environment; communicating on

issues and coordinating oversight across multiple cross-functional divisions.

Ability to write and edit contract requirements and specifications.

Ability to interpret policies and develop effective operating procedures for the Contract Management Section.

Ability to evaluate and monitor contractor performance and provide recommendations.

Ability to deal effectively with state and local officials and the public.

Ability to lead or work as part of a team.

Ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks, assignments and projects.

Ability to interpret and apply federal and state statutes, regulations, agency rules, policies and procedures related to contracts.

Ability to evaluate financial data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity to contract requirements.

Ability to make independent and sound technical judgment and to analyze new situations when they are encountered.

V. Initial Screening Criteria

Experience with development of solicitations scope of work

Experience using word and excel.

Experience in contract management activities such as contract or solicitation development.

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 for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.

ADA Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at [e-mail].

Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, And Work Eligibility

• The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
• Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
• DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 form
  
  

Nearest Major Market: Austin

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Contract

Job function

• Job function

  Legal

• Industries

  Government Administration

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