Contract Specialist V

Health & Human Services Comm; Austin (TX); Remote; USD 61,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Health & Human Services Commission (HHSC) in Austin, TX is seeking a Contract Specialist V. This senior role oversees contract management from development to closeout, leading as the primary contact for assigned contracts and ensuring compliance with terms and funding rules.

The position requires strong budget oversight, negotiation, and governance capabilities. The role offers day shifts, telework eligibility, and regular full-time employment with opportunities for advancement and comprehensive

Qualifications

• Experience managing contracts and projects.
• Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) and 2 years’ experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of contract administration, compliance, and procurement.

Responsibilities

• Lead contract management for assigned contracts and amendments.
• Monitor expenditures, budgets, and performance reports to ensure compliance.
• Coordinate approvals, post-award administration, and issue resolution with program staff and contractors.
• Develop contract guidelines, policies, and procedures aligned with HHSC requirements.

Skills

Contract management

Budget analysis

Vendor negotiation

Job description

Posting ID21656-Posted10/06/2026-Health & Human Services Comm-SU CONTRACT MGT-Business and Financial Operations-Eligible for Telework- Additional Shifts available (1) -c. $5000 - $6999 per month

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 .

Functional Title:

Contract Specialist V

Job Title:

Contract Specialist V

Agency:

Health & Human Services Comm

Department:

SU CONTRACT MGT

Posting Number:

21656

Closing Date:

04/06/2027

Posting Audience:

Internal and External

Occupational Category:

Business and Financial Operations

Salary Range:

$5,425.33-$7,155.75

Pay Frequency:

Monthly

Salary Group:

TEXAS-B-24

Shift:

Day

Additional Shift:

Days (First)

Telework:

Eligible for 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:

4601 W GUADALUPE ST

Other Locations:

None

MOS Codes:

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

With minimal supervision and significant latitude for initiative and independent judgment, the Contract Manager performs advanced, senior-level technical and consultative work to oversee daily operations and contract management activities from development to closeout within the Substance Use Contracts Management Area. The Contract Manager serves as the lead contact on assigned contract(s), provides leadership and support in contract management by engaging in activities such as contract and amendment development, procurement, budget reviews, identify funding allocation discrepancies and ensure resolution, quality management, contract monitoring to include enhanced monitoring based on agency policy or performance, and other relevant tasks as mandated by HHSC (Health and Human Services Commission) policy. The Contract Manager is responsible for analyzing contractor performance by reviewing expenditure data, performance reports, and other pertinent information. Additionally, the role involves recommending remedies or other enforcement actions to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of assigned HHSC agency contracts.

The Contract Manager facilitates communication and collaboration between all contract stakeholders and serves as the lead point of contact for all contractual accountability activities between HHS and contractors. The Contract Manager is the liaison between contractor and internal stakeholders.

Responsible for implementing goals and objectives, developing milestones, collaborating with stakeholders on developing contract guidelines, policies, and procedures, and establishing schedules, priorities, and standards to achieve performance measures. Monitors contract compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, guidelines, and agency policies. Travel up to 15% may be required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (EJF):

Oversight and Monitoring: Acts as the lead in contract management, overseeing contractor performance and expenditures while providing technical assistance. Conducts quality assurance on report cards, tracks budget and performance data, and monitors deliverables. Engages in risk management and compliance monitoring, coordinates approvals, and provides status updates on approvals and performance measures. Facilitates communication through vendor calls and stakeholder feedback to communicate and confirm the health of the contract. Collaborate with relevant parties during on-site or desk reviews and addresses audit findings by defining requirements and recommending appropriate actions. Lead and coordinate post-execution contract management activities for complex substance use disorder contracts, including kick off meetings, ongoing contract status reviews, and issue resolution with program staff and contractors. Provide advanced support for post-award contract administration, including interpretation of contract terms, coordination of amendments, and resolution of complex compliance, payment, or performance issues. Serve as a subject-matter expert for contract monitoring activities, including participation in internal reviews, assessment of contractor risk, and support of enhanced monitoring or corrective action processes. Develop, implement, and maintain contract administration policies, procedures, tools, and guidance specific to substance use contracts, ensuring alignment with HHSC requirements, funding source rules, and program operations. Support consistency and quality across the SU CMA by identifying process gaps, recommending improvements, and assisting with the development of standardized contract management practices. (30%)

Financial Management: Ensure invoices are accurate and aligned with payment terms, and approve invoices/claims for payment. Monitor the budget closely, and resolve any disputes that may arise. Maintain comprehensive records of financial transactions and facilitate the approval process and ensure changes are implemented resulting from the budget program adjustments, and ensuring all necessary documentation is completed. (20%)

Communication and Technical Assistance: Acts as the primary point of contact for HHSC management, PCS, and Contract Liaisons on contract management and development activities. Engages in written and oral communication with contractors to ensure accountability between the State and contractors. Ensures continuity of operations during emergencies or catastrophic events, facilitating the delivery of financial and programmatic technical assistance and training with relevant agency programs. Provides guidance to internal and external customers on contract administration, policies, and procedures while delivering high‑quality customer service through prompt responses to inquiries, proactive problem‑solving, and ongoing improvements within the unit and program areas. (20%)

Contract Development: Responsible for all contract development activities, including creating and amending contracts, collaborating with internal stakeholders to develop scopes of work, and conducting budget reviews. Identify the need for contract action, prepare contract packets, and schedule kickoff meetings. Negotiate terms of new or amended contract packets. Collaborate with areas of HHSC to revise scopes of work as needed, adhering to department, state, and federal contracting policies. Facilitate approval processes, validate contract setups, and communicate contract changes effectively to contractors and staff. Project expenditures to ensure proper fund usage and routinely share findings and recommendations with program and agency staff. (20%)

Support Assignments: May manage special projects as needed, prepare correspondence and reports, and analyze data to compile statistical reports or surveys using Word, Excel, or other relevant applications. Coordinates and implements changes in response to new federal and state laws, regulations, and agency policies. Complete other duties as assigned. (10%)

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, OR REGISTRATION REQUIRED:

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

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

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

• Knowledge of medical and social services programs, including applicable standards, policies, functions, missions, and objectives.
• Thorough knowledge of management theory and practice, encompassing fiscal management, process improvement, quality assurance, public information, and public administration.
• Thorough knowledge of organizational planning, development, and implementation methods necessary to establish and administer a complex and comprehensive delivery system.
• Working knowledge of substance use prevention, intervention, and treatment programs, along with an understanding of community center board governance, Texas legislative processes, and public accountability systems.
• Knowledge of state and federal legislation and litigation relating to laws, regulations, policies, and requirements governing medical and social services programs and contracting processes.
• Ability to effectively engage with state and local officials and the public.
• 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 for substance abuse programs and services.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems, make decisions impacting departmental operations, and comprehensively evaluate reports.
• Ability to provide leadership in a team environment, communicate issues, and coordinate oversight across multiple cross-functional divisions while managing multiple tasks and projects.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal and state statutes, regulations, agency rules, and policies related to the use of substance use contracts.
• Ability to utilize electronic systems such as CAPPS, SCOR, CMBHS, and BHSMS to manage programmatic and contract‑related information in compliance with HHS requirements.

INITIAL SELECTION CRITERIA

• Experience managing contracts and projects.
• Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) and 2 years’ experience as a contract manager is preferred.

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 tothose 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.