Contract Specialist V

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 61,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance for employees

Defined benefit pension

Generous time off

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks a Contract Specialist V to manage complex behavioral health contracts, including development, negotiation, execution, and oversight. The role coordinates with program areas, legal, and external contractors to ensure compliance and timely delivery.

Under minimal supervision, you will authorize disbursements, monitor performance, and prepare reports while guiding junior staff. Telework is possible per agency policy.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of mental health programs and contract management processes.
• Strong analytical ability for financial and programmatic data.
• Ability to communicate with state officials and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Perform contract development from conceptualization to execution, including procurement and amendments.
• Manage contracts, including budget and payment processes, risk assessment and closeout.
• Provide contract oversight and lead communications with contractors.
• Represent the unit at meetings and ensure quality assurance across activities.
• Perform additional duties including policy development and stakeholder engagement.

Skills

Contract management

Budget monitoring

Contract development

Performance monitoring

Policy interpretation

Education

Certified Texas Contract Manager

Certified Texas Contract Developer

Job description

Date: Sep 14, 2026

Location: AUSTIN, TX

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: BH-MH Contract Mgmt

Posting Number: 21258

Closing Date: 10/14/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Community and Social Services

Salary Range: $5,425.33 - $8,886.16

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24

Shift: Day

Telework: Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 5%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST

Other Locations:

• Austin
• Dallas
• El Paso
• Fort Worth
• Houston
• San Antonio

MOS Codes:

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

Brief Job Description

Under the supervision of the Director of Mental Health Contracts, Contract Development Section, the Contract Specialist V is the primary liaison serving as the single point of contact for all contractual accountability activities between the State and assigned contractors. The Contract Specialist V performs highly complex and advanced consultative and technical tasks related to the development, negotiation, routing, execution, oversight, interpretation, coordination and enforcement of assigned contracts.

Other accountability responsibilities include: authorizing disbursements; managing contractor performance improvement, monitoring local match, state, and federal expenditure patterns; monitoring performance requirements, recommending remedies or sanctions for contract breach; processing contract and budget amendments; directing and coordinating critical date requirements, conducting contract-related data analyses, closing contracts and collecting unexpended contract balances. The Contract Specialist V works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions

1. Essential Job Function #1: Performs all contract development duties for some Behavioral Health Services, Mental Health Contract Management Unit contracts, from initial conceptualization to contract execution, including procurement, new contract development, contract renewal, and contract amendment. Duties include coordination with programmatic areas, PCS, legal, external and internal stakeholders, quality oversight, fiscal monitoring, BHS Leadership, and any others necessary to ensure quality contract work products and timely delivery. May participate in working groups related to policies, competitive procurement, program operations or other matters. (30%)
2. Essential Job Function #2: Performs all contract management duties for some Behavioral Health Services, Mental Health Contract Management Unit contracts, including amendment, budget and payment processes, monitoring, risk assessment, oversight, and closeout. May develop, review, or interpret contract management policy, processes, or other documents. Has considerable latitude for independent judgment and action in contractor communications and is HHSC's lead representative on communication with the contractors on contract matters. Serves as subject matter expert in contract management and assigned contracts. Coordinates meetings for contracts/programs assigned. Develops/evaluates performance contract related reports and findings, monitors program activities to identify process improvements. Analyzes reports for trends and program compliance related to the performance contract. (30%)
3. Essential Job Function #3: Ensures appropriate contract oversight through coordination of a diverse team playing various oversight functions. The Contract Specialist V maintains awareness of all matters of performance, including quality assurance and fiscal monitoring oversight performed on contracts and synthesizes those reviews with other performance information, ensuring that the team, collectively, provides necessary aspects of contract oversight. Internal and external reporting on matters of performance may be required. The Contract Specialist V may be responsible for any or all contract actions related to contract performance and oversight. (20%)
4. Essential Job Function #4: Represents the Mental Health Contract Management Unit at meetings, at conferences, and in written and verbal communication. Provides quality assurance oversight for all activities performed by assigned unit staff. Works effectively with staff from contractors and other external stakeholders. Works cooperatively with other agency sections, departments, and divisions to solve problems, create improved operating methods or procedures and to respond to agency needs. (10%)
5. Essential Job Function #5: Performs other duties as assigned, including but not limited to: disaster response, representing the Mental Health Contract Management Unit at meetings not described in other essential job functions; developing policies/processes; drafting internal/external communications; representing the agency at internal/external stakeholder functions; and aiding other Behavioral Health Services staff in their duties, as necessary. (10%)

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)

Knowledge of mental health programs, applicable standards, policies functions, missions, and objectives in addition to contract development and management processes. Thorough knowledge of management theory and practice including personnel and financial management, process improvement, quality assurance, public information, and public administration. Thorough knowledge of organizational planning, organizational development, and implementation methods needed to establish and administer a complex and comprehensive delivery system. Working knowledge of mental health community programs. Knowledge of state and federal legislation and litigation as they relate to mental health, mental retardation, and substance abuse services. Working knowledge and understanding of community center board governance, Texas legislative processes, and public accountability systems. Skill in compilation and analysis of complex financial and programmatic data. Ability to deal effectively with state and local officials and the public. Ability to organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing, to community center boards or other stakeholder groups. Ability to interpret policies and develop effective operating procedures for mental health programs or services. Ability to analyze and solve problems; to make decisions affecting overall departmental operations; and comprehensively and accurately evaluates reports.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

Certified Texas Contract Manager or Certified Texas Contract Developer within 6 months of the date of hire.

Initial Screening Criteria

3 years of contract management or contract development experience. Experience working for a large governmental entity preferred.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

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.

Nearest Major Market: Austin