IT Contract Specialist V

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); Remote; USD 61,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid time off

Career advancement

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is seeking a Contract Specialist V in Austin to perform senior IT procurement work. You will plan, coordinate and prepare IT contracts, ensuring compliance with state laws and HHSC policies while guiding procurement teams through complex cycles.

The role requires strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple procurements over extended timelines.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of state purchasing laws and procurement methods.
• Experience with solicitation development and procurement cycles.
• Certification: CTCD within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Attends regular and predictable schedule as per agency policy.
• Structures, analyzes and monitors solicitation and contract documents.
• Ensures procurements comply with state laws and HHSC policies.
• Leads development of solicitation timelines with program staff.
• Mitigates barriers and processes Open Records requests.
• Provides timely customer service and clear communication with vendors.

Skills

Computer skills

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Customer service

Teamwork

Training others

Prioritization

Multi-tasking

Education

High school diploma

CTCD certification within 6 months

Job description

Date: Sep 30, 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: IT Contract Specialist V
Job Title: Contract Specialist V - Purcha
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Purchasing - Consolidated 2
Posting Number: 21913
Closing Date: 10/28/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations
Salary Range: $5,425.33 - $7,750.00
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework
Travel:
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 (DHSB)
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 3006,3044,8640,310X,36A,36B,51C,60C0,62S0,63G0,63S0,64PX,651X,6C0X1,751X,FIN10,F&S,LS,LSS,SEI16,SK

Procurement and Contracting Services is looking for a Contract Specialist V.

HHSC Procurement and Contracting Services (PCS) is looking for a candidate for the Contracting Specialist V position.

The Contract Specialist V performs highly advanced (senior level) of IT goods and services purchasing and procurement work. Plans, organizes, coordinates and prepares specifications for purchasing services, and preparing procurement documents. Works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy.
• (15%) Structures, analyzes and monitors solicitation and contract documents, including developing and refining statements of work, and ensuring applicable compliance throughout the procurement cycle.
• (15%) Ensures agency procurements are conducted in compliance with state purchasing laws and Human Services Commission (HHSC) policies and procedures.
• (15%) Directs 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 and makes revisions as necessary.
• (15%) Mitigates barriers to facilitate timely responses and resolution of issues, including processing Open Records requests.
• (15%) Able to provide efficient and timely customer service. Able to communicate both verbally and in written format with customers, management, and external parties including vendors.
• (10%) Serves as a Procurement and Contracting Services (PCS) representative at meetings related to anticipated or in-flight procurements.
• (10%) Oversees procurement files in compliance with State of Texas purchasing laws, record and retention laws, and HHSC and PCS policies and procedures.
• (5%) 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.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs)

• 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 related to non-standard and/or specialized services.
• Skill in the use of computer and applicable software.
• Skill in problem solving, including asking appropriate questions and identifying resources to obtain necessary information.
• Skill in attention to detail.
• Skill in providing good customer service.
• 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 train others.
• Ability to prioritize and schedule tasks over a prolonged procurement cycle of 6 months or longer.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and issues simultaneously.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications

• Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) must be obtained within 6 months of hire.

Initial Screening Criteria

• Graduation from high school or equivalent. Four (4) years progressive experience in procurement, preferably State experience in solicitation development.
• A minimum of two (2) years progressive experience with formal solicitations, preferably with State of Texas.

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.

Nearest Major Market: Austin