M&C Contract Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

100% paid employee health insurance (F

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services in Austin, TX seeks a Contract Specialist V to manage complex contracts across architects, engineers, and construction services. You will lead solicitations, coordinate with internal teams, and monitor performance to ensure compliance with HHSC standards.

The role emphasizes negotiation, policy interpretation, and cross‑functional collaboration with Legal, PCS, and project managers. Travel statewide is required, with potential telework eligibility per policy.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2-years’ experience related to contract administration and procurement rules, policies, and procedures.
• Experience using computer spreadsheet programs.
• Experience working in HHSC Procurement and Contracting Services or HSCS Maintenance & Construction preferred.
• Experience with contract tracking databases is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Initiates, coordinates, and oversees solicitations (RFP/OE/RFI/RFO/RFQ) for contracted services and related agreements.
• Evaluates bid information, monitors expenditures, and addresses contractor performance issues.
• Negotiates contract renewals and amendments; provides guidance on contract administration.
• Travels statewide to conduct contract audits or desk reviews to ensure compliance.

Skills

Contract management

Negotiation

Policy interpretation

Analytical thinking

Communication

CAPPS Financials

SCOR systems

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor degree in business administration

Tools

CAPPS Financials

SCOR systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Date: Aug 18, 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: M&C Contract Specialist
Job Title: Contract Specialist V
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Maintenance & Construction
Posting Number: 19943
Closing Date: 09/01/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations
Salary Range: $5,425.33 - $8,886.16
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24
Shift: Day
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: 909 W 45TH ST #633 BLDG 3
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
Under the direction of the Contract Administration Manager for the Support Services Business Office, the Contract Specialist V (CSV) position performs highly advanced (senior level) contract management work and reporting functions. This position will ensure prompt processing of procurement documents, contracts for execution, work outcomes, and performance standards of large scope, high-dollar contracts for architects and engineers (A/E) commercial construction contractors, project management contractors, construction inspectors, A/E peer reviewers, construction estimators, code reviewers, and related goods and services. Ensures comprehensive contract administration activities from initiation to contract close-out, including contractor performance reporting, invoice review against contract provisions, and balance monitoring.
The CSV works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement in the performance of duties within established laws, regulations, standards, rules and policies of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Represents the division at meetings as required relative to contract administration and procurement related activities.
Essential Job Functions (ejf)
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Task 1 - Initiates, coordinates, and oversees the development of solicitations including Requests for Proposals (RFP), Open Enrollments (OE), Requests for Information (RFI), Requests for Offers (RFO), and Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for contracted services, including Interagency and Interlocal contracts, MOUs/MOAs and Non-Financial Agreements, Non-Competitive contracts, Open Enrollments, Group Purchasing Organizations, Revenue Generating, renewals and amendments to support State Supported Living Centers (SSLCs) and State Hospitals (SH) operations and facilities. Provides expert technical assistance to assigned project managers and to internal and external stakeholders, regarding contract administration, policies, procedures, and applicable business processes. Serves as the liaison to Maintenance and Construction (M&C) project management teams, HSCS leadership, HHS Legal, and HHSC Procurement and Contracting Services (PCS). Provides assistance processing requisitions, developing solicitations including scope preparation, evaluates bid or application information supplied by bidders, and addresses contractor performance issues, monitors and tracks expenditures of assigned contracts to meet policy requirements, and negotiating contract specifications. Completes contract management duties required for assigned contracts meeting deadlines based on HHSC policy. Represents the Maintenance and Construction division at meetings as needed relative to contract administration and procurement related activities. (45%)
Task 2 - Oversees or conducts negotiation of contract renewals and amendments as needed with applicable project management/subject matter expert staff. Must have experience with HHSAS and SCOR systems to research purchase orders and contract documents. Enters requisitions for contract processing and funding requirements into CAPPS Financials. Knowledge of contract management, including contract development, development of statement of work instruments, Risk Assessments, Contractor Performance Evaluations, Contract Close-Out requirements and other contract related documents. Establishes close communication with assigned division contract managers, including Health and Human Services (HHS) Contract and Oversight (COS), HHS Legal, HHS PCS, HHS Accounting, and internal and external stakeholders. Serves as liaison to the project management staff to provide guidance on contract administration, assistance with processing facility requisitions, assistance developing solicitations including scope preparation with assistance from project managers/subject matter experts. Provides assistance with policy interpretations and applicable business processes. (25%)
Task 3 - Identifies training needs of project management staff. Develops reference materials and job aids of applicable subjects or processes used in contract management, procurement, and amendment actions. Creates monitoring tools, provides monitoring reports for the Maintenance and Construction Department and makes procedural recommendations to optimize contract performance and maintaining construction timelines. Provide guidance regarding contract administration, policies and procedures to project management staff. (20%)
Task 4 - Travels statewide to conduct contract audits or completes desk reviews to monitor contract performance and contractor submissions to ensure compliance with the contract terms and conditions. Performs related work as assigned. (10%)
Licensure, Certification, Or Registration Required
To maintain employment as a Contract Specialist, this position will require an applicant to obtain specialized certification as a Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM). If not currently a CTCM, the selected candidate must obtain CTCM certification within 3 months of hire date and maintain certification throughout employment.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required
Knowledge of state contracting and procurement regulations, of negotiating and developing contracts, of business administration and accounting principles and practices, and of contract management and contract monitoring policies and procedures.
Must be familiar and have experience with CAPPS Financials and SCOR systems.
Ability to evaluate contracts and make recommendations on amendments and future renewals; to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations; to analyze fiscal data for accuracy and conformity with contract requirements; to write and edit contract requirements and specifications; to negotiate features of a contract to meet end user’s needs; to communicate professionally and effectively both orally and in writing.
Skill in the use of standard office equipment, computer, and software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Skill using Teams or similar products.
Preferred graduation from an accredited four-year college or university, with major coursework in business administration or a related field is generally preferred.
Initial Screening Criteria

• Minimum of 2-years’ experience related to contract administration and procurement rules, policies, and procedures.
• Experience in the use of computer spreadsheet program.
• Experience working in HHSC Procurement and Contracting Services or HSCS Maintenance & Construction is preferred.
• Experience working in contract tracking databases is preferred.

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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