Program Specialist VII Senior Statement of Work Specialist

Texas Health and Human Services; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% paid employee health insurance

Defined benefit pension

Generous time off benefits

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission in Austin seeks a Program Specialist VII Senior Statement of Work Specialist to lead high‑level procurement writing for complex HHSC projects.

You will develop, refine, and standardize SOWs, collaborate with program staff and legal counsel, and ensure clarity and measurability across procurement documents. Telework may be possible with state policies in place.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in English, technical communication, communications, journalism, public administration, business administration, information systems, or a related field.
• Certification in Texas contract development (CTCD) within 6 months of hire is required.

Responsibilities

• Develops and revises Statements of Work for HHSC procurements and translates business needs into clear requirements.
• Performs quality reviews of SOWs for clarity, completeness, and measurability before solicitation.
• Provides consultative guidance to program managers during procurement planning and SOW development.
• Develops SOW templates, tools, checklists, and training to promote consistency.
• Participates in special projects and major procurement initiatives.

Skills

Technical writing

Editing

Requirements development

Measurable requirements

Stakeholder collaboration

Microsoft Word

Education

Bachelor's degree in English or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Date: Oct 8, 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: Program Specialist VII Senior Statement of Work SpecialistJob Title: Program Specialist VIIAgency: Health & Human Services CommDepartment: Purchasing - Consolidated 2Posting Number: 22240Closing Date: 10/22/2026Posting Audience: Internal and ExternalOccupational Category: Business and Financial OperationsSalary Range: $5,797.66 - $7,791.66Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-25Shift: DayAdditional Shift: Days (First)
TeleworkTravel: Regular/Temporary: RegularFull Time/Part Time: Full timeFLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location:Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 1100 W 49TH ST (DHSB)
Other Locations:MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS
Job DescriptionProcurement and Contracting Services is looking for a Program Specialist VII.
The Senior Statement of Work Specialist reports to the Director of Major Procurement Support (MPS) within the Procurement and Contracting Services (PCS) Division of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
Performs highly advanced (senior-level) procurement technical writing and consultative work supporting the development, review, and improvement of Statements of Work (SOWs) and other procurement documents for complex HHSC procurements.
Serves as a senior technical writing resource responsible for assisting in the development of SOWs that are clear, complete, measurable, and procurement-ready requirements.
Reviews SOWs and related procurement documents for clarity, consistency, organization, completeness, measurability, and readability. Identifies ambiguous, conflicting, duplicative, incomplete, or potentially restrictive requirements and works collaboratively with program staff, procurement staff, subject matter experts, legal counsel, information technology staff, and other stakeholders to strengthen procurement documents before solicitation.
Develops and maintains SOW writing standards, templates, tools, checklists, and guidance to promote consistency and quality across HHSC procurements.
Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.Essential Job Functions

• Statement of Work Development and Technical Writing – 40%

Performs highly advanced technical writing work related to the development and revision of Statements of Work for HHSC procurements.
Works directly with MPS project managers to translate business and program needs into clear, organized, vendor-facing procurement requirements.
Drafts and edits SOW components including background and purpose; scope and objectives; Contractor and HHSC responsibilities; functional and operational requirements; deliverables; milestones and schedules; staffing and qualification requirements; reporting requirements; performance requirements; service levels; acceptance criteria; implementation requirements; transition-in and transition-out requirements; and other procurement-specific requirements.
Transforms technical, programmatic, and operational information into clear language that prospective contractors can understand and respond to.
Ensures requirements clearly identify expected Contractor responsibilities and, when applicable, associated timelines, performance expectations, deliverables, and acceptance criteria.
Works with subject matter experts to resolve gaps or inconsistencies identified during SOW development.

• SOW Quality Assurance and Procurement Document Review – 30%

Conducts comprehensive quality reviews of draft SOWs and related procurement documents before solicitation.
Reviews requirements for clarity, completeness, consistency, measurability, organization, readability, duplicative or conflicting language, undefined terms, missing deliverables, missing acceptance criteria, unclear Contractor or HHSC responsibilities, potentially restrictive requirements, and requirements that may be difficult to evaluate or administer after contract award.
Identifies vague or subjective terminology.
Provides written recommendations and proposed revisions to strengthen SOW language.
Coordinates with MPS project managers, procurement staff, program staff, subject matter experts, legal counsel, information technology staff, and other appropriate stakeholders to resolve identified issues.
Documents significant SOW issues requiring program or management decisions prior to solicitation.

• Program Area Consultation and Requirements Development – 15%

Provides consultative and technical assistance to MPS project managers areas during procurement planning and SOW development.
Facilitates or participates in requirements-development meetings to obtain information necessary to develop complete procurement requirements.
Assists program areas in defining the goods or services being procured, desired business outcomes, Contractor responsibilities, deliverables, performance expectations, reporting and staffing requirements, implementation requirements, milestones, HHSC responsibilities, and acceptance criteria.
Develops targeted questions when program information is incomplete or unclear.
Explains SOW development principles and procurement writing expectations to program staff in plain language.
Works collaboratively with procurement staff to ensure SOW development supports the solicitation process and resulting contract.

• SOW Standards, Templates, Tools, and Training – 10%

Develops, maintains, and improves standardized SOW templates, technical writing standards, checklists, job aids, examples, and guidance for use by HHSC program and procurement staff.
Develops standardized approaches for drafting common SOW components, including deliverables, performance requirements, reporting requirements, Contractor responsibilities, and acceptance criteria.
Identifies recurring SOW deficiencies and recommends improvements to procurement templates, processes, guidance, and training.
Develops and delivers training, workshops, or technical assistance to program and procurement staff regarding effective SOW development.
Maintains consistency in terminology, formatting, document structure, and technical writing practices.
Researches and recommends appropriate tools and technology that may improve the efficiency, consistency, and quality of SOW development and review.

• Special Projects and Other Duties – 5%

Participates in special projects and workgroups related to procurement documentation, process improvement, quality assurance, and major procurement initiatives.
Tracks and reports SOW development and quality-review activities as requested.
May serve in a lead capacity by providing technical guidance, training, work prioritization, or direction to others, consistent with the Program Specialist classification.
Performs other duties as assigned to support efficient and effective agency operations. Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy.Knowledge Skills AbilitiesKnowledge of:Principles and practices of technical writing and editing.
Procurement and contract documentation and Statement of Work development.
Requirements development and documentation.
State government procurement processes.
Principles of contract administration and performance management.
Document quality assurance and quality control.
Plain-language writing principles and document organization, formatting, and accessibility principles.Skill InWriting and editing complex technical and procurement documents.
Translating complex technical, programmatic, and operational concepts into clear language.
Identifying ambiguous, conflicting, duplicative, incomplete, or potentially restrictive requirements.
Developing measurable requirements, deliverables, and acceptance criteria.
Interviewing subject matter experts and gathering business requirements.
Analyzing complex information and identifying missing information.
Organizing large and complex documents and managing multiple assignments and competing deadlines.
Providing constructive written and verbal feedback and facilitating meetings with program and technical subject matter experts.
Advanced use of Microsoft Word, including styles, templates, formatting, tables, tracked changes, comments, and document comparison; and use of Microsoft Excel and other applicable business applications.Ability ToWrite clearly, concisely, and accurately for technical and non-technical audiences.
Independently review complex procurement documents.
Distinguish between business objectives and enforceable Contractor requirements.
Determine whether requirements are sufficiently clear and measurable.
Identify procurement-document risks and recommend solutions.
Ask targeted questions necessary to clarify program requirements.
Work collaboratively with program staff, procurement staff, legal counsel, technical staff, and executive management.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Exercise sound judgment while working independently and manage sensitive and high-profile procurement assignments.
Provide guidance and technical assistance to others.Registration Or Licensure RequirementsCertified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) (formerly Certified Texas Procurement Manager) certification must be obtained within 6 months of hire.Initial Selection CriteriaGraduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in English, technical communication, communications, journalism, public administration, business administration, information systems, or a related field.Additional InformationN/AReview our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, And VeteransMilitary 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 AccommodationsIn 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 EligibilityDepending 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 DisclaimerThis 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