Contract Specialist V

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 Waivers-YES Waiver-CMH

Posting Number: 20853

Closing Date: 09/15/2026

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

Additional Shift:

Telework: Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 15%

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:

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

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Behavioral Health Medicaid Programs (BHMP) unit seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the Home and Community-Based Services - Adult Mental Health (HCBS-AMH) and Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Waiver Contract Specialist V, or Contract Manager, position. BHMP is driven by the program mission and vision to deliver quality, cost effective services to Texans. The Contract Manager performs highly complex and advanced consultative and technical tasks related to the development, oversight, interpretation, coordination and enforcement of the HCBS-AMH and YES Waiver provider contracts and other diverse contracts in assigned service areas. Completes contract execution, accepts amendments to contracts, monitors contracting requirements, and makes recommendations for approval or otherwise by management as needed.

Other accountability responsibilities include: authorizing disbursements, management and productivity improvements, participates in monitoring expenditures for contracted state, local and federal funds, participates in monitoring of compliance with service provision and program requirements, recommend sanctions for breaches of assigned contracts, approval of amendments and expansions, directing and coordinating critical data requirements, data analysis, reporting protocols and follow-up. Requires broad working knowledge of diverse contracts. The contract manager is the liaison between contractors, program staff, and other HHSC areas. The Contract Manager facilitates communication and collaboration between all contract stakeholders and serves as the single point of contact for all contractual accountability activities between the State and contractors.

Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF1. Reviews and processes Open Enrollments. Facilitates planning meetings, setting timelines and developing the Open Enrollment application partnering with IDD-BHS Contract Management Unit. Facilitates amendments to executed HCBS-AMH and YES Waiver provider contracts within established protocols. (20%)

EJF 2. Consults and communicates, individually and collectively, with contractors, community stakeholders, state and local agencies involved with the service delivery system to identify needs, resolve problems, and monitor and discuss effectiveness of programs and services. Serves as the vital link (conduit of communications) between HHSC and contractors. (15%)

EJF 3. Oversees reviews of contractors to determine compliance with applicable statutes, departmental rules, and contractual requirements. Performs the monitoring of and/or monitors contract performance by examining billings, fiscal data, and eligibility determinations for compliance with terms of contract and policies. Completes analysis of contractor performance by reviewing contractor expenditure data, performance reports, technical assistance and training documentation, and other pertinent data as it relates to contractor performance. Prepares administrative reports to management regarding contract action. Coordinates information needs of contractors and local authorities with other divisions of the department. (10%)

EJF 4. Provides consultation and technical assistance to contractors on contract issues. Prepares and distributes routine and adhoc responses/feedback concerning performance measures. Provides oversight of resolution and follow-up of all fiscal management and programmatic findings. Negotiates corrective action plans in collaboration with HHSC components and monitors compliance with recommendations and close out of plans. (10%)

EJF 5. Oversees and administers enforcement of sanctions for contractors, including, but not limited to the recoupment of funds, assessing liquidated damages, withholding partial or full payment, and suspension or terminations of the contract. Coordinates resolution of contractor issues, initiates and negotiates all contract amendments (to include terminations) and sanctions with appropriate approvals and ensures implementation and resolution of contract sanctions. (10%)

EJF 6. Coordinates and/or prepares responses to issues, inquiries and correspondence concerning contractor's functions and activities. Collaborates with staff to coordinate reviews, consultation, and technical assistance. Meets with contractors and representatives of governmental agencies to answer contract questions. (10%)

EJF 7. Collaborates with colleagues to identify and resolve issues. Communicates plans and changes to plans to contractors individually and collectively. Collects information and prepares legislative and/or management responses as directed by leadership. (10%)

EJF 8. Facilitates contract termination and closeout requiring that all required program reports and actions be reviewed, equipment reconciliation performed and client referrals and record disposition approved according to contract terms. (5%)

EJF 9. Serves/participates on committees regarding assigned contract/program area, new departmental statewide initiatives, and redesign of contract related processes requiring the development and implementation of effective techniques for evaluating performance and compliance. (5%)

EJF 10. Performs other duties as assigned. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of mental health programs, applicable standards, policies functions, missions, and objectives in addition to contract development and management processes.
• Knowledge of contracting regulations, of developing contracts, of business administration and accounting principles and practices, and of policies and procedures of contract management and administration.
• Knowledge of competitive solicitation processes and state procurement procedures. Knowledge of the State of Texas budgeting and other financial policies and procedures.
• 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:

• Skill in compilation and analysis of complex financial and programmatic data.
• Skill in problem solving and conflict resolution.
• Skill in analyzing and solving problems and making recommendations affecting overall contracting activities.

Ability to:

• 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 interpret and apply federal and state statutes, regulations, agency rules, policies and procedures related to contracts.
• Ability to evaluate and monitor contractor performance and provide recommendations.
• Ability to interpret policies and develop effective operating procedures.
• 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 (CTCM) and/or Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) is preferred or must be obtained within 12 months of hire.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Experience developing client service contracts and contract management.

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in human services, business administration, public health, public affairs, public policy or a related field is required.

Additional Information:

There are no direct military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active duty, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply. For more information see the Texas State Auditor's Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx. HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

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 Auditors 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.