Contract Specialist III

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 III
Job Title: Contract Specialist III
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Hospitals Section
Posting Number: 20727
Closing Date: 10/14/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations
Salary Range: $4,263.16- $6,779.25
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
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 BLDG 552
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

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. HSCS is comprised of ten psychiatric hospitals, two youth residential treatment facilities, and thirteen state supported living centers. Psychiatric hospitals are a hub of excellence for forensic mental health and complex psychiatric care, with all facilities accredited by The Joint Commission. They provide state-of-the-art treatment that is recovery-oriented and science-based. If providing hope and healing through compassionate, innovative, and individualized care interests you, we welcome your application for the position below.

The Contract Specialist III position reports to the Contracted Services Manager. This position coordinates contracting activities including RFP development and provides assistance to internal and external stakeholders regarding contract administration, negotiation, problem resolution, policies, and procedures. This position examines contract performance, coordinates the risk assessment process, and recommends solutions to contractor issues, contract amendments, and sanctions in adherence to department, state and federal contracting policy. The Contract Specialist III regularly works within SCOR and CAPPs Financial software systems. This position works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

This position is telework eligible. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business need

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be asked to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

Coordinates contracting activities including RFP development, timeline setting, and contract type determination. Collaborates with programs to define service requirements, review criteria, and evaluation tools. Coordinates bidders' conferences, offers technical assistance, and manages proposal reviews. Monitors, tracks, and ensures response to written questions about the RFP submitted by potential bidders. Arranges logistics and oversees the pre-proposal review process and meetings. (15%)

Assists with contract budget reviews, contract funding allocation decisions, negotiations of revised budgets and performance measures with selected applicants. Explains any clarifications and supplemental information. Maintain budgets and expenditures. Provides work plan documents where appropriate. Adheres to department, state and federal contracting policy. (15%)

Examines contract performance by examining billings, fiscal data, and eligibility determinations for compliance with terms of contract and policies. Responsible for assessing the supporting documentation related to contract billing for eligibility. Monitors appropriate tracking of contractor expenditure and performance data as well as appropriate contract deliverables. 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. Communicates the results and recommends actions on a routine basis to program and other Department staff as appropriate. (20%)

Performs written and oral communication with contractors as a member of the contracting team regarding many of the contractual accountability activities between HHSC and contractors. Provides assistance to internal and external stakeholders regarding contract administration, policies, and procedures. (10%)

Coordinates the risk assessment process for contract monitoring and planning. Participate in coordinated on-site reviews to encompass both financial and programmatic compliance. Works with all pertinent parties to resolve audit findings by defining the criteria/requirements/processes and recommending appropriate dispositions. (10%)

Recommends resolutions to contractor issues, contract amendments (to include terminations) and sanctions, obtains approval of amendments/sanctions with appropriate Division managers, communicates impact of changes to appropriate contractor and Division staff, and ensures implementation and resolution of contract sanctions. Ensures all contract closeout activities are performed according to HHSC policy. (10%)

Participates in the development of contract administration policies and procedures. Responsibilities include proposing goals and objectives to support agency-wide strategic plans, polices, and procedures. Serves as subject matter expert related to contract management on assigned workgroups in coordination with budget, fiscal units, legal, Contract Oversight, and division programs. Reviews departmental contracting systems, outputs and activities; identifies gaps and recommends system improvements. Presents special correspondence or reports, analyze data and compile statistical reports or surveys using Word and Excel or other word processing and spreadsheet applications. (15%)

Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

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 organizational planning, organizational development, and implementation methods needed to establish and administer a complex and comprehensive delivery system.

Working knowledge of Texas legislative processes and public accountability systems.

Knowledge of state and federal legislation as they relate to HHSC services and state and federal laws, agency regulations, policies, rules and requirements pertaining to the provision of health services.

Knowledge of HSCS Contracted facilities. Skill in management principles and practices. Skill in project management and prioritization.

Skill in problem solving and conflict resolution.

Skill in communication including the effective organization and presentation of information, both orally and in writing.

Skill in preparing written analyses and administrative reports and special projects as assigned.

Skill in analyzing and solving problems and making recommendations affecting overall contracting activities; and comprehensively and accurately evaluating different types of administrative reports.

Skill in providing leadership and managing diverse program and administrative personnel in a team environment; communicating on issues and coordinating oversight across multiple cross-functional divisions.

Skill in the use of SCOR application.

Skill in working in the CAPPs Financial software system.

Ability to write and edit contract requirements and specifications.

Ability to interpret policies and develop effective operating procedures for the Contract Services Section as it relates to contract management.

Ability to evaluate and monitor contractor performance and provide recommendations.

Ability to deal effectively with state and local officials and the public.

Ability to lead or work as part of a team.

Ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks, assignments and projects.

Ability to interpret and apply federal and state statutes, regulations, agency rules, policies and procedures related to contracts.

Ability to evaluate financial data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity to contract requirements.

Ability to make independent and sound technical judgment and to analyze new situations when they are encountered.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM)

Certified Texas Contract Developed (CTCD)

Must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state driver’s license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management policy.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Three years’ experience in interpreting policies, rules and regulations of State and or Federal laws

Three years’ experience in contract management and monitoring

Three years’ experience in contract development.

Three years of full-time work experience in the health and human services Contracting field preferred.

Additional Information:

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aid, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct, List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Males between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility. Waco and Terrell Center for Youth applicants must be 21 years of age.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours.

Compliance with HHSC immunization policy and state hospital operating procedures related to immunizations is required. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthcare workers are considered to be at significant risk for acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and influenza. All these diseases are vaccine preventable. As a result, state hospital policy requires employees be vaccinated according to their level of contact with individuals. In the event you choose to not be immunized for the influenza virus, you may be required to wear a mask and take other protective measures.

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 View phone number on aiapply.co. 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.