Contract Specialist II

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 II
Job Title: Contract Specialist II
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: CCS CCSC Cont Oversight Enroll
Posting Number: 22353
Closing Date: 04/13/2027
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services
Salary Range: $3,793.41- $5,921.25
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-18
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
Telework: Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 80%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: EDINBURG
Job Location Address: 2520 S VETERANS BLVD
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) seeks highly qualified candidates to fill the Contract Specialist II position with Community Services (CS), Community Care Services (CCS), Community Care Services Contracts (CCSC) Section. HHSC is driven by its mission statement “We Serve Texas.” The ideal candidate will thrive in an environment that emphasizes fidelity to our mission, collegiality to internal and external stakeholders, nurturing talent within our team, open and transparent communication, and agility to adapt quickly to challenges and changes.

This position performs complex (journey-level) contract management work including contract enrollment, maintenance, and monitoring. Work involves developing and evaluating a broad range of contracts. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Provides orientation and technical assistance on program rules and policies to contractors. Develops, negotiates, and processes contracts and amendments for community care services programs. Conducts monitoring of contract performance including service delivery and fiscal monitoring. Participates in State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). Develops, implements, and monitors corrective actions and/or sanctions. Investigates and validates individual, community and department staff complaints relating to contract performance. Interprets and clarifies standards, policies and procedures to improve program operation and performance. Reviews contractor billings and resolves billing rejections, problems, and/or issues.

This position handles relatively complex contract applications and assist with projects. This position provides information and technical assistance to contract staff. Identifies training needs, assists with development of training materials and may provide guidance to contract or department staff to enhance performance, correct non-compliance issues, provide consistency and improve quality of services to individuals.

This position will carry out special assignments as required by the unit manager. May be assigned additional duties.

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned. Must also perform other duties as assigned and necessary.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (EJF):

EJF1
Identifies the need for service providers and takes appropriate action(s). Participates in work groups to make recommendations to change contract-related documents. Monitors legal and regulatory requirements pertaining to contracting. Handles routine reporting activities and special projects/tasks internal/external to the unit as assigned. Provides orientation and technical assistance on program rules and policies to contractors, stakeholders, internal HHSC staff and community.

List the licensure, certification, or registration required to perform this job:

Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM). Certification completion required between sixth (6th) and twelfth (12th) month.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Journey level knowledge of contracting and procurement regulations, of negotiating contracts, of developing contracts, of business administration and accounting principles and practices, and of policies and procedures of contract management. Knowledge of contract enrollment and maintenance procedures, regulations and policies. Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations regarding contract enrollment, maintenance and administration. Knowledge of community care services programs, policies, rules and regulations.

Skill in managing multiple priorities and projects and meeting tight deadlines. Skill in communicating effectively both verbally and in writing. Skill in formulating written communication for various audiences. Skill in the use of a computer and applicable software.

Ability to evaluate contracts and recommend continuation or termination of contracts, or adverse actions; to evaluate fiscal data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity with contract requirements. Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations regarding contract enrollment. Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts. Ability to organize workload and set priorities. Ability to problem solve and mediate. Ability to write and edit contract requirements and specifications and to negotiate features of a contract. Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing. Ability to provide guidance to others. Ability to work in a team environment.

Initial Selection Criteria:
Experience in interpreting policies, rules and regulations of State and Federal laws. Experience with HHSC Community Care Services programs preferred. Experience in making decisions based upon interpretation of federal and state laws. Full-time work experience in the health and human services field preferred. Experience in contract management and monitoring preferred.

Additional Information:
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 need. Contract specialist duties will require extensive travel and some overnight travel. Employees must have a valid driver's license to perform duties.

In compliance with the American Disability Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring process 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 accommodations to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

MOS Code:
36B, 51C, LS, LSS, SK, 3044, 6C0X1

All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at

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.