Contract Specialist

Date: Aug 18, 2026 Location: WACO, 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: Contract Specialist Job Title: Contract Specialist IV Agency: Health & Human Services Comm Department: AES OOA Ops-DDS Contract Mgmt Posting Number: 20247 Closing Date: 09/01/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations Salary Range: $4,801.16 - $7,761.50 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-22 Shift: Day Additional Shift Telework: Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 10% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt Facility Location: Job Location City: WACO Job Location Address: 801 AUSTIN AVE STE B-30 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 Contract Specialist IV The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Family Resources and Eligibility Services (FRES) department is seeking individuals who want to join an exciting and dynamic team working in a high-performing and innovative environment. FRES provides an integrated and streamlined approach to connect individuals with services and supports that reduce the need for institutionalization, enable them to remain in their communities, and promote economic and personal self-sufficiency. FRES strives to achieve its goals of delivering best-in-class customer service to clients and stakeholders, strengthening program oversight, integrity, and accuracy; seeking innovative ways to streamline and improve service delivery; fostering a culture of excellence; and promoting departmental efficiencies and responsible stewardship of agency resources. Our staff are well-organized, able to multitask, and possess the ability to continuously learn and improve. They thrive in challenging, fast-paced, and evolving environments, possessing strong communication skills, a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and a desire to help others. The Contract Specialist IV position, supervised by the Eligibility Operations and DDS Contracts (EODDS) Contract Administration Manager, participates in and oversees all phases of the contract lifecycle from procurement to closeout. The Contract Specialist will be responsible for engaging in procurements, contract management, contract monitoring, contract oversight, and contract closeout for designated contracts and agreements. This includes, but is not limited to, Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), Interagency Cooperation Contracts, and Intra-agency Transfers. This role involves drafting and processing contract amendments, renewals, and extensions. Additionally, the position reviews and revises Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Orders (RFOs), Work Orders, and other procurement types for client services contracts. The Contract Specialist also writes and edits procurement documents using HHSC-approved tools, ensuring that competitive procurements adhere to HHSC procurement requirements, standards, and timelines. Moreover, this position provides oversight, interpretation, and daily management of assigned contracts, acting as the liaison between vendors and program staff. It also facilitates communication and collaboration among all contract stakeholders, serving as the single point of contact for all contractual accountability activities between the State and vendors. The role collaborates in the development of policies and procedures related to procurement and contracting activities, reviews contractor financial and programmatic reports and deliverables for compliance and is responsible for reviewing contract budgets and invoices. The Contract Specialist will participate in risk assessments and complete all required form s to track contract actions and activities through closeout. The position assists in developing contract monitoring plans based on risk assessments and serves as a subject matter expert in assigned workgroups and training activities, including creating presentations for management and staff. The role operates under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for initiative and independent judgment. Essential Job Functions (EJFs) Supports, ensures compliance with, and behaves in a manner that reflects the FRES mission and vision. Must also perform other duties as assigned and necessary. EJF1. Performs comprehensive contract management for assigned contracts. Develops policies and procedures related to procurement and contracting activities. Maintains contractor files ensuring accessibility of information. Ensures all contract closeout activities are performed according to HHSC policy. Determines the effectiveness of contractor operational and contractual compliance by developing and utilizing a standard set of assessment tools. Informs EODDS management and FRES leadership of significant contractor compliance and performance issues and provides recommendations for action. Participates and oversee the development of contracting activities such as, facilitating planning meetings, setting timelines, and developing contract documents, including amendments and renewals. (25%) EJF2. Develops and maintains procedures to ensure accountability and documentation related to performance measures and contract management. Completes analysis of contractor performance by synthesizing performance reports, quality management reports, technical assistance and training documentation, and other pertinent data as it relates to contractor performance. Oversees and administers enforcement of sanctions for contractors, including but not limited to the recoupment of funds, assessing penalties, withholding partial or full payments, and suspension or termination of the contract. Monitors plans of correction with other division staff to ensure improvements are sustained. Coordinates monitoring for contractual accountability activities between the State and contractors. Completes assigned monitoring reviews within assigned time frames and in accordance with the contract, state rules, federal regulations, and program guidelines. (25%) EJF3. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships and communications with HHS staff, and other internal/external stakeholders, and provides timely responses to requests and inquiries for information. Consults with internal staff to resolve problems, identify needs, and resolve contracting matters. Communicates with EODDS management and FRES leadership in a timely manner regarding problematic situations and applies proper judgment to ensure actions taken are appropriate. (20%) EJF4. Participates and/or leads all phases of the procurement process for services. Development of procurement and contract documents. Development on procurement-related tools. Ensures procurements follow establish HHS and state rules, standards, and timelines. Coordinates closely with internal staff to ensure contracts resulting from procurements contain appropriate program and legal requirements and are completed in a timely manner. (15%) EJF5. Performs written and oral communication with contractors. Ensures timely review and response on all correspondence. Coordinates and/or prepares responses to issue, inquires, and correspondences concerning contractors’ functions and activities, including information needs of contractors with other divisions and other state agencies. (15%) Knowledge, Skills And Abilities (KSAs) Knowledge of the principles and practices of procurement, contract administration, contract management and contract closeout. Knowledge of contracting, performance management, risk assessment and reporting. Knowledge of contract performance analyses and monitoring procedures. Knowledge and ability to recommend applicable corrective actions, to and monitor and evaluate performance based on contracting knowledge and expertise. Knowledge and ability to interpret state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policy, and procedures relevant to contracts. Knowledge and ability to manage and coordinate procurement activities and management of contracts. Skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Skills and ability to lead or facilitate workgroups. Skills and ability to manage time effectively and lead projects to ensure timely completion. Skills and ability to identify and analyze problems and propose effective solutions. Skills and ability to analyze and solve problems, to make decisions affecting overall departmental operations, and comprehensively and accurately evaluates reports. Skills and ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Skills and ability to organize and present information effectively. Skills and ability to prepare administrative reports and special projects as assigned. Skills and ability to write and edit correspondence, memos, reports, and performance requirements related to contracting. Skills and ability to interpret policies and develop effective operating procedures. Skills in operating personal computers and using applicable software, including Microsoft products with emphasis on the use of Word and Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, and other meeting platforms. Registrations, Licensure Requirements Or Certifications Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) is preferred and required within 12 months of hire. Initial Screening Criteria Completeness of application. Must have graduated from an accredited university or college with a bachelor's degree. Applicants without a degree may substitute relevant experience on a year for year basis up to four (4) years. In addition to education, or an equivalent of four (4) years of relevant experience, candidates must have a minimum of one (1) year (5 years - if substituting education) of relevant experience, including but not limited to contract management, monitoring, and oversight. Additional Information Applicants may not have a history of substantiated fraudulent activity against HHSC or any programs it administers. Applicants who have a non-fraud over payment with an outstanding balance must agree to repay the over payment balance as a condition of employment. Applicants selected for hire will be required to pass a fingerprint criminal history background check. This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies and in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business need. This is a telework-eligible position, and Applicants must be willing to travel to State Office (701 W. 51st St., Austin, TX) based on business needs. The work schedule for this position is 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday and must attend work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with HHSC leave policy. Supervisors may consider alternate work schedules after the first six months of employment based on performance, responsibilities, and the needs of the team. However, alternate work schedules are not guaranteed. 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 click.appcast.io. 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: Waco #J-18808-Ljbffr Texas Health and Human Services