Contract Specialist III

Under the supervision of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) Manager of Third Party Recoveries (TPR), this position will provide contract management support to OIG TPR and work predominantly on the development and maintenance of the Medicaid Estate Recovery Program (MERP) contract and associated processes. The position will interact with all areas of the OIG, HHS divisions and management, contractors, other state agencies, and a variety of other stakeholders and will serve as subject matter expert in assigned workgroups and contract activities.

In addition, responsibilities include: processing invoices; conducting contract risk assessment and monitoring activities; working closely with Legal staff to draft contract language and facilitate contract development; developing amendments and action memos; and maintaining accurate and updated contract records and completing documentation in the appropriate systems of record; and assists the OIG in adhering to procurement and contracting policies, rules, and statutes Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Participates in other Contract Management activities as assigned.

• This position is primarily a telework position and may be hired from any geographic area of the state where OIG has an office.

• Essential Job Functions:

Provides advanced technical assistance related to contract management and program performance. Facilitates authorization of funding expenditures. Coordinates contract development and amendments for MERP contract within established protocols. (25%)

Consults and communicates, individually or collectively, with contractors, community stakeholders, and state and local authorities to identify needs, resolve problems, monitor, and discuss effectiveness of programs and services. (20%)

Develops procedures to ensure accountability and documentation related to performance measures and contract management. Assists with developing policy and recommending policy changes. (20%)

Maintains accurate contract records and generates and prepares reports for overall contract management, internal and external information requests, and prepares and distributes responses/feedback concerning performance measures and contract deliverables. (15%)

Collaborates with applicable stakeholders to identify and resolve contract-related 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%)

Facilitates contract termination and closeout, including the review and analysis of all program reports and actions, equipment reconciliation (if applicable), and record disposition according to contract terms. (5%)

Performs other duties, as assigned. Keeps manager informed as required or as necessary. (5%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of local, state and federal laws and regulations relating to HHS procurement and contracting.

Knowledge of HHSC-PCS procurement requirements, forms, and processes.

Knowledge of HHS contract management policies, procedures, and tools.

Knowledge of business administration and accounting principles.

Knowledge of contract data systems, analysis, and reporting.

Knowledge of systemic process improvement techniques and quality assurance processes.

Skill in managing multiple and competing priorities.

Skill in developing performance requirements and measurement tools.

Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.

Skill in problem-solving, independent decision-making, and conflict resolution.

Skill in organizing and presenting information clearly, concisely, and effectively (both orally and in writing).

Skill in the development and delivery of effective resource materials and training.

Skill in performing complex research functions.

Skill at providing excellent customer service.

Skill in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.

Skill in using MS Office Suite (particularly Word and Excel), Outlook, CAPPS 9.2, SCOR, and other related data systems.

Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.

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

Ability to write and edit contract requirements and specifications.

Ability to work in a fast-paced business environment.

Ability to make decisions and solve problems effectively.

Ability to negotiate effectively among multiple parties.

Ability to develop and evaluate administrative policies and procedures.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel in governmental entities.

Ability to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:

Certified Texas Contract Manager Certification (CTCM) or must obtain within 12 months upon hire. Initial Selection Criteria:

Experience in contract development, management, or evaluation work.

Experience with Health & Human Services (HHS) programs and contract oversight requirements is strongly preferred.

Experience working with Texas Integrated Eligibility Redesign Systems (TIERS) and Business Objects (BOXI) is preferred.

Experience working with stakeholders and diverse groups preferred.

Additional Information:

The OIG is responsible for preventing, detecting, auditing, inspecting, reviewing, and investigating fraud, waste, and abuse in the provision of HHS in Medicaid and other HHS programs. Potential employees of OIG are subject to criminal background checks in accordance with the HHS Human Resources policy. Selected applicants must complete a national fingerprint-based criminal background check through the Texas Department of Public Safety (TDPS) and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to determine if they have criminal history record information that constitutes a bar to employment.

OIG will request that all applicants considered for an interview provide responses to essay questions. Failure to respond to the request could disqualify an applicant from the interview process.

Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds. The offered salary will be determined in accordance with budgetary limits and the requirements of HHSC Human Resources Manual.

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. ?

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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.

MOS Code:

51C, LS, SK, 3044, 6C0X1

HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.

I-9 Form - Click here to download the I-9 form.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS 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.

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