Contract Specialist IV

at  Dept of State Health Services

Contract Specialist IV
Under the supervision of the CMS Monitoring Branch Manager, provides support in contract management by participating in contracting activities such as contract quality management activities, extensive contract monitoring, and other contract management activities to support DSHS agency contracts. With minimal supervision, and with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, performs highly advanced, senior level, technical and consultative work assisting with the contract management activities from development to closeout within the Contract Management Section (CMS). Responsible for completing analysis of contractor performance by reviewing and tracking receipt of contractor performance reports, deliverables, monitoring events, and other pertinent data as it relates to contractor performance. Responsible for implementing goals and objectives; developing contract guidelines, policies, and procedures; developing schedules, priorities, and standards for achieving established performance measures; monitoring contract compliance with federal and state laws, rules, regulations, guidelines, policies, and procedures. Provides guidance regarding contract administration policies and procedures to program staff, management, and other Department staff as appropriate. Provide technical assistance and assists with the close out of contracts. Provides high-quality customer service and interacts routinely with internal and external customers including program managers, staff, contractors, stakeholders, organizations, and other state agencies to ensure appropriate contractor performance according to contract terms.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS ABILITIES:

Knowledge of DSHS programs, applicable standards, policies, functions, and the mission and agency role in meeting the program’s health objectives and priority health outcomes.
Thorough knowledge of contracting regulations, of business administration and accounting principles and practices, and of policies and procedures of contract management and administration.
Knowledge of audit principles, process improvement, and quality management.
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 services and state and federal laws, agency regulations, policies, rules and requirements pertaining to the provision of health services.
Skill in contract 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.
Ability to write and edit contract requirements and specifications.
Ability to interpret policies and develop effective operating procedures for the Contract Management Section.
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.

REGISTRATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS:

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) is preferred or must be obtained within first year of employment.

Please refer the Job description for details