Contract Specialist II

Job Description:
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.
Essential Job Functions:
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.

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.
(Percentage of Time Spent on Tasks = 10%)

EJF2
Prepares and maintains contract documents in accordance with policy and procedures. Assists with developing contract administration policies and procedures. Initiates, develops, negotiates, processes and manages contracts, renewals and amendments for community care services programs. Uploads required documents to HHSC contracts repository system.
(Percentage of Time Spent on Tasks = 10%)

EJF3
Completes all required pre-monitoring activities. Completes contractor screening criteria prior to formal monitoring to verify the legal entity's business information and status. Reviews contractor history that includes reviewing the contractor’s HHSC licensure status, regulatory compliance history, previous fiscal year expenditures and Adverse Action Review Committee (AARC) activity since the previous monitoring to assess the contractor’s performance as applicable to the contract type. Prepares applicable program and fiscal compliance monitoring tools, Monitoring Workbook and Individual Work Papers (IWP) by entering information that is readily available, such as legal entity name, contract numbers, review dates, review periods, payment information, etc. Prepares common forms that include entrance and exit conference forms. Pulls electronic visit verification (EVV) visit logs and units of service tables and reviews for missing data. Sends inquiries to EVV Vendor or EVV Operations about missing data or missing reports. Reviews COGNOS billing/payment report. Completes and sends the notice of Scheduled Contract and Fiscal Compliance Monitoring at least 20 days before the monitor review following notification protocol. Selects the monitoring sample. Determines the review period. Ensures the sample is sent to the contractor two business days before the monitor review. Schedules monitor reviews within the established timeframes.
(Percentage of Time Spent on Tasks = 20%)

EJF4
Monitors contractor performance to ensure compliance with State and Federal regulations by conducting contract compliance on or off site. Plans and conducts investigations resulting from allegations made about contractors. Monitors contract performance by examining billings, and eligibility determinations for compliance with terms of contract and policies and recommends actions or sanctions of contracts and tracks them through completion.
(Percentage of Time Spent on Tasks = 50%)

EJF5
Provides guidance regarding contract administration, policies, and procedures to contractors, stakeholders, internal HHSC staff and community. Assists other team members. Must also perform other duties as assigned and necessary.
(Percentage of Time Spent on Tasks = 10%)
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
List the knowledge, skills, and abilities critical to performance in this position:

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.

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