Contract Specialist V

About the position

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Behavioral Health Medicaid Programs (BHMP) unit seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the Home and Community-Based Services - Adult Mental Health (HCBS-AMH) and Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Waiver Contract Specialist V, or Contract Manager, position. BHMP is driven by the program mission and vision to deliver quality, cost effective services to Texans. The Contract Manager performs highly complex and advanced consultative and technical tasks related to the development, oversight, interpretation, coordination and enforcement of the HCBS-AMH and YES Waiver provider contracts and other diverse contracts in assigned service areas. Completes contract execution, accepts amendments to contracts, monitors contracting requirements, and makes recommendations for approval or otherwise by management as needed. Other accountability responsibilities include: authorizing disbursements, management and productivity improvements, participates in monitoring expenditures for contracted state, local and federal funds, participates in monitoring of compliance with service provision and program requirements, recommend sanctions for breaches of assigned contracts, approval of amendments and expansions, directing and coordinating critical data requirements, data analysis, reporting protocols and follow-up. Requires broad working knowledge of diverse contracts. The contract manager is the liaison between contractors, program staff, and other HHSC areas. The Contract Manager facilitates communication and collaboration between all contract stakeholders and serves as the single point of contact for all contractual accountability activities between the State and contractors. Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. 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.

Responsibilities

• Reviews and processes Open Enrollments. Facilitates planning meetings, setting timelines and developing the Open Enrollment application partnering with IDD-BHS Contract Management Unit.
• Consults and communicates, individually and collectively, with contractors, community stakeholders, state and local agencies involved with the service delivery system to identify needs, resolve problems, and monitor and discuss effectiveness of programs and services.
• Oversees reviews of contractors to determine compliance with applicable statutes, departmental rules, and contractual requirements.
• Provides consultation and technical assistance to contractors on contract issues.
• Oversees and administers enforcement of sanctions for contractors, including recoupment of funds, assessing liquidated damages, withholding payment, and contract terminations.
• Coordinates and/or prepares responses to issues, inquiries and correspondence concerning contractor's functions and activities.
• Collaborates with colleagues to identify and resolve issues.
• Facilitates contract termination and closeout requiring that all required program reports and actions be reviewed.
• Serves/participates on committees regarding assigned contract/program area, new departmental statewide initiatives, and redesign of contract related processes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Experience developing client service contracts and contract management.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in human services, business administration, public health, public affairs, public policy or a related field is required.
• Knowledge of mental health programs, applicable standards, policies functions, missions, and objectives in addition to contract development and management processes.
• Knowledge of contracting regulations, of developing contracts, of business administration and accounting principles and practices.
• Knowledge of competitive solicitation processes and state procurement procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of management theory and practice including personnel and financial management.
• Working knowledge of mental health community programs.
• Knowledge of state and federal legislation and litigation as they relate to mental health, mental retardation, and substance abuse services.

Nice-to-haves

• Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) and/or Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) is preferred or must be obtained within 12 months of hire.

Benefits

• 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Generous time off benefits.
• Numerous opportunities for career advancement.