Contract Program Specialist

Job Description:

Under the direction of the Director of CPS Regional Contracts, within the Purchased Client Services Division (PCS) this position performs advanced consultative and technical assistance work, as the primary liaison between PCS Contracts Management staff, other divisions within DFPS, other HHSC agencies, and others. May train, lead, assign, and/or prioritize the work of others.

The position is responsible for procurement planning for regional client services contracts. The position will document, maintain, track, plan and execute upcoming contracting activities that facilitate the smooth transition of contracts lifecycles that are ending and those that will need to be procured through a new contract. The position will act as a regional contracts liaison between Program and Contracts, and the agency’s authorized purchasing authority/procurement divisions to include: responsibilities as the program lead for procurements, identifying the team for statement of work development, documenting necessary process improvements and changes from previous procurements, interacting with Program and Contracts Subject Matter Experts, identifying the evaluation team and attending related procurement kick-off meetings.

The position is also responsible for planning, developing and implementing major agency programs for PCS contracts management. The position will prepare documents and reports, coordinate and facilitate completion of requests and assignments, develop and implement quality assurance processes and develop materials to support Contract Management.

In addition, this position will lead, facilitate and represent PCS Contracts Management on various workgroups. The position will maintain and update the CPS division materials and data, carry out research and compile data on issues relevant to objectives and initiatives, and will develop or assist in the development of policy and procedures related to quality assurance in the area of contracts management.

The position appropriately handles sensitive and confidential information and works with state office and regional staff to implement processes that support contract management and quality assurance. Work will involve collection and analysis of data, and coordination with other DFPS divisions both in state office and regionally.

This position will be responsible for ensuring regional contract's compliance with data entry and contract file requirements and policies and procedures. This position works under general direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
 

Essential Job Functions:

•Plans, develops, and implements procurement planning, project and quality assurance activities for PCS/contracts management (20%)
•Acts as liaison between PCS/Regional Contracts, other divisions within DFPS, and other HHSC agencies (15%)
• Develops new methods and procedures and develops policy, implementation plans and processes. (10%)
•Represents PCS/Regional Contracts on workgroups (15%)
• Does research and compiles data on issues relevant to objectives and initiatives. (10%)
•Prepares documents and reports and maintains and manages materials and data in support of PCS contracts management and quality assurance. (10%)
•Coordinates and facilitates completion of assignments. (5%)
•Provides technical assistance and general communication and guidance on quality assurance strategies and contract management-related issues. (5%)
•Evaluates and interprets state and federal laws, rules, and policies. (5%)
•Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations. (5%)
•Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among co-workers and all work-related contacts.
•Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.
 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Designation as a Certified Texas Contract Manager is required. Designation as a Certified Texas Contract Developer is preferred.  

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

•Knowledge of, or ability to learn, state and federal contracting laws and policies.
Knowledge of state and federal laws related to contracting.
Knowledge of contract procurement, monitoring and management.
• Skill in project and strategic management.
• Skill in policy interpretation, associated procedures and business writing.
•Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill at establishing and maintaining productive working relationships both internally and externally.
• Ability to approach problems critically and analytically
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to understand new information effectively and quickly.
• Ability to plan, direct and assign responsibilities and oversee the work of others.
• Ability to present information at training sessions, conferences, or legislative hearings.
•Ability to develop written reports and materials suitable for specific audiences including community members, contractors, internal staff, executive staff, and legislators.
•Ability to plan and develop training programs
•Ability to manage program activities, including development of goals and objectives and quality assurance processes.
•Ability to develop and evaluate administrative policies and procedures and to devise solutions to administrative problems.
•Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze large amounts of information.
•Ability to analyze complex issues, draw valid conclusions, and make recommendations.
•Ability to develop and evaluate policies and procedures.
 

Initial Screening Criteria:

At least 3 years of contract management or related experience (i.e. compliance, program and fiscal review). Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a field relevant to the assignment. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.