Lead Contract Development Specialist

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Functional Title: Lead Contract Development Specialist
Job Title: Contract Specialist V
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: BHH OPERATIONS
Posting Number: 9292
Closing Date: 09/30/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24
Salary Range: $5,425.33 - $8,886.16
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
Telework:
Travel: Up to 15%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 3006,3044,8640,310X,36A,36B,51C,60C0,62S0,63G0,63S0,64PX,651X,6C0X1,751X,FIN10,F&S,LS,LSS,SEI16,SK

Brief Job Description:

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Behavioral Health Medicaid Programs (BHMP) unit seeks a highly qualified Contract Specialist V to serve as the Lead Contract Development Specialist, responsible for all contract development activities for the Home and Community-Based Services - Adult Mental Health (HCBS-AMH) and Youth Empowerment Services (YES) Waiver programs. BHMP is driven by the program mission and vision to deliver quality, cost effective services to Texans. This position provides advanced technical knowledge and consultative services related to contract development, compliance oversight, performance analysis, and contractor support.

The Lead Contract Development Specialist is responsible for coordinating and finalizing contract documents – including contract execution, amendments, renewals, closeout activities, boilerplate templates, budget rosters, and related policy/procedure documentation – ensuring deliverables are accurate, compliant, and completed on time. The position also provides functional oversight of contract management activities performed by other team members to ensure adherence to HHSC policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.

In addition, the position manages a limited caseload of contracts to maintain direct operational awareness of the full contract lifecycle, assists with onboarding new contractors, and may deliver targeted training to address performance issues. Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

EJF 1. Contract Development Leadership – Leads all contract development activities for the BHMP Contracts Unit, including drafting; reviewing; and contract executions, amendments, and renewals. Maintains and updates boilerplate templates and budget rosters to ensure standardization and accuracy across all contracts. Assists in developing, updating, and maintaining contract-related policies, procedures, and process documentation. Coordinates timelines, and deliverables with legal, procurement, and program staff to ensure accuracy and compliance with all applicable state and federal requirements. (40%)

EJF 2. Compliance Oversight and Caseload Management – Provides functional oversight and quality review of team contract management activities to ensure compliance with HHSC contract policies and procedures. Manages a limited caseload of contracts to maintain active involvement in contract management activities, including monitoring performance, ensuring compliance, and serving as the point of contact for assigned contractors. Oversees contract closeout activities in accordance with HHSC policy, ensuring all deliverables, reconciliations, and required records are completed. (25%)

EFJ 3. Technical Assistance and Targeted Training – Provides technical assistance to contractors and internal staff regarding contract requirements, processes, and compliance expectations. Assists assigned contract managers with onboarding new contractors, including orientation on contract requirements, deliverables, and reporting procedures. May deliver targeted training to contractors identified as not meeting contract requirements, in coordination with the assigned contract manager and program staff. (15%)

EJF 4. Contractor Performance Analysis and Reporting – Compiles, analyzes, and interprets data from quarterly reports, including contract performance, Open Enrollment activity, compliance reviews, and other assigned reporting requirements. Identifies trends, assess risks, and develops recommendations for process and performance improvements. Prepares clear and concise reports for leadership, ensuring information is actionable, accurate, and aligned with program goals. (15%)

EJF 5. Other Duties as Assigned – Performs additional responsibilities as assigned to support the BHMP Contracts Unit. May serve as a team liaison, participate in workgroups, or represent the unit in meetings with internal and external stakeholders. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Mental health programs and mental health community programs, applicable standards, policies functions, missions, and objectives in addition to contract development and management processes
• Benefits and fiscal policies across Behavioral Health Medicaid Programs (BHMP), including HCBS-AMH and YES Waiver programs
• Program evaluation techniques, performance measure methods, compliance monitoring tools, and methods for assessing contractor performance
• Developing, updating, and maintaining contract boilerplate templates, budget rosters, and related contract documentation
• Policy and procedure development specific to contract administration and compliance
• Contracting regulations, of developing contracts, of business administration and accounting principles and practices, and of policies and procedures of contract management and administration
• State of Texas budgeting and other financial policies and procedures including competitive solicitation processes and state procurement procedures
• Management theory and practice including personnel and financial management, process improvement, quality assurance, public information, and public administration
• Organizational planning and development, administrative operations, financial management processes related to contracts, and implementation methods needed to establish and administer a complex and comprehensive delivery system
• State and federal legislation and litigation as they relate to mental health, mental illness, and substance abuse services
• Understanding of community center board governance, Texas legislative processes, and public accountability systems

Skill in:

• Lead contract development processes for a program area, including managing timelines and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders
• Oversee the development and maintenance of boilerplate templates and budget rosters
• Identify trends and provide recommendations based on contract performance data and reports
• Monitoring contract compliance and ensuring adherence to contractual terms, performance requirements, and reporting obligations
• Interpreting, developing, and applying contract management and procedures
• Compiling, tracking, and analyzing contract performance data to identify trends, assess risks, and develop recommendations for process improvements
• Delivering targeted training and technical assistance to contractors and internal staff to improve performance and compliance
• Facilitating onboarding sessions for new contractors
• Providing functional oversight of contract management activities to ensure quality and compliance with agency requirements
• Effective written and verbal communication, including preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, and presentations
• Using Microsoft applications, including Excel, Word, and SharePoint, and familiarity with SCOR and CAPPS Financial systems
• Problem Solving, issue identification, and recommending corrective actions
• Coordinating, developing, and finalizing complex contracts, amendments, renewals, and related contract documentation
• Conflict resolution and making recommendations affecting overall contracting activities

Ability to:

• Deal effectively with state and local officials and the public
• Organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing, to community center boards or other stakeholder groups
• Interpret policies and develop effective operating procedures for mental health programs or services
• Interpret and apply federal and state statutes, regulations, agency rules, policies and procedures related to contracts
• Evaluate and monitor contractor performance and provide recommendations
• Interpret policies and develop effective operating procedures
• Analyze and solve problems; make decisions affecting overall departmental operations; and comprehensively and accurately evaluates reports

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Registrations, Licensure Requirements, or Certifications – Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) and/or Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) is preferred or must be obtained within 12 months of hire.

Initial Screening Criteria:

• Experience in 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.

Additional Information:

Employee must provide transportation. If an employee operates a personal or state motor vehicle in the performance of their official duties, the employee must possess a current valid Texas Driver’s license for the appropriate vehicle type. Education must be from a U.S. accredited college or university, or foreign education determined to be equivalent by an acceptable education evaluator.

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS 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.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

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.