Contract Specialist V - Austin, United States - Texas Department of Aging & Disability Services

Description

Job Description:

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NOTE:
THIS IS A PART-TIME POSITION.

Under the supervision of the Unit Manager, the Contract Specialist V is the primary liaison representative serving as the single point of contact for all contractual accountability activities between the State and assigned contractors.

The Contract Manager performs highly complex and advanced consultative and technical tasks related to the development, negotiation, routing, execution, oversight, interpretation, coordination and enforcement of assigned contracts.

Other accountability responsibilities include:

authorizing disbursements; managing contractor performance improvement, monitoring local match, state, and federal expenditure patterns; monitoring performance requirements, recommending remedies or sanctions for contract breach; processing contract and budget amendments; directing and coordinating critical data requirements, conducting contract-related data analyses, closing contracts and collecting unexpended contract balances.

The Contract Specialist V works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.



Essential Job Functions:



Essential Job Functions:

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

EJF 1.

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.

Serves as the vital link (conduit of communications) between HHSC and contractors. Negotiates, evaluates and accepts for approval various types of contracts (15%)
EJF 2. Facilitates contract and amendments development within established protocols and oversees transfer of funds between services. (10%)
EJF 3. Reviews and evaluates contract budgets, expenditures, and authorizes contract disbursements.

Documents work and produces progress and summary reports that provide current and historical data in multiple areas related to assigned contracts.

(10%)
EJF 4. Oversees contract reviews to determine compliance with applicable statues, departmental rules, and contractual requirements. Prepares administrative reports for executive management regarding contract actions. (5%)
EJF 5. Provides technical assistance or consults with contractors on contract issues. Prepares and distributes routine and adhoc reports/responses/feedback concerning performance measures. Provides oversight of resolution and follow-up of all fiscal management and programmatic findings. Negotiates corrective action in collaboration with HHSC components and monitors compliance with recommendations. (10%)
EJF 6.

Oversees and administers contract enforcement actions due to breach of contract, which includes, but is not limited to, performance recoupment, imposing liquidated damages, withholding partial or full payments, and contract suspension or termination.

(5%)
EJF 7. Oversees the analysis of operations, problem resolution, and the preparation of reports of findings and recommendations.

Reviews contractors' data from multiple data systems, determine trends, and makes recommendations for improvements and/or plans of correction to resolve operational and compliance problems.

May direct assigned contractors to collect certain data or information. Monitors plans of correction to ensure improvements are sustained. (10%)
EJF 8. Facilitates contract termination and closeout activities. (5%)
EJF 9.

Participates on committees regarding assigned contracts/program area, new departmental statewide initiatives, and redesign of contract related processes requiring the development and implementation of effective techniques for evaluating performance and compliance.

(5%)
EJF 10. Coordinates and/or prepares responses to issues, inquiries and correspondence concerning contractor functions and activities. Meets with contractors and representatives of governmental agencies to answer contract questions. (10%)
EJF 11. Collaborates with colleagues to identify and resolve issues. Communicates plans and plan changes to contractors individually and collectively. Collects information and prepares legislative and/or management responses as directed by leadership. (10%)
EJF 12. Performs other duties as assigned.

Other duties as assigned includes but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation.

(5%)



Knowledge Skills Abilities:



Knowledge Skills Abilities:

Knowledge of mental health programs, applicable standards, policies functions, missions, and objectives in addition to contract development and management processes.

Thorough knowledge of management theory and practice including personnel and financial management, process improvement, quality assurance, public information, and public administration.

Thorough knowledge of organizational planning, organizational development, and implementation methods needed to establish and administer a complex and comprehensive delivery system.

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.

Working knowledge and understanding of community center board governance, Texas legislative processes, and public accountability systems.

Skill in compilation and analysis of complex financial and programmatic data.

Ability to deal effectively with state and local officials and the public.

Ability to organize and present information effectively, both orally and in writing, to community center boards or other stakeholder groups.

Ability to interpret policies and develop effective operating procedures for mental health programs or services.

Ability to analyze and solve problems; to make decisions affecting overall departmental operations; and comprehensively and accurately evaluates reports.