Contract Specialist V Job Austin area,Texas USA,Healthcare

Date:
Sep 14, 2026

Location:

AUSTIN, TX

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:

Contract Specialist V

Job Title: Contract Specialist V

Agency: Health & Human Services Comm

Department: BH-MH Contract Mgmt

Posting Number: 21258

Closing Date: 10/14/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Community and Social Services

Salary Range: $5,425.33 - $8,886.16

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24

Shift: Day

Telework:
Eligible for Telework

Travel: Up to 5%

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST

Other Locations:

Austin
Dallas
El Paso
Fort Worth
Houston
San Antonio

MOS Codes:

3006
3044
8640
310X
36A
36B
51C
60C0
62S0
63G0
63S0
64PX
651X
6C0 X1
751X
FIN
10
F&S
LS
LSS
SEI
16
SK

Brief Job Description

Under the supervision of the Director of Mental Health Contracts, Contract Development Section, the Contract Specialist V is the primary liaison serving as the single point of contact for all contractual accountability activities between the State and assigned contractors. The Contract Specialist V 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 date 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 Function #1:
Performs all contract development duties for some Behavioral Health Services, Mental Health Contract Management Unit contracts, from initial conceptualization to contract execution, including procurement, new contract development, contract renewal, and contract amendment. Duties include coordination with programmatic areas, PCS, legal, external and internal stakeholders, quality oversight, fiscal monitoring, BHS Leadership, and any others necessary to ensure quality contract work products and timely delivery.

May participate in working groups related to policies, competitive procurement, program operations or other matters. (30%)

Essential Job Function #2:
Performs all contract management duties for some Behavioral Health Services, Mental Health Contract Management Unit contracts, including amendment, budget and payment processes, monitoring, risk assessment, oversight, and closeout. May develop, review, or interpret contract management policy, processes, or other documents. Has considerable latitude for independent judgment and action in contractor communications and is HHSC's lead representative on communication with the contractors on contract matters.

Serves as subject matter expert in contract management and assigned contracts. Coordinates meetings for contracts/programs assigned. Develops/evaluates performance contract related reports and findings, monitors program activities to identify process improvements. Analyzes reports for trends and program compliance related to the performance contract. (30%)

Essential Job Function #3:
Ensures appropriate contract oversight through coordination of a diverse team playing various oversight functions. The Contract Specialist V maintains awareness of all matters of performance, including quality assurance and fiscal monitoring oversight performed on contracts and synthesizes those reviews with other performance information, ensuring that the team, collectively, provides necessary aspects of contract oversight. Internal and…