Contract Specialist (Austin)

WHO WE ARE:
Texas Workforce Commission connects people with careers across the state. While we are based in Austin on the north lawn of the Texas State Capitol, we have offices statewide. We're a Family Friendly Certified Workplace with great work-life balance, competitive salaries, extensive opportunities for training and development, and fantastic benefits. These positions are located at 1117 Trinity St, Austin, TX, in the VR Contract Administration department. 

TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, now or in the future, for this position. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals currently on H-1B, F-1 (OPT/CPT), or H-4 visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas.

WHO YOU ARE:
The ideal candidate shares our department mission to ensure that the Contract Administration Services contract development, contract management, monitoring, and other contract development is done ethically, transparently, impartially, and professionally. We strive to ensure that program services are conducted with the best outcome for the customer and the State in mind.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:
The Contract Specialist III and V performs highly complex (senior-level) to highly advanced (senior-level) contract management work. Works under limited to minimal supervision, with considerable to extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

YOU WILL BE TRUSTED TO:
Contract Specialist III:
- Process agency contracts and amendments.
- Review and assist with the development of scopes of work.
- Perform contract management and monitoring functions for assigned contracts.
- Perform contract closeout activities according to TWC policy.
- Oversee compliance with contract performance standards.
- Maintain documentation and database records for contracts.
- Perform related duties as needed.

Contract Specialist V:
- Manage contracts from initiation through closeout, including processing new contracts and amendments, and ensuring compliance with agency policies.
- Monitor contractor performance, identify issues such as delays or non-compliance, and take corrective action when needed. Coordinate with management on more complex or escalated matters.
- Conduct desk reviews of contractor documentation and use enhanced monitoring methods like data sampling and trend tracking to identify and resolve issues early.
- Review and approve corrective action plans submitted by contractors, ensuring they address problems effectively and meet compliance standards.
- Maintain accurate and organized contract files and database records, including correspondence, amendments, performance reports, and closeout documentation.
- Perform contract closeout activities in line with TWC policy, verifying that all deliverables are received and obligations fulfilled.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

YOU QUALIFY WITH:
- Contract Specialist III: Three years of full-time experience in contract development, management, evaluation, monitoring, or training of contract providers or customers; or in the delivery of workforce development services which included contract development, management, evaluation, monitoring, or training of contract providers or customers.
- Relevant academic credits may be applied towards experience qualifications for this position.

- Contract Specialist V: Five years of full-time experience in contract development, management, evaluation, monitoring, or training of contract providers or customers; or in the delivery of workforce development services which included contract development, management, evaluation, monitoring, or training of contract providers or customers.
- Relevant academic credits may be applied towards experience qualifications for this position. 

YOU ARE A GREAT FIT WITH:
Contract Specialist III:
- Currently holds a Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) or Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM).

Contract Specialist V:
- Currently holds a Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) or Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM).
- Experience in technical writing, procurement processes, and contract development.
- Experience in process facilitation, customer service, and data analysis.
- Strong communication and organization skills with attention to detail.
 
YOU GAIN: 
- A Family Friendly Certified Workplace
- Competitive salary: Contract Specialist III - $5,133.50/month and Contract Specialist V - $6,346.05/month
- Defined Retirement Benefit Plan 
- Optional 401(k) and 457 accounts 
- Medical Insurance 
- Paid time off, including time for vacation, sick and family care leave 
- Additional benefits for active employees can be found at https://www.ers.texas.gov/Active-Employees/Health-Benefits. 

VETERANS:
Use your military skills to qualify for this position or other jobs! Go to www.texasskillstowork.com to translate your military work experience and training courses into civilian job terms, qualifications, and skill sets. Also, you can compare this position to military occupations (MOS) at the Texas State Auditor's Office by pasting this link into your browser: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_PropertyManagementandProcurement.pdf. 

HOW TO APPLY: 
To be considered, please complete a State of Texas Application for Employment and apply online at www.workintexas.com or on Taleo (Job Search). TWC is not considering applications from individuals who require sponsorship for an employment visa, now or in the future, for this position. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals currently on H-1B, F-1 (OPT/CPT), or H-4 visas. You must be a Texas resident to work for the Texas Workforce Commission or willing to relocate to Texas. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. A position utilizing this classification will be designated as security sensitive according to the Texas Labor Code, Section 301.042.