What are the responsibilities and job description for the Contract Specialist II position at Texas Department of State Health Services?
Date: Dec 12, 2025
Location:
AUSTIN, TX
DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.
Employee Benefits
DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.
Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.
Functional Title: Contract Specialist II
Job Title: Contract Specialist II
Agency: Dept of State Health Services
Department: Newborn Screening
Posting Number: 12039
Closing Date: 12/26/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-18
Salary Range: $3,800.00 - $5,000.00
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
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: 1100 W 49TH ST (RDM)
Other Locations: Austin
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 Contract Specialist II performs complex (journey-level) contract management work. Works under general supervision of the Newborn Screening (NBS) Special Projects Manager IV, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment on several newborn screening related contracts. Works with management and NBS staff on complex issues. This position is responsible for oversight of multiple NBS contracts. Work includes facilitating procurement and monitoring events to ensure goods and services are received in a timely manner. Writes measurable contract requirements in the statements of work. Responsible for monitoring, tracking, and reporting contract performance, including service delivery and fiscal monitoring. Handles contractor billings and resolves billing problems and issues to allow for timely and accurate payments. Communicates and collaborates with DSHS staff and vendors including providing technical assistance. Provides technical assistance to newborn screening related to assigned contracts. This position conducts kick-off and pre-proposal meetings, post-award conferences, team briefings, and evaluation scoring. This position also collaborates with DSHS legal and contract management, procurement and monitoring staff. Runs reports in CAPPS Financial and System of Contract Operation and Reporting (SCOR) to ensure accurate funds are allocated appropriately.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs)
EJF 1 (15%): Monitors assigned NBS contract performance by investigating billings, fiscal data, deliverables, and eligibility determinations for compliance with the terms of contract and following DSHS policies. Reports issues in a timely manner to management, DSHS contract managers, legal, and State Office Business Management Contract Team, whenever there is a deficiency with the contractor's performance. Collaborates with legal and contract management, procurement and monitoring staff under the guidance of manager IV to address deficiencies. May recommend remedies in accordance with the contract.
EJF 2 (15%): Completes invoice approval activities accurately and according to agency timelines. This includes monitoring assigned inboxes throughout the workday. Assists financial analyst by coordinating subject matter experts (SME) invoice approval as appropriate and timely. Prepares needed documents and circulates to staff to obtain necessary approvals to allow DSHS to pay vendors. Communicates with vendor and DSHS staff to obtain corrected or missing documents. Prevents late approvals by overseeing invoice holds or cancellations to allow vendors to provide correct or complete invoice and deliverables submission. Must process invoices accurately and timely 90 percent of the time.
EJF 3 (15%): Oversees NBS vendor compliance to statement of work and state and federal regulations by monitoring and tracking vendor performance. Creates a monitoring plan based on risk assessments and agency requirements. Works with staff to conduct additional compliance activities on-site or via desk review. Creates review tools as needed. Trains staff to understand their roles and use review tools and document results. Assist SMEs to create specific, time-bound, performance measures and requirements to include in the statement of work. This will allow objective contract oversight and facilitate vendor accountability. Must complete monitoring activities accurately and timely 90 percent of the time.
EJF 4 (15%): Tracks deliverables, invoices, and contract requirements, files electronic records. Organizes the billing and monitoring tracking process. Create and maintain a running spreadsheet for contracts to track and administer monitoring functions to include contract billings and deliverables for assigned contracts. Spreadsheet will allow tracking of budget source, amounts and percentages spent and remaining, and approvals of invoices and deliverables. Must update tracking sheet within three business days of activity 90% of the time.
EJF 5 (15%): Reviews fiscal expenditure reports for NBS and ensures the report has the appropriate information and is accurate and complete. Works with program SMEs, budget and DSHS contract staff to provide guidance to vendors, stakeholders, agency staff. Assist with handling routine reporting activities and special projects and tasks as assigned by Manager IV. Evaluates expenditure data by creating and using the NBS fiscal year spreadsheet to make projections to ensure appropriate funds are allocated. Completes forms to encumber funds for new and renewed contracts. Runs reports using CAPPS Financial and System of Contract Operation and Reporting (SCOR) to ensure accurate funds are allocated appropriately.
EJF 6 (10%): Serves as a liaison with contract providers to ensure funds are used appropriately and align with DSHS policies. Ensures each fiscal year’s requirements are met. Understands contract terms, including purpose, scope, requirements, deliverables, and milestones to hold contractors accountable for timely performance. Collaborate with program SMEs and leadership to coordinate completion of contract related activities. Facilitates meetings with internal and external stakeholders as needed to meet contract-related project goals and deadlines. Communicates in writing and meets with vendors to discuss issues or answer questions as needed, and reports to management according to agency and program policies and procedures.
EJF 7 (10%) Develops solicitations, contract content, and amendments by creating a detailed outline proposal to contractors and SMEs and conducts meetings with staff for finalization of contracts. Defines the requirements and objectives of contracts for NBS by providing a detailed outline of the requirements that are needed and utilizing the State Law and Department of State Health Services (DSHS) policies for developing contracts. Creates NBS specific content for request for proposal by clearly outlining the objective, statement of work, evaluation, contract terms and agreement and submission. This position describes services to be rendered so vendors understand what, when and how services must be provided. Evaluates information supplied by bidders and negotiate contract specifications revising contract terms, if needed. This position facilitates procurement-related events to ensure goods and services are being received in a timely manner. This position conducts kick-off and pre-proposal meetings, post-award conferences, team briefings, and evaluation scoring.
EJF 8 (5%): Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties assigned include 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).
Knowledge Of
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) is preferred or must be obtained within first year of employment. Must complete continuing education and maintain certification.
Initial Screening Criteria
Information on application must say how applicant meets initial selection criteria in the application's summary of experience section. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application.
Agency salary policy, budget and candidate’s qualifications will dictate final salary offer.
Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 15P, 42A, 56M, 68G, 420A, AZ, LS, LSS, MC, PS, RP, SN, YN, YNS, 741X, PERS, 0100, 0111, 3372, 3381, 6046, 0170, 4430, 3F5X1, 8A200. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill.
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 for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.
ADA Accommodations
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.
Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, And Work Eligibility
Location:
AUSTIN, TX
DSHS is committed to hiring skilled and dedicated individuals who share a passion for public health to pursue our vision of A Healthy Texas. If you are looking to make an impact and tackle new challenges, we encourage you to consider a career with us.
Employee Benefits
DSHS offers insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS). To learn more about all the benefits available to you as a DSHS employee and other DSHS opportunities for early career pathways, visit the DSHS Careers Page.
Review our Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to State of Texas Jobs.
Functional Title: Contract Specialist II
Job Title: Contract Specialist II
Agency: Dept of State Health Services
Department: Newborn Screening
Posting Number: 12039
Closing Date: 12/26/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-18
Salary Range: $3,800.00 - $5,000.00
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day
Additional Shift: Days (First)
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: 1100 W 49TH ST (RDM)
Other Locations: Austin
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 Contract Specialist II performs complex (journey-level) contract management work. Works under general supervision of the Newborn Screening (NBS) Special Projects Manager IV, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment on several newborn screening related contracts. Works with management and NBS staff on complex issues. This position is responsible for oversight of multiple NBS contracts. Work includes facilitating procurement and monitoring events to ensure goods and services are received in a timely manner. Writes measurable contract requirements in the statements of work. Responsible for monitoring, tracking, and reporting contract performance, including service delivery and fiscal monitoring. Handles contractor billings and resolves billing problems and issues to allow for timely and accurate payments. Communicates and collaborates with DSHS staff and vendors including providing technical assistance. Provides technical assistance to newborn screening related to assigned contracts. This position conducts kick-off and pre-proposal meetings, post-award conferences, team briefings, and evaluation scoring. This position also collaborates with DSHS legal and contract management, procurement and monitoring staff. Runs reports in CAPPS Financial and System of Contract Operation and Reporting (SCOR) to ensure accurate funds are allocated appropriately.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs)
EJF 1 (15%): Monitors assigned NBS contract performance by investigating billings, fiscal data, deliverables, and eligibility determinations for compliance with the terms of contract and following DSHS policies. Reports issues in a timely manner to management, DSHS contract managers, legal, and State Office Business Management Contract Team, whenever there is a deficiency with the contractor's performance. Collaborates with legal and contract management, procurement and monitoring staff under the guidance of manager IV to address deficiencies. May recommend remedies in accordance with the contract.
EJF 2 (15%): Completes invoice approval activities accurately and according to agency timelines. This includes monitoring assigned inboxes throughout the workday. Assists financial analyst by coordinating subject matter experts (SME) invoice approval as appropriate and timely. Prepares needed documents and circulates to staff to obtain necessary approvals to allow DSHS to pay vendors. Communicates with vendor and DSHS staff to obtain corrected or missing documents. Prevents late approvals by overseeing invoice holds or cancellations to allow vendors to provide correct or complete invoice and deliverables submission. Must process invoices accurately and timely 90 percent of the time.
EJF 3 (15%): Oversees NBS vendor compliance to statement of work and state and federal regulations by monitoring and tracking vendor performance. Creates a monitoring plan based on risk assessments and agency requirements. Works with staff to conduct additional compliance activities on-site or via desk review. Creates review tools as needed. Trains staff to understand their roles and use review tools and document results. Assist SMEs to create specific, time-bound, performance measures and requirements to include in the statement of work. This will allow objective contract oversight and facilitate vendor accountability. Must complete monitoring activities accurately and timely 90 percent of the time.
EJF 4 (15%): Tracks deliverables, invoices, and contract requirements, files electronic records. Organizes the billing and monitoring tracking process. Create and maintain a running spreadsheet for contracts to track and administer monitoring functions to include contract billings and deliverables for assigned contracts. Spreadsheet will allow tracking of budget source, amounts and percentages spent and remaining, and approvals of invoices and deliverables. Must update tracking sheet within three business days of activity 90% of the time.
EJF 5 (15%): Reviews fiscal expenditure reports for NBS and ensures the report has the appropriate information and is accurate and complete. Works with program SMEs, budget and DSHS contract staff to provide guidance to vendors, stakeholders, agency staff. Assist with handling routine reporting activities and special projects and tasks as assigned by Manager IV. Evaluates expenditure data by creating and using the NBS fiscal year spreadsheet to make projections to ensure appropriate funds are allocated. Completes forms to encumber funds for new and renewed contracts. Runs reports using CAPPS Financial and System of Contract Operation and Reporting (SCOR) to ensure accurate funds are allocated appropriately.
EJF 6 (10%): Serves as a liaison with contract providers to ensure funds are used appropriately and align with DSHS policies. Ensures each fiscal year’s requirements are met. Understands contract terms, including purpose, scope, requirements, deliverables, and milestones to hold contractors accountable for timely performance. Collaborate with program SMEs and leadership to coordinate completion of contract related activities. Facilitates meetings with internal and external stakeholders as needed to meet contract-related project goals and deadlines. Communicates in writing and meets with vendors to discuss issues or answer questions as needed, and reports to management according to agency and program policies and procedures.
EJF 7 (10%) Develops solicitations, contract content, and amendments by creating a detailed outline proposal to contractors and SMEs and conducts meetings with staff for finalization of contracts. Defines the requirements and objectives of contracts for NBS by providing a detailed outline of the requirements that are needed and utilizing the State Law and Department of State Health Services (DSHS) policies for developing contracts. Creates NBS specific content for request for proposal by clearly outlining the objective, statement of work, evaluation, contract terms and agreement and submission. This position describes services to be rendered so vendors understand what, when and how services must be provided. Evaluates information supplied by bidders and negotiate contract specifications revising contract terms, if needed. This position facilitates procurement-related events to ensure goods and services are being received in a timely manner. This position conducts kick-off and pre-proposal meetings, post-award conferences, team briefings, and evaluation scoring.
EJF 8 (5%): Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties assigned include 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).
Knowledge Of
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
- DSHS programs, applicable standards, policies, functions, and the mission and agency role in meeting the program's health objectives and priority health outcomes.
- Administration and management techniques; of statistical analysis processes; of budget processes; of training techniques; and of program management processes and techniques.
- Contracting regulations and procedures of contract management and administration.
- Audit principles, process improvement, and quality management.
- State of Texas budgeting and other financial policies and procedures.
- Organizational planning, organizational development, and implementation methods needed to provide oversight of multiple contracts
- Accounting and budgetary principles, practices, and procedures.
- Contract management principles and practices.
- Managing databases and reviewing and analyzing data.
- Using Microsoft Office software, including advanced features of Microsoft Excel.
- Project management and prioritization of competing priorities.
- Problem solving and conflict resolution.
- Communicating technical information and preparing presentation of information, both orally and in writing.
- Preparing written analyses and administrative reports.
- Analyzing and making recommendations affecting overall contracting activities; and
- Evaluating different types of administrative reports.
- Interpret policies and develop effective operating procedures for the NBS contracts oversight.
- Facilitate meetings and communicate verbally by phone or virtually.
- Evaluate and monitor contractor performance and provide recommendations.
- Gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts; to devise solutions to problems; to prepare reports; to develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures; to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; and to train others.
- Lead or work as part of a team.
- Perform and prioritize multiple tasks, assignments and projects.
- Interpret and apply federal and state statutes, regulations, agency rules, policies and procedures related to contracts.
- Evaluate financial data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity to contract requirements.
- Complete assignments with high attention to detail.
Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) is preferred or must be obtained within first year of employment. Must complete continuing education and maintain certification.
Initial Screening Criteria
- Experience in procurement, contract monitoring, or accounting. Experience with local government or state business operations is preferred.
- Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in business management or field relevant to assignment preferred. Experience in procurement or contracting and education may be substituted for one another on a year for year basis.
- Experience using word and excel.
- Experience with writing reports.
Information on application must say how applicant meets initial selection criteria in the application's summary of experience section. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application.
Agency salary policy, budget and candidate’s qualifications will dictate final salary offer.
Note: Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to: 15P, 42A, 56M, 68G, 420A, AZ, LS, LSS, MC, PS, RP, SN, YN, YNS, 741X, PERS, 0100, 0111, 3372, 3381, 6046, 0170, 4430, 3F5X1, 8A200. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill.
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 for this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/.
ADA Accommodations
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), DSHS will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring process for individuals with a qualifying disability. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please notify the person who contacts you to schedule the interview. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747 or via email at HHSServiceCenter.Applications@ngahrhosting.com.
Salary Information, Pre-employment Checks, And Work Eligibility
- The salary offered will follow DSHS starting salary guidelines. Any employment offer is contingent upon available budgeted funds.
- Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
- DSHS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 form
Salary : $3,800 - $5,000