WIC Senior Contract and QA Audit Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

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. Perform highly advanced (senior-level) contract management, quality assurance, and auditing work for the Vendor Management & Operations (VMO) Unit. Work supports the United States Department of Agriculture Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. Work involves facilitating the consistent development of contracts, renewals, and amendments; completion of requisitions and risk assessments; evaluation of application information supplied by vendors; and quality assurance monitoring of vendor documents, contracts and amendments. Serve as the liaison, working alongside the Unit Branch Managers, between the Unit and WIC Program Services, HHSC Procurement and Contracting Services, Office of Chief Counsel, and Office of Inspector General in regard to support for contracts, renewals and amendments, and contract monitoring as needed. Facilitate internal and federal audit responses and corrective action plans. Conduct internal quality assurance audits of Unit processes, functions, projects, and policies to ensure compliance with federal regulations and state policies. Responsible for monitoring of federal and state legal, regulatory, and agency requirements related to WIC vendor contracting and monitoring, with a special focus on any new and proposed rules. Responsible for reporting related to contracting and procurement in the Unit. Involved with policy and procedure development and revisions, and assisting Branch managers in reviewing staff work and findings for consistency in implementation. Responsible for capturing vendor violations and facilitating to the appropriate person for entry into USDA Food Delivery Portal. Assist with leading and/or prioritizing the workload of others in regard to contracting and procurements. May assist other Units within WIC with contract duties. Serve as backup for vendor newsflashes, legislative inquiries and bill analyses, and RACI chart. Work under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

Must be a Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) or complete the requirements to become a CTCM within 12 months of employment
Knowledge of State of Texas contracting and procurement/purchasing regulations, developing contracts, contract monitoring
Knowledge of Project management principles
Knowledge of Auditing methods and systems and generally accepted auditing standards and procedures
Knowledge of State and federal laws, regulations, policies, rules and requirements related to the WIC program
Knowledge of Strategic planning and/or business process improvement
Skill in Effective verbal and written communication
Skill in Identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions
Skill in Working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups
Skill in Developing and/or revising policies and procedures
Skill in Program and process improvement
Skill in Organizing, managing, prioritizing and directing tasks, projects, and schedules
Skill in Effective leadership
Skill in Sampling techniques and creating reports
Skill in Technical writing
Skill in Using technology, including Microsoft Office software applications
Ability to Write, edit and understand contract requirements and specifications
Ability to Gather audit information and compose clear and concise audit reports
Ability to Think creatively and support creative thinking in others
Ability to Establish goals and objectives; plan, lead, and prioritize the workload of others
Ability to Interpret data and develop effective operating procedures
Ability to Organize and present information effectively, both verbally and in writing
Ability to Build effective work teams with a variety of individuals
Ability to Prioritize and plan assignments, and handle multiple projects in a fast paced environment
Ability to Work effectively under pressure
Ability to Establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with staff at all levels of the organization, and internal and external stakeholders
Ability to Understand, interpret and apply department and agency rules, regulations, policies and procedures
At least three (3) years of experience with developing, managing, or monitoring contracts for the State of Texas
At least three (3) years of experience in policy/procedure development and/or revision
At least two (2) years of experience in creating reports
At least two (2) years of experience in conducting audits

Nice To Haves

A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree

Responsibilities

Serves as Senior Contract and QA Audit Specialist for the Unit, facilitating the consistent planning, development, and implementation of WIC vendor contracts, renewals, and amendments; completion of requisitions and risk assessments; evaluation of application information supplied by vendors. Conducts quality assurance monitoring of vendor documents, contracts, and amendments. Provides guidance regarding contract administration, policies and procedures. Serves as the liaison, working alongside the Unit Branch Managers, between the Unit and WIC Program Services, HHSC Procurement and Contracting Services, Office of Chief Counsel, and Office of Inspector General in regard to support for contracts, renewals and amendments, and contract oversight and monitoring, as needed.
Conducts internal quality assurance audits of Unit processes, functions, projects, and policies to ensure compliance with federal regulations and state policies. Responsible for facilitating internal and federal audit responses and corrective action plans.
Responsible for monitoring of federal and state legal, regulatory, and agency requirements related to WIC vendor contracting and contract monitoring, with a special focus on new and proposed rules. Involved with policy and procedure development and revisions, and assisting Branch managers in reviewing staff work and findings for consistency in implementation. Responsible for reporting related to contracting and procurement in the Unit. Responsible for capturing vendor violations and facilitating to the appropriate person for entry into USDA Food Delivery Portal.
Serves as backup for vendor newsflashes, legislative inquiries and bill analyses, and RACI chart.
Assists with leading and/or prioritizing the workload of others in regard to contracting and procurements. Assesses workflows and makes recommendations for program or process improvement. May assist other Units within WIC with contract duties.
Performs other duties as assigned including but 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. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or locations. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.