Contract Program Specialist

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals.

What You Get Beyond Your Paycheck

When you join the State of Texas, your monthly paycheck is just one part of your real income. Our benefits provide extra value that many private employers simply don't match-often adding hundreds of dollars each month to what you take home or save.

Here's what you get as a full-time employee:

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members-saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that's time off you're actually paid for)
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance-at rates much lower than most private plans
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

You also might qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which could help you pay off federal student loans faster.

You can see all the details here: ERS recruitment brochure

Functional Title: Contract Program Specialist

Job Title: CPS Reg Contract Prog Spec V

Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc

Department: COA CPS Regional Contracts

Posting Number: 20956

Closing Date: 09/29/2026

Posting Audience: Internal and External

Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations

Salary Range: $4,523.16 - $7,253.83

Pay Frequency: Monthly

Salary Group: TEXAS-B-21

Shift: Day

Additional Shift:

Telework:

Travel:

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full Time/Part Time: Full time

FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City: AUSTIN

Job Location Address: 14000 SUMMIT DR

Other Locations:

MOS Codes: 16GX,60C0,611X,612X,63G0,641X,712X,86M0,8U000,OS,OSS,PERS,YN,YNS

Job Description:

Under the direction of the Director of CPS Regional Contracts, within the Purchased Client Services Division (PCS) this position performs advanced consultative and technical assistance work, as the primary liaison between PCS Contracts Management staff, other divisions within DFPS, other HHSC agencies, and others. May train, lead, assign, and/or prioritize the work of others.

The position is responsible for procurement planning for regional client services contracts. The position will document, maintain, track, plan and execute upcoming contracting activities that facilitate the smooth transition of contracts lifecycles that are ending and those that will need to be procured through a new contract. The position will act as a regional contracts liaison between Program and Contracts, and the agency's authorized purchasing authority/procurement divisions to include: responsibilities as the program lead for procurements, identifying the team for statement of work development, documenting necessary process improvements and changes from previous procurements, interacting with Program and Contracts Subject Matter Experts, identifying the evaluation team and attending related procurement kick-off meetings.

The position is also responsible for planning, developing and implementing major agency programs for PCS contracts management. The position will prepare documents and reports, coordinate and facilitate completion of requests and assignments, develop and implement quality assurance processes and develop materials to support Contract Management.

In addition, this position will lead, facilitate and represent PCS Contracts Management on various workgroups. The position will maintain and update the CPS division materials and data, carry out research and compile data on issues relevant to objectives and initiatives, and will develop or assist in the development of policy and procedures related to quality assurance in the area of contracts management.

The position appropriately handles sensitive and confidential information and works with state office and regional staff to implement processes that support contract management and quality assurance. Work will involve collection and analysis of data, and coordination with other DFPS divisions both in state office and regionally.

This position will be responsible for ensuring regional contracts compliance with data entry and contract file requirements and policies and procedures. This position works under general direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions:

• Plans, develops, and implements procurement planning, project and quality assurance activities for PCS/contracts management (20%)
• Acts as liaison between PCS/Regional Contracts, other divisions within DFPS, and other HHSC agencies (15%)
• Develops new methods and procedures and develops policy, implementation plans and processes. (10%)
• Represents PCS/Regional Contracts on workgroups (15%)
• Does research and compiles data on issues relevant to objectives and initiatives. (10%)
• Prepares documents and reports and maintains and manages materials and data in support of PCS contracts management and quality assurance. (10%)
• Coordinates and facilitates completion of assignments. (5%)
• Provides technical assistance and general communication and guidance on quality assurance strategies and contract management-related issues. (5%)
• Evaluates and interprets state and federal laws, rules, and policies. (5%)
• Performs other duties as assigned and required to maintain unit operations. (5%)
• Promotes and demonstrates appropriate respect for cultural diversity among co-workers and all work-related contacts.
• Attends work regularly in accordance with agency leave policy.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Designation as a Certified Texas Contract Manager is required. Designation as a Certified Texas Contract Developer is preferred.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:

• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, state and federal contracting laws and policies.

Knowledge of state and federal laws related to contracting.

Knowledge of contract procurement, monitoring and management.

• Skill in project and strategic management.
• Skill in policy interpretation, associated procedures and business writing.
• Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
• Skill at establishing and maintaining productive working relationships both internally and externally.
• Ability to approach problems critically and analytically
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to understand new information effectively and quickly.
• Ability to plan, direct and assign responsibilities and oversee the work of others.
• Ability to present information at training sessions, conferences, or legislative hearings.
• Ability to develop written reports and materials suitable for specific audiences including community members, contractors, internal staff, executive staff, and legislators.
• Ability to plan and develop training programs
• Ability to manage program activities, including development of goals and objectives and quality assurance processes.
• Ability to develop and evaluate administrative policies and procedures and to devise solutions to administrative problems.
• Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze large amounts of information.
• Ability to analyze complex issues, draw valid conclusions, and make recommendations.
• Ability to develop and evaluate policies and procedures.

Initial Screening Criteria:

At least 3 years of contract management or related experience (i.e. compliance, program and fiscal review). Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in a field relevant to the assignment. Experience and education may be substituted for one another.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

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 to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor's Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditors Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver's record check.

State of Texas employees are required to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), State of Texas Business and Commerce Code. Applicants selected for hire comply with this code by completing related training and abiding by agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files.

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS/DFPS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.