ECI Performance Specialist (SAN ANTONIO, TX)

Brief Job Description: 

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Office seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of ECI Performance Specialist (Contract Specialist IV). ECI is driven by its mission to assure that families with young children with developmental delays have the resources and support they need to reach their goals. This position makes a significant contribution to ECI’s mission by ensuring services are provided to families as required under IDEA Part C. 

Under the direction of the ECI Contracts and Finance Manager, performs advanced (senior-level) contract management work with regard to performance and oversight activities required in the implementation of IDEA Part C. Work involves coordinating with ECI program staff to determine program requirements and providing consultative and technical services to local contracted staff in areas of program compliance and performance, integrating available financial and program data into oversight activities. Consults with HHSC Procurement and Contracting Services (PCS) and HHSC Legal to develop and maintain assigned ECI contracts and contract amendments. Works under minimal supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs): 

Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and upholds the cultural values of courtesy, professionalism, and respect.

(35%) Participates as part of a team in onsite compliance reviews with other ECI performance specialists, as assigned, according to program procedures. Completes desk review monitoring as appropriate. Collaborates with performance specialists and other ECI staff and participates in the development of monitoring schedules, monitoring tools, and coordination of monitoring activities. Facilitates development of program improvement plans, monitors compliance to requirements, and writes clear and concise monitoring reports. Participates in the planning and completion of performance management policies and procedures, program risk assessments, program monitoring tools, and the annual monitoring plan. Participates in annual contractor determinations.

(25%) Participates in planning and review of the annual funding application. Consults with HHSC Procurement and Contracting Services (PCS) and HHSC Legal in the development of contracts and contract amendments using the CAPPS Financials system and maintains contractor information using SCOR system.

(20%) Serves as a liaison between assigned ECI programs and ECI State Office, as well as with agency staff or outside entities. Facilitates communication between ECI State Office parent liaison, local ECI programs, and parents, as warranted. Interprets ECI rules, policies, and procedures for families and contractors in accordance with agency policies. Participates in ECI projects, planning sessions, committees, and work groups, as assigned.

(15%) Monitors projects effectively by planning timelines and workload and tracking progress on required tasks. Researches and resolves problems and provides guidance to local ECI program staff in the areas of performance and compliance. Assists the performance specialist team in collaborating with other areas of the program to provide information and assistance as needed.

(5%) Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): 

Knowledge of:

• IDEA and Part C services in Early Childhood Intervention.
• Local, state and federal laws relating to contracting and procurement.
• Local, state, and federal laws relating to the program area of public administration and management techniques.
• Contract management theory and practice including personnel and financial management, process improvement, and quality management.
• Contract monitoring, quality assurance monitoring and/or performance reporting.
• Program planning and implementation techniques
• Early intervention services and programs
• Performance management and oversight best practices.

Skill in:

• Developing and supporting contracts.
• Developing and implementing quality improvement plans.
• Analyzing data for determining risk to programs.
• Communicating professionally in both written and verbal forms with individuals and large groups.
• Preparing written analyses and administrative reports.
• Communicating complex issues to non-clinical audiences.
• Managing multiple and competing priorities.
• Identifying problems, evaluating alternatives and implementing solutions.
• Working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.

Ability to:

• Identify work problems early, determine contributing factors, devise and implement solutions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, peers and leadership.
• Exercise sound and professional judgement in evaluating situations, making decisions and mediating conflict.
• Prepare concise reports and correspondence regarding findings.
• Communicate with others both orally and in writing.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: 

Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certificate; if not certified, must become certified within six months of hire.

Initial Screening Criteria: 

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university preferred. 
• At least two years of experience in contract monitoring, quality assurance monitoring, or performance reporting; or 2 years of experience providing ECI services as an employee of a current or former Texas ECI subrecipient.

Additional Information: 

This position will be required to work in-office at the North Austin Complex in Austin two days a week in compliance with current agency requirements. This requirement is subject to change based on business needs.