Overview
Legal assistant Jobs in Houston, TX at Vasquez Law Group, PLLC
Date: May 15, 2025
Location: SAN ANTONIO, TX
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.
Functional Title: Contract Specialist
Job Title: Contract Specialist III
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: HCS/TxHmL Enroll & CLASS/DBMD
Posting Number: 5613
Closing Date: 05/29/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Community and Social Services
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20
Salary Range: $4,263.16 – $6,779.25
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
Telework:
Travel: Up to 50%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: SAN ANTONIO
Job Location Address: 1067 BANDERA RD
Other Locations:
MOS Codes:
3006,3044,8640,310X,36A,36B,51C,60C0,62S0,63G0,63S0,64PX,651X,6C0X1,751X,FIN10,LS,LSS,SEI16,SK,F&S
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Medicaid CHIP Services (MCS) department seeks a highly qualified candidate to fill the position of Contract Specialist III. MCS is driven by its mission to deliver quality, cost-effective services to Texans. This position makes a significant contribution to MCS’s mission by performing highly advanced (senior-level) contract services and technical assistance work, including developing and reviewing policies, procedures & guidelines, identifying training needs, develop training materials, training staff, establishing priorities, standards and metrics to ensure outcomes which can be evaluated, measured and in compliance. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment, under constant pressure to meet required deadlines, standards, and thresholds.
The ideal candidate thrives in an environment that emphasizes: teamwork to achieve goals, excellence through high professional standards and personal accountability, curiosity to continuously grow and learn, critical thinking for effective execution, and integrity to do things right even when what is right is not easy.
This position makes a significant contribution to MCS’s mission by performing program and fiscal contract monitoring reviews for Medicaid Waiver Programs such as the Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS), Deaf-Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DBMD), Home and Community based Services (HCS), Texas Home Living (TXHML), and Financial Management Service Agencies (FMSA). This position performs complex (journey-level) consultative and technical assistance services to HHSC program and contract management staff, program providers, contractors, people receiving services, family members and guardians, as well as advocates. This position is responsible for conducting both onsite and desk reviews; requesting and approve/deny corrective action plans; implementing contract sanctions; providing technical assistance; serving as subject matter expert on rule writing work groups, operational meetings, management briefings, and other work group, meetings, committees, as assigned. The position assists legal services in defending the actions taken by HHSC during administrative hearings. Completion of work requires initiating and implementing new methods and/or techniques for monitoring activity. May manage, lead, or participate in special projects as assigned; performing highly complex consultation on rules, waiver renewals and contract monitoring tool projects; investigating complaints in accordance with agency policies, procedures and guidelines; communicating on a complex level with others including HHSC staff, upper management and stakeholders to provide, exchange, and verify information, answer inquiries, address issues and resolve problems; analyzing proposed legislation and Medicaid Waivers to determine impact on programs and service; developing, updating and maintaining computer tracking databases; training or supervising the work of other team members and other duties as assigned. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Will be responsible for training others.
This position requires extensive local and statewide travel.
This position currently reports to the CLASS & DBMD Provider Monitoring Manager within the Contract Administration and Provider Monitoring (CAPM) office.
Essential Job Functions:
Works collaboratively across MCS to identify innovative and effective solutions for people receiving services and staff.
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
EJF 1 (50%): Serves as lead contract monitor for Medicaid CLASS and DBMD contracts. Plans, conducts, and documents contract monitoring reviews and investigations to determine compliance with federal and state regulations. Provides technical guidance regarding the contract monitoring process, state and federal regulations, policies, and procedures. Identifies contractor training needs and conducts training upon request.
EJF 2 (20%): Conducts quality assurance reviews of CLASS and DBMD contract monitoring activities according to established departmental standards. Maintains automated databases and tracking systems to plan, track and complete required contract activities. Coordinates the completion of required activities, tracks actions, and reports to management. Consults with staff who prepare status reports for management identifying progress, productivity, key milestones, and results of monitoring activities.
EJF 3 (10%): Completes contract monitoring reports listing deficiencies and prepares written reports supporting the actions and remedies recommended. Serves as mentor for other team members. Provides guidance regarding contract monitoring, policies, and procedures.
EJF 4 (10%): Monitors and evaluates evidence and plans of correction submitted by contractors. Communicates on a complex level with others (internally or externally) to provide, exchange, or verify information, answer inquiries, address issues, or resolve problems or complaints.
EJF 5 (5%): Collects, organizes, analyzes, edits, and otherwise prepares correspondence, presentations and reports in response to inquiries, assignments, and requests for information. Tracks, monitors, plans, and coordinates activities to ensure deadlines and requirements are met.
EJF 6 (5%): Attends and participates in regular staff meetings, represents assigned area at planning sessions, committees, workgroups, meetings, conferences, or hearings to address significant issues. Other duties as assigned in support of the unit’s goals and objectives.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
If not currently a Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM), the selected candidate must obtain CTCM certification within 12 months of hire date unless otherwise approved by supervisor and maintain certification throughout employment.
A valid Texas driver’s license is required to perform the responsibilities of this position.
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of:
state and federal laws and regulations relevant to the Medicaid/CHIP programs, and
contracting regulations, developing contracts, monitoring contracts.
Skills in:
contract monitoring,
contract processes,
operating personal computers, and
in using applicable software, including Microsoft products, i.e. MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
Ability to:
evaluate contractor performance and recommend future actions,
interpret policies, procedures, and regulations,
evaluate fiscal data for reasonableness, necessity, and conformity with contract requirements,
follow standard operating procedures,
write and edit correspondence, memoranda, contract requirements,
monitor and evaluate contractor performance upon complaints,
communicate effectively both orally and in writing,
work collaboratively with peers and to develop consensus,
identify and analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and propose effective solutions,
gather, assemble, correlate and analyze facts,
manage multiple priorities and devise solutions to administrative problems,
lead or facility monitoring reviews, complaint investigations, team meetings, and
communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
Initial Screening Criteria:
Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP).
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in human services related field of study.
At least three years of experience working directly with persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
At least two years of experience conducting CLASS and DBMD waiver contract and fiscal compliance monitoring reviews.
Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.
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 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 Auditor’s Office – Job Descriptions.
ADA Accommodations:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS 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 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.
Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:
Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form
Telework Disclaimer:
This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.
Nearest Major Market: San Antonio
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Title: Legal assistant
Company: Vasquez Law Group, PLLC
Location: Houston, TX
