The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD is hiring a Contracts Specialist, Senior. Under the direct supervision of the Assistant General Counsel of Contracts and Real Estate, the Contract Specialist has principal responsibility for drafting, interpreting, analyzing and negotiating a wide range of advanced, highly complex contracts. The Contract Specialist will assure that the contract language complies with applicable state and federal laws and rules and contracts are negotiated and finalized in accordance with the Harris Center's policies and procedures. Under the direction of leadership, the Contract Specialist will support all aspects of contract management throughout the contracting process, from pre-proposal activities through contract closure. The Contract Specialist will help coordinate and facilitate more complex procurements, provide input on solicitations and ensure procurement rules and best practices are followed. The Contract Specialist will recommend updates to contract templates and other contract-related documents. The Contract Specialists will assist in updating contractual policies and procedures as needed to align with current laws. Contract Specialist may receive assignments from attorneys in the Contract Services and Legal Services attorneys. Position requires flexibility and the ability to re-prioritize caseloads on short notice.
Your role in Action

Coordinate all phases of contract preparation and administration including: vendor contracts, professional services agreements, leases, change orders, amendments, licenses, memorandums of understanding, and other contract arrangements.
Monitor legal and regulatory requirements pertaining to contracting.
Recommend updates for contract boilerplate language and other contract related
documents.
Advise internal and external stakeholders on contract administration, policies and
procedures.
Provide pertinent contract information for Board Action.
Maintains electronic and paper legal files by establishing and organizing legal files, documenting actions taken in notes, inputting information into the file database and contract management software and confirming the file status with the supervising attorney.
Coordinates and produces weekly and monthly contract summary reports in accordance with Departmental Standards of Operation.
Drafts legal documents including correspondence, and other legal memorandum using
proper format and appropriate content.
Serves and files legal documents with appropriate case files and in accordance with the electronic or paper filing standards of the department.
Interact effectively, in person, by telephone and in written correspondence with lawyers, internal staff, co-workers, and other business professionals.
Establishes and maintains contract files, logs, and other information in connection with the
work performed by the Attorney(s).
Support internal Contract Owners and other staff by facilitating necessary dialogue or collaboration to develop and deliver contracts in a timely and efficient manner that are accurate and contain all appropriate terms and conditions.
Update job knowledge by engaging in continuous educational opportunities and reading professional publications to further develop skills and capabilities.
Participate in all Departmental internal, external or cross-training opportunities or CAP assignments.
Perform administrative duties and office related tasks as assigned.
Work with outside counsel as needed on legal matters.

What qualifications you will need:
Education:

Bachelor Degree in business, public administration, business law or a related field required.
Completion of a Paralegal Studies program, Paralegal Certification and 10 years experience
as a Paralegal required.
MBA or Non practicing JD preferred

Experience :

Seven (7) years' experience or more is required. Experience in contract development,
management, or evaluation working with a Governmental or Healthcare entity preferred.
Experience with Real Estate transactions preferred but not required.

Requires Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of and experience with contracting, procurement, risk management, legal
contract terminology, federal and state regulations.
Strong writing, analytical and reading comprehension skills.
Ability to work in various software platforms including Microsoft word and
legal/contract management software. Type: proficient

About us:
The Harris Center is the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Authority serving Harris County, Texas. As the largest behavioral and developmental disability care center in Texas, The Harris Center provides care to over 90,000 people and has an annual budget of over $300 million.
As part of its mission to transform the lives of people with behavioral health and IDD needs in the third largest county in the United States, The Harris Center provides a full continuum of services at 80 different sites across Harris County. In addition, services are provided in more than 40 different languages as well as sign language in order to better serve what is one of the largest communities in the nation.
By utilizing the unique expertise of its more than 2,500 employees, The Harris Center is committed to meeting the behavioral health and IDD needs of Harris County residents and giving them hope to live to their fullest potential.
What else you should know:

This posting is associated with position #1269

What we have to offer:
The Harris Center not only offers a competitive salary but also a suite of excellent benefits designed to enrich your life both professionally and personally. Imagine a future with a robust retirement plan complemented by our generous company matching - a testament to our investment in your long-term financial well-being. Experience the unique advantage of our prior service credit, accelerating your journey towards a more substantial Paid Time Off accrual, empowering you to enjoy well-deserved breaks.
Enjoy Cell Phone Discounts, exclusive entertainment deals through Tickets at Work, and a free Headspace subscription for mental wellness. Additionally, our Employee Assistance Program supports your overall well-being.
Take advantage of significant financial relief through student loan forgiveness as a valued member of The Harris Center team. As a qualifying entity, our employees are eligible for various student loan forgiveness programs, designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with higher education.

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