Sheila Rivera
Leander,TX
Summary
Organized and motivated employee eager to apply knowledge, time management and organizational skills in various environments. Seeking entry-level opportunities to expand skills while facilitating company growth. Dependable and detail-oriented to manage multiple tasks and priorities. Broad experience includes grants management, accounting, database management, vendor negotiations and contract management.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Contract Administrator Manager
Health and Human Services Commission
Austin, TX
01.2022 - 04.2024
- Managed contracts and conducted data research, evaluation, monitoring, and policy analysis for nine years in Texas.
- Provided oversight to facilitate the implementation of contract performance measures, provider standards, and program requirements in accordance with standards for providers and state regulations of the HHSC Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services (CRS) program.
- Led a team of contract specialists in effectively managing new and existing contracts within the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services (CRS) Program.
- Managed and supervised contract administration operations including interpretation of state procurement requirements, processing contract documents, and ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines.
- Collaborated with the Brain Injury Programs Director as the Contract Administration Manager to minimize risks and achieve organizational goals.
- Coordinated and collaborated with the executive leadership management team at HHSC Health and Independence Services, providing technical assistance, interpretation, and coordination for CRS contracts.
- Develop, oversee, monitor, analyze, set the rates for program services, outpatient and hospital services, Durable Medical Equipment (DME), Post-Acute Rehabilitation Services (PARS), Inpatient Comprehensive Medical Rehabilitation Services (ICMRS), and ancillary goods and services to individuals who have a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), or both.
- Directed cross-functional teams in devising contract strategies, supervising contract lifecycle tasks, and strengthening vendor partnerships to achieve maximum value based on applicable Texas rules and regulations as well as the unique demands of the CRS program.
- Extensive experience in contract management, negotiation, as well as monitoring compliance with procurement regulations like the Texas Procurement and Contract Management Guide and HHSC Procurement and Contracting Services (PCS) management handbook.
- Monitor the planning of contract activities to ensure all deadlines were met by working with the team and HHSC PCS, HHS departments (Legal, Budget, Accounting) regarding contract procurement and execution activities.
- Collaboratively conducted risk security assessments for client case management system and Data Reporting (DRS) system with HHSC Information Technology (IT) staff.
- Assist and collaborate with the Business Analysts from the HHSC IT department in the development of enhancements functionalities on the system, and coordination of user acceptance testing, verification and approval of systems implementation, and systems integration into the contract and monitoring processes for the CRS Program.
- Conduct Assessment & Authorization (A&A) to assess and authorize all information systems before they are implemented into production to ensure operations are at acceptable risks level.
- Negotiated contracts with external service providers/vendors.
- Created and implemented administrative processes and procedures to prioritize job tasks and establish personnel responsibilities.
- Conduct and oversee monitor contract monitoring activities including completing risk assessments, monitoring plans, reports, corrective action plans, and development and implementation of monitoring tools to CRS contractors.
- Coordinate and collaborate with CRS Clinical Services and Supports Manager to develop and implement technical guidance, policies, and procedures related to clinical, purchasing, or programmatic functions.
- Collect data programmatic and fiscal data as directed by leadership for legislative inquiries.
- Experience in state and local program staff engagement, community organizations, vendor relationship management, and cross-collaboration groups within the Office of the Chief Program and Services to plan and implement quality improvement strategies to deliver results and outcomes while maintaining high standards of accuracy and efficiency.
- Supervised, trained, and coached the contract administration team.
- Conduct supervisory activities while fostering collaboration across the CRS program, continue review, and implement strategic initiatives to achieve the Program objectives.
- Organized and maintained documents, files and records.
- Evaluated employee performance, providing feedback for improvement.
- Negotiated and reviewed contracts, rates and terms with current facilities and suppliers.
- Trained employees on best practices and protocols while managing teams to maintain optimal productivity.
- Analyzed data and prepared for compilation into reports to be distributed to other key stakeholders.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Coordinated cross-functional collaboration for improved efficiency.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of procurement and contracting procedures and best practices.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, regulations, providers standards.
Quality Assurance Specialist
Health and Human Services Commission
Austin, Texas
05.2016 - 01.2022
- Possess extensive experience spanning over 7 years in research, evaluation and implementation of contract performance measures encompassing federal IDEA Part C system policies along with state rules governing the Early Childhood Intervention program.
- Responsible for overseeing and managing various Special Contract Projects within the ECI Performance and Oversight unit.
- Acted as a lead in closely working with the Associate Director, the Director of Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) program, and executive leadership management team within the HHSC Health, Developmental & Independence Services to ensure effective implementation and monitoring of ECI contracts.
- Led and coordinated with the Procurement and Contracting Services (PCS) division to develop a Request for Applications (RFA) aimed at delivering Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) services in Texas.
- Led multiple contract management initiatives in the ECI unit of Performance and Oversight, including funding applications, contract amendments, and RFAs.
- Provided comprehensive oversight for a variety of contracts, such as Inter-agency Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding involving the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS).
- Implemented oversight in analyzing performance measures to identify systemic issues and local/statewide trends.
- Coordinated the contracting processes to ensure efficient revision and execution of contract amendments and new contracts.
- Gathered, synthesized, and analyzed programmatic and financial methodology to identify budget adjustments leading to the closeout and collection of unexpended funds.
- Led performance managers and financial team in identifying management and productivity strategies to ensure contract compliance and mitigate high-risk factors.
- Met deadlines by collaborating with team, leadership, and internal contracting units (PCS, COS, budget, legal, Medical Social Services) to ensure clear and concise report findings and executed contract amendments within required timeframe.
- Deliver monthly reports to ECI leadership and key stakeholders summarizing expenditures, collections, and other key performance indicators.
- Monitor and collaborate with ECI leadership in the allocation of local match of Medicaid funds, ECI contract funds, and other state funding sources for the provision of ECI services.
- Performed thorough analysis of data, programs, and finances to maintain transparent and accurate transmission of protocols and essential data requisites between contractors.
- Contributed to HHS contract administration meetings by discussing negotiation strategies, evaluating different types of contracts and ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Developed policies, procedures and tools for ECI staff to ensure clarity, consistency, and compliance with state/federal regulations.
- Assisted in training and planning for performance managers and financial team during funding application and contract amendment processes.
- Collaborated with various teams such as performance managers, financial team, quality assurance team, and ECI leadership to identify data-driven recommendations that guaranteed compliance with state/federal requirements and regulations.
- Conducted evaluations and communicated non-compliance issues to underperforming contractors based on contractual guidelines.
- Continually monitored contract compliance for ECI services.
- Collected programmatic and fiscal data for legislative inquiries as directed by leadership.
- Developed communication plans for targeted audiences and managed projects related to contract implementation.
- Gathered information from diverse data sources to enhance decision-making processes.
- Reviewed corrective action plans prepared by contractors and provided detailed and constructive feedback.
- Provided support to ECI leadership in evaluating data, contract requirements, and related activities for the closeout of the HHSC ECI contract with the exiting Contractor.
- Ensured timely execution of contract amendments by coordinating with team, leadership, and internal contracting units (PCS, COS, budget, legal, MSS) within agency.
- Conduct on-site monitoring and quality assurance visits to ensure ECI contractors comply with state and federal regulations.
- Supported the planning and implementation of quality improvement strategies by engaging with state and local program staff, community organizations, and stakeholder groups as part of the State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) workgroup.
- Attended and represented Texas ECI at the national technical assistance conference twice, ensuring successful implementation of the SSIP.
- Served on the Networking Committee for the HHS Leadership Development Program.
- Graduated from the Aspiring Leadership Academy of the HHS Leadership Development Program in June 2017, and subsequently provided coaching to six participants of the 2018 Extraordinary Contributor Program (ECP).
Research Specialist
Department of Assistive & Rehabilitative Services
Austin, TX
06.2014 - 05.2016
- Had nine years of research experience and worked closely with Department Assistive Rehabilitation Services (DARS)/Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) executive leadership as well as federal partners to achieve agency and program organizational success.
- Assist in organization's strategic planning at different levels.
- Participate and represent Texas ECI in various national conferences as the state lead or representative.
- Provided oversight guidance and support in co-leading a comprehensive project called the State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP). Collaborated with interagency, federal, and community partners to plan, implement, and evaluate improvement activities that yielded improved outcomes for Texas children and their families.
- Led projects, such as the SSIP and the TKIDS Reports and Data system (TRAD) webinar series with the purpose of empowering programs with the utilization and analysis of their data.
- Utilized my knowledge and experience to effectively support and guide team members in achieving task completion.
- Analyzed, prepared, and submitted local, state and federal reports (SPP/APR,SSIP, Child Count, Exiting Reasons Child reports, and Annual Program Determinations); statistical analysis using SAS; evaluation of the performance data for each ECI contractor.
- Consistently exceeds performance evaluation standards by taking pride in work and exceeding established task benchmarks.
Part C IDEA Grant Evaluator and Data Manager
Puerto Rico Department of Health
San Juan, Puerto Rico
12.2011 - 05.2014
- Conduct annual performance evaluations of local Early Intervention (EI) Programs throughout Puerto Rico (PR).
- Prepared and submitted an Annual Performance Report (APR) as well as an Annual Grant Application to the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) in the Federal Department of Education.
- Implemented strategies to improve service quality in early intervention programs for infants and toddlers with disabilities.
- Effectively managed daily operations and activities in the unit by efficiently planning, assigning tasks, and providing supervision. Also trained and offered technical assistance to staff members for ensuring fulfillment of their responsibilities.
- Implemented procedures to evaluate employee performance and resolve grievances, ensuring effective assessment of family outcomes.
- Led a team of Program Supervisor to develop program goals, guidelines, procedures, and policies.
- Facilitated efficient collaboration by establishing technical assistance agreements through continuous communication with PR agencies, service providers, service coordinators, and families nationwide.
- Collected, validated, and reported survey and evaluation data using statistical methods.
- Cleaned collected data from various sources and created key variables on SPSS for analyzing program outputs and outcomes.
- Preparation of reports to the secretary of the Puerto Rico Department of Health and OSEP.
- Delivered Technical Assistance and Professional Development trainings on assessment, monitoring, quality assurance along with other relevant topics.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of EI programs through on-site monitoring visits.
- Conducted onsite visits to EI programs with the PR Part C Coordinator in order to address non-compliance issues and prevent loss of funds.
- Evaluated and supervised the performance of seven (7) EI supervisors as the PR Part C coordinator's assistant.
- Identified areas of improvement, communicated findings to management, and devised strategies to meet program and population needs.
- Ensured compliance with federal/commonwealth regulations and performance standards by following up and developing corrective action plans for non-compliant programs.
Research Assistant and Project Coordinator
University of Puerto Rico Medical Science Campus
San Juan, Puerto Rico
06.2008 - 12.2011
- Utilized online databases to conduct extensive literature reviews on drug abuse research.
- Evaluated program effectiveness in methadone distribution within prisons through data collection.
- Conducted a comprehensive assessment to evaluate the proficiency and practices of healthcare professionals in dispensing medications at pharmacies in Puerto Rico.
- Utilized SPSS 16.0 or 17.0 to manage a database and generate graphs and tables for both stakeholders and internal reporting purposes.
- Ensured compliance by submitting grant proposals and research protocols for final approval from the Institutional Review Board.
- Developed written informed consents for data gathering processes.
- Shared key data with stakeholders to communicate findings and results in the context of correctional health services.
- Coordinated and participated in activities for the Alliance Closing the Addiction Treatment Gap in Puerto Rico and the Diversity-Promoting Institutions Drug Abuse Research Program to close addition treatment gap.
- Responsible for designing and planning project timelines, monitoring daily activities. Oversaw the work of two graduate students to ensure task completion and overall project success.
- Utilized scientific method to provide assistance to colleagues and supervisors in research experiments.
- Gathered valuable data and conducted extensive research for diverse scientific projects.
- Prepared clear and concise reports on research findings.
- Presented research findings in various national conferences or meetings.
Education
Master of Science - Research And Evaluation of Health Systems
University of Puerto Rico
San Juan, PR06-2011
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education in Science
University of Puerto Rico
San Juan, PR06-2008
Skills
- Relationships and rapport
- Procurement Management
- Verbal and written communication
- Budget Planning
- Deliverable submission
- Compliance Enforcement
- Proficient in SQL Management Studio, Outlook; SAS 94 windows version; SPSS 200; STATA; MS & MAC WORD; MS & MAC POWER POINT; MS & MAC Excel; MS & MAC Publisher; MS Visio; Adobe Acrobat XI Pro Editor Questionnaire Development System (QDS 21); Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI); Audio Computer Assisted Self Interview (ACASI)
- Interpersonal and written communication
- Contract analysis
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Full Professional
Certification
- Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM No. 1900002679)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Contract Administrator Manager
Health and Human Services Commission
01.2022 - 04.2024
Quality Assurance Specialist
Health and Human Services Commission
05.2016 - 01.2022
Research Specialist
Department of Assistive & Rehabilitative Services
06.2014 - 05.2016
Part C IDEA Grant Evaluator and Data Manager
Puerto Rico Department of Health
12.2011 - 05.2014
Research Assistant and Project Coordinator
University of Puerto Rico Medical Science Campus
06.2008 - 12.2011
Master of Science - Research And Evaluation of Health Systems
University of Puerto Rico
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education in Science
University of Puerto Rico