Job Announcement

Manages the Information Technology and Data Analytic Services Branch and provides leadership in developing strategic direction for and management of information technology in DFS. Leads a team of IT professionals through direct supervision and matrix management to support the department’s IT needs. Serves as the department’s primary liaison with the Department of Information Technology (DIT) and OSM regarding departmental technology planning needs, formal projects, and initiatives. Works under direction of the Deputy Director of Operations in the Department of Family Services (DFS.)

Responsibilities include:

• Responsible for planning, directing, and integrating information technology for all service areas in DFS.
• Understands the technical and unique business needs of the department and effectively communicates these needs to the county’s Department of Information Technology (DIT), staff in the Office of Strategic Management (OSM), and state level IT professionals.
• Oversees security of DFS data, implementation, support and maintenance of the state, county, and agency systems as well as other complex applications.
• Leads and supervises the development of management reports, agency-wide dashboards, including data analysis for performance and outcome measures.
• Represents the department on Health and Human Services and county IT initiatives, task forces, and teams related to multi-agency computer system development activities.
• Represents the county and the department on state level IT workgroups and with the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA) and the Virginia League of Social Services Executives (VLSSE).
• Fosters a team environment to accomplish goals and tasks and to promote the department's mission, vision, leadership philosophy and values.

Illustrative Duties

(The illustrative duties listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list. A complete list of position duties and unique physical requirements can be found in the position job description.)

Performs all required personnel, software and hardware planning and budgeting functions for assigned area;

Allocates staff for approved projects and system support;

Ensures compliance with policies, procedures, and standards for computerized systems and performs project and contract management duties as needed;

Provides guidance, technical assistance, and training to subordinate staff through formal and informal evaluations;

Establishes task priorities among competing projects and maintenance requirements;

Provides direction to staff to ensure systems are enhanced and developed within budgetary and time constraints;

Reviews computer studies and documentation to ensure conformance with approved standards and that all studies consider all relevant technical, personnel, and organizational issues;

Prepares annual budget submission for operations, capital equipment, training, and other matters;

Prepares project status and progress reports on all major assigned tasks;

Prepares correspondence, cost-benefit evaluations and the like;

Prepares requests for proposals for a variety of system projects;

Develops performance criteria and technical specifications;

Serves on selection advisory committees;

Prepares vendor proposal evaluation criteria;

Introduces and evaluates new technology;

Participates in the development of long range system planning;

Develops and approves work plans for the development and enhancement of current and planned systems;

Establishes systems development schedules, priorities, and standards;

Manages the development and implementation of new systems;

Evaluates computer hardware, software, and related information resource technology;

Confers and coordinates with agency representatives and user groups to solve problems and to determine system enhancement/development needs and requirement;

Serves on special committees and task forces as needed;

Keeps abreast of new technologies.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities

The knowledge, skills and abilities listed in this specification are representative of the class but are not an all-inclusive list.)

Thorough knowledge of modern methods and techniques of information resources management;

Thorough knowledge of the capabilities and requirements of various computer platforms;

functioning in centralized, distributed, client server, and stand-alone operating environments;

Thorough knowledge of multi-platform computer programs;

Thorough knowledge of systems analysis and programming;

Considerable knowledge of effective supervisory practices, methods, and techniques;

Skill in communicating technical ideas clearly and in translating user information requirements for effective system use;

Ability to translate technical terminology in terms understandable to management and

employees;

Ability to make decisions based on factual data, and to evaluate the progress or success of computerized projects and systems;

Ability to plan, organize and conduct systems analysis and to evaluate administrative processes and procedures;

Ability to efficiently monitor program development and thoroughly document necessary system modifications and enhancements;

Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, assign and evaluate the work of subordinate staff.

Ability to establish and maintain effective business relationships.

Employment Standards

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the following:
(Click on the aforementioned link to learn how Fairfax County interprets equivalencies for "Any combination, experience, and training equivalent to")

Possession of a bachelor's degree in computer science, or closely related field; plus five years' experience in systems design, development, and maintenance in a large information systems environment, including supervisory experience.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
Valid driver's license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Keeps informed on best practices in human services IT and uses information to inform business functions.
  
• Demonstrated progressively responsible experience managing information technology activities and projects to meet business needs.
  
• Ability to move easily between technical and business environments and bridge when needed.
  
• Excellent written and oral communications skills and demonstrated project management.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to the position must satisfactorily complete a criminal background check, Child Protective Services check, credit check and a driving record check.

This position is considered essential personnel and will be required to report to work during times designated countywide as approved for unscheduled leave regardless of the emergency situation (i.e., weather, transportation, other disaster).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sufficiently mobile to attend meetings at various locations and make presentations to county staff and community.
  
• Ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing. • Ability to use keyboard driven equipment
  
• All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview, may include practical exercise.


Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or status as a veteran in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.