Functional Test Analyst

WHY WORK FOR DFPS?

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected — children, elderly, and people with disabilities — from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the citizens of Texas. DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, longevity pay, generous paid leave, access to the Wellness program, lifetime retirement annuity, Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

Brief Job Description:

Functional Test Analyst - (100% Remote in Texas)

As a Functional Test Analyst at the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), this position will have at least one (1) year of experience performing IT application testing and/or User Acceptance Testing. This position is responsible for working closely with the application development team, the project management team, and the program team to develop and deliver testing solutions. The Functional Test Analyst reports to the Application Development Test Analyst Manager within the DFPS IT Systems Application Development work unit.

This position performs complex testing, defect resolution, deployment support, Tier 3 support, design, performance enhancement, business analysis, and ongoing maintenance. The individual in this position will be highly motivated with experience performing user acceptance testing, IT quality assurance, and/or analyzing web-based applications. This position will work on and test multiple DFPS applications and will also serve as a liaison between field, program, and technical staff including DFPS direct delivery field staff, policy subject matter experts, contract and vendor staff, and representatives from various external organizations to include state and federal agencies  

Essential Job Functions (EJFs): 

•Develops test plans and executes test scripts.

•Identifies and gathers test data to execute test scripts.

•Performs system, regression, smoke test, and user acceptance testing activities and documents results.

•Conducts Section 508 compliance testing.

•Identifies, documents, and troubleshoots system errors in applications.

•Performs triage and prioritization of defects.

•Performs root cause analysis.

•Completes required test status reports.

•Assists developers and participates in technical analysis.

•Follows best practice standards for the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).

•Participates in debugging activities related to system level problems and issues.

•Assists in the development of online help for systems changes.

•Reviews project-related documentation (project plans, requirements and design documents, and risk and issue logs).

•Provides functional Subject Matter Expertise for internal DFPS applications.

•Maintains knowledge of external systems which interface with DFPS applications.

•Communicates progress and issues affecting work assignments to supervisor.

•Provides Tier 3 level support to the Program Support Customer Support Desk.

•Provides release support outside normal working hours.

•Conducts demos for stakeholders (e.g., program areas, other state agencies).

•Participates in release-related activities including pre-release planning, mock release activities, smoke testing during release, disaster recovery testing, and warranty work following a release, and other tasks as assigned.

•Identifies, analyzes, and articulates business and functional requirements for DFPS systems with stakeholders.

•Participates in “as-is” and “to-be” functionality and performs gap analysis in business processes, workflows, or system functionality.

•Assists with requirements gathering activities and Use Case development.

•Analyzes requirements in terms of system functionality to define the problem and formulate potential solutions.

•Reviews change requests for compatibility with DFPS applications.

•Provides review and comment on technical documentation for current and future applications e.g., technical reference manuals and production control manuals.

•Meets with end-users and developers to translate business needs into technical and design specifications.

•Develops knowledge of the DIR Project Delivery Framework.

•Develops an understanding of databases, and integration of systems to ensure thorough analysis.

•Adheres to all Texas Department of Family and Protective Services HR policies and performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of testing, test planning, test design, test script development, defect tracking, and test reporting.
• •Knowledge of SQL database tools for researching, testing, and resolving identified system issues.
• •Knowledge of requirements gathering disciplines such as Use Case development.
• •Knowledge of the software development life cycle.
• •Skill in analyzing, evaluating, and translating information into easily understandable and concise documents and oral presentations.
• •Skill in the use of office productivity software such as Microsoft Office Suite.
• •Skill establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• •Ability to organize and complete work tasks in a timely manner.
• •Ability to analyze systems and business workflow procedures.
• •Ability to coordinate and solve complex problems, handle multiple priorities/tasks and meet deadlines with general supervision.
• •Ability to accurately estimate changes or enhancements with minimal amount of effort.
• •Ability to learn, quickly comprehend, and apply new concepts, technology and tools.
• •Ability to accurately report and track time for work tasks and projects.
• •Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing. 

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications: 

• None

Initial Screening Criteria: 

•Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in computer science, information systems, computer engineering or a related field. Work experience may be substituted for education.

•At least one year of IT experience or one-year experience performing user acceptance testing in a program area.

•Fully completed application according to document instructions.

Note: You must meet the initial screening criteria to be considered. You should not apply if your submittal documents do not clearly reflect experience meeting the initial screening criteria. 

Additional Information:

This position is classified as a fulltime position (40 hours a week). Work outside of regular hours may be required. Travel to other work location may be required. 

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

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. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files. 

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS 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/DFPS 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.