Network Specialist IV

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:

Performs highly complex (senior-level) network systems work involving the implementation, maintenance, and monitoring of local area networks, wide area networks, Internet or intranet systems, and network segments.  The Network Specialist IV participates in the planning, design, development, maintenance, and operation of the agency's network systems. This includes designing, configuring, troubleshooting, and maintaining the local area and wide area networks, including routers, switches, gateways, and applications servers. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Monitor the operational network environment and take corrective measures to ensure efficient performance. 

•       Monitors, analyzes, and reviews network statistics to define the quality of services offered by network systems and develops corrective procedures to ensure quality and  efficiency of agency resources.

Maintain the local area or wide area network, Internet or intranet, cable and hub installations, and inventories. 

•       Conducts the implementation of policy and procedures for the management of assets under the control of the division, including LAN rooms; the support, maintenance and redistribution of faulty equipment, network, and system equipment, and performs record-keeping reconciliation.

Interpret and solve problems when a user or an automated monitoring system indicates that a problem exists.

•       Maintains network specifications and analyzes performance issues within the network including availability, throughput, and latency.

•       Identifies and escalates security, system or network outages issues to internal and external partners and division leadership, as necessary.

Detect, anticipate, and mitigate network system vulnerabilities.

•       Verifies compliance with security policies and practices by all staff, investigates and reports security violations.

•       Participates in efforts to educate all staff in appropriate system usage; assists in identification and prevention of network intrusion and misuse of network access.

Performs network startup and shutdown procedures; maintains control records.

•       Configures and coordinates the process of installing network components for voice, wireless, network, and coordinating the moves and installations. (Network startup).

•       Decommissions sites as needed based on documented network policies and procedures (shutdown).

•       Documents network configurations, configures device monitoring including backups and maintains an accurate equipment inventory (control records).Documents network configurations, configures device monitoring including backups and maintains an accurate equipment inventory (control records).

Monitors the status of the network to ensure that all devices are working properly.

•       Assists in the monitoring of systems to ensure voice and data services are available to support agency operations throughout the state. 

•       Maintains the lines of communication ensuring they are in working order and opens support tickets to restore service.

•       Monitors network performance issues and recommends upgrades to data circuits, routers, switches, and other infrastructure to support agency customers based on existing and forecasted demand.

Gathers data pertaining to customers’ needs and uses information to identify, predict, interpret, and evaluate system and network requirements. 

•       Performs a site survey to gather relevant data to determine customer system and network requirements for data circuits, routers, switches, wireless, voice cabling and associated LAN rom equipment, and Telecom environments. 

•       Evaluates and incorporates information gathered from the customer to determine overall requirements and to determine site service and equipment needs based on standard agency procedures and policies.

Installs, tests, and maintains network hardware and software; analyzes network utility and availability.

•       Coordinates activities associated with LAN/WAN, including, ordering, and disconnecting data circuits, configuring Wireless Networks, configuring routers and switches, and coordinating installations for agency offices to ensure 24 x 7 support.

•       Provides primary agency support of data and voice networks, including installations, testing, maintenance, availability, and upgrades of network equipment.

Maintains the network’s physical and logical structures, including network connections. 

•       Maintains the network’s physical and logical structures, including network connections. 

•       Maintains standards-based high-level network design and logic documents utilizing technology and quality improvement techniques.

Maintains network support software, analyzes user support statistics, and recommends appropriate measures.

•       Conserves related network documentation, metrics, and support model documents, including history of work performed.

•       Maintains software and hardware, monitors systems, and analyzes technical issues and service disturbances to develop workable solutions.

Performs related work as assigned.

•       Performs on-call 24x7 work to respond to emergencies and other outages by various communication methods and by coordinating team resources. 

•       Performs occasional after hours and weekend on-site work.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

•       Knowledge of LAN/WAN topologies, Wireless Access Controller and IP addressing processes, procedures, requirements, and functionality.

•       Knowledge of network routers, switches, capacity management, and monitoring tools.

•       Knowledge of network systems, technical services, and end-user computing.

•       Knowledge of hardware/software asset management practices.

•       Knowledge of networking and its components, including voice and data equipment and services.

•       Knowledge of Project Management practices and methods.

•       Knowledge of policies and industry practices, including network maintenance, system authentication, asset management, disaster recovery, and contract oversight.

•       Knowledge of customer service principles and practices.

•       Skill with Microsoft Office software applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Visio, Project. 

•       Skill in negotiation, including contracts, system performance, and resource requirements.

•       Skill in communicating complex technical information to general audiences, both in writing and verbally. 

•       Ability to perform on-call, 24x7, after hours and weekend work to respond to emergencies and other outages.

•       Ability to understand the DFPS organization, including program and support areas, especially critical points of contact for site moves, and technology announcements.

•       Ability to maintain and train others on a two-factor authentication system.

•       Ability to manage agency resources and time, using sound judgment regarding business priorities and practices.

•       Ability to meet project schedules with minimal supervision.

•       Ability to perform packet capture analysis for troubleshooting.

•       Ability to provide quality and timely customer service.

•       Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple tasks.

•       Ability to work autonomously and in a team environment.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

One or more of the following certifications preferred:

•       Cisco Certified Network Associate

•       Cisco Certified Network Professional

•       CompTIA Network+

•       Other Networking related certification

Initial Screening Criteria:

•       Minimum of 3 years in IT network support, help desk or Windows systems administration.

•       Minimum of 2 years of customer service experience providing technical assistance to customers.

•       Experience with network or system monitoring tools, preferred.

•       Experience troubleshooting IT systems and applications, preferred.

Additional Information:

•       N/A

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.