ODSI Systems Analyst V

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.

Job Description: 

Performs advanced (senior level) computer systems analysis work involving analyzing and identifying user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate processing or to improve existing systems. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Performs advanced systems analysis work involving  gathering and analyzing requirements, report design and implementation, and on-going maintenance of existing reports and processes. Analyst will work with other ODSI staff as well as other DFPS staff to develop back-end tables and logic to drive reporting (ad-hoc, .ASP automation, Data for Tableau extracts and Databook, etc). Current processes are implemented using Unix Shell scripting, SQL and/or PL/SQL in Toad, .ASP and VBScript/HTML. The analyst creates original programming logic and evaluates and/or modifies existing programs of any level of complexity to take into account changes in requirements. The analyst may prepare diagrams and logic flowcharts for detailed coding and for the documentation of programming work. The analyst may be required to review work products developed by other analysts and to interact with agency Program staff, division managers, regional staff, and/or other analysts to ensure requirements are met and that all work products are appropriately reviewed and validated. The analyst may interact with staff from other agencies and outside entities as required to facilitate data collaboration, obtain required work products, or for consultation. The analyst participates in system design meetings for new agency initiatives to ensure the agency’s ability to report applicable data. The analyst may serve as a lead analyst on assigned projects of any level of complexity and may act as a mentor and on-the-job trainer for new or junior analysts.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications :

N/A

Essential Job Function (EJF)  :

• Analyzes new or existing procedures, information systems, or utility programs for efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Analyzes on an ongoing basis existing functionality (code / procedures / systems) to determine refactoring and reusability can be achieved. 
  • Analyzes application and system functionality and interprets reporting requirements to develop technical specifications.

• Tests and diagnoses systems to ensure that critical requirements are met.
  • Performs quality assurance tasks effectively to ensure accuracy of distributed reports.
  • Conducts testing and system diagnosis to ensure reporting programs are performing as designed and makes recommendations for improvement as needed.  

• Designs, modifies, and implements new or revised systems to serve new purposes or improve workflow.
  • Maintains knowledge of database design concepts and implementation to design, modify, and/or implement new or improved reporting design to improve workflow.
  • Develop the programming ETL logic and report layout to ensure User requests are properly translated into useful reports.
  • Participates in Design sessions for new initiatives and or enhancements to ensure the reporting requirements are met.

• Prepares charts, diagrams, tables, and flowcharts to assist in problem analysis and submits recommendations for solution.
  • Documents, designs, validates, and implements reporting methodologies for multiple areas of specialization using selected DFPS methodology and tools.
  • Prepares documentation for specialized areas to assist in problem analysis and recommendations for solution.

• Analyze user needs, define the system’s scope, document requirements, and translate the user needs and requirements into functional specifications for the design of business systems.
  • Participates in requirements and design meetings with stakeholders, requestors and users as needed to identify scope, translate user’s needs into proper requirements and develop a right design or mockup to automate the report on the Safety Net.
  • Participates in meetings with stakeholders, requestors, and users to present and discuss finalized product.

• Develop programs and applications using object-oriented programming languages, client-server application development processes, multimedia, and Internet technology.
  • Performs backend development tasks (like extracting data from databases using SQL or PL/SQL language or similar).
  • Utilizes Microsoft tools and technologies for documentation, presentation and visualizing data and content.
  • Automate reports using object-oriented programming languages or scripting languages.

• Conduct studies and prepare reports that include study findings, recommendations, and instructions for proposed system implementations; formulate logical descriptions of problems; and devise optimum solutions.
  • After system review, develops and prepares reports and recommendations to include project scope, work and cost estimation for work assigned and participate in project planning meeting .
  • Develops and prepares optimum solutions for systems improvements, recommendations to include procedures, reports, upgrades, revisions, business process improvements, etc.

• Review and analyze computer printouts, reports, and performance indicators to locate code problems, and correct errors by modifying or correcting code.
  • Reviews existing reports, existing packages and procedures to research and respond to user inquiries that come into the Reports mailbox in a timely manner.
  • Participates in peer review and provide guidance in problem solving.

• Coordinate with users to identify system requirements, develop functional design specifications to meet requirements, and solve complex operational problems.
  • Coordinates with end-users and stakeholders to clarify the specifications and requirements are complete to provide recommendations on operational issues.
  • Identifies solutions to any complex problems users may have and provide a proof of concept or a design solution to meet their needs when appropriate.
  • Reviews existing queries and explain plans for performance issues and recommend alternate ways to resolve performance issues.
  • Completes MDC (monthly data-compilation) support on a rotation schedule after the first few months of being on the job.

• Coordinate, plan, and schedule the installation of or training for new or revised systems and define business process requirements.
  • Coordinate, plan, and schedule training for new and existing staff on new technical systems and processes.
  • Coordinate, plan, and schedule training for new and existing staff on revised technical systems and processes.
  • Coordinates testing of data and applications when systems are upgraded and trains staff, as appropriate.

• Prepare and define the goals of the system and devise flow charts and diagrams describing the logical operational steps of programs.
  • Maintains knowledge of existing design concepts and implementation required to participate in design meetings for logical data model to develop defined goals.
  • Provides technical expertise to aid in decision making and problem resolution.
  • Establishes goals and objectives, develops and approves program schedules, workflow and priorities.

• Oversee and/or prepare charts, diagrams, and tables that depict the present and proposed systems in terms of costs, benefits derived, and tasks accomplished.
  • Coordinates the preparation of documentation of new or revised processes / systems.
  • Coordinates and reviews the documents to ensure timeframe, cost, cost benefit to include visual comparison documents including charts, diagrams, and tables
  • Oversees the development, preparation and production of statistical reports, charts, tables, analyses, and other statistical data deliverables for the agency, stakeholders, etc.

• Coordinate and/or participate in the development and execution of enterprise-level strategies and technical direction, including establishing processes and procedures for executing and maintaining technology road maps.
  • N/A for reporting

• Coordinate projects that involve cross-functional agency systems and other state entities, including planning and scheduling during project development and implementation stages.
  • Coordinates meetings internally within division staff and across agency staff for requirements and design session or clarifying reporting needs.
  • Implements projects involving agency systems.

• Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge Skills Abilities 

• Knowledge of relational databases and database development best practices.
• Skill in using software tools such as SQL, SQL*Plus, PL/SQL, TOAD, Oracle, SQL Developer, Business Intelligence tools etc.
• Skill in using Microsoft Productivity Suite of products such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint etc.
• Skill in researching and troubleshooting data issues and solving complex problems.
• Knowledge and Work Experience in group dynamics.
• Ability to analyze systems, procedures, problems and develop solutions. 
• Skill in data analysis, data extraction, translation, and load (ETL) is required.
• Skill in analysis, problem solving, data comprehension, reporting methodologies, math, and designing statistical reports and charts/graphs.
• Ability to perform detailed work accurately.
• Ability to work hours as needed to meet defined deadlines and support the agency’s mission critical reporting requirements.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions and manage multiple projects and tight deadlines.
• Ability to develop Report layout/design/implementation is required. (Using any reporting tools– Example:  Excel, Crystal reports, Cognos, Power BI, Tableau, ASP & VB Script etc.)

Initial Criteria  

• Experience in writing SQL is required.
• Experience in writing PL/SQL code is preferred.
• Experience in using MS Word and Excel is preferred.
• Experience in using any one of these software tools such as Oracle or Sql Plus or Sql Developer or Toad is required for database development.
• Experience in data extraction, transition, and load (ETL) is preferred.
• Experience in database design concepts and implementation is preferred.
• Experience in Report layout/design/implementation is preferred.
• DFPS experience preferred.

Additional Information:

Agencies have the discretion to identify the general or specialized experience, education, or certifications required for positions and may tailor qualification requirements to be specific and meet the agency’s business needs.

Agencies also may substitute experience and education for one another, if appropriate and allowed by statute.

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.