Job Posting: Innovation Lead (Telework Eligible)

Department of Social Services

JC-431200
-
Innovation Lead (Telework Eligible)
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST II

$8,130.00 - $10,893.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: Until Filled

Job Description and Duties

This advertisement is posted as until filled. Applications will be reviewed on the 8th of each month, and candidates may or may not be selected for interviews. However, the Job Control will remain open until the vacancy is filled.

If you have a passion to be a part of a team that works to serve, aid and protect needy and vulnerable children and adults in ways that strengthen and preserve families then is this is the place for you!

The California Department of Social Services’ (CDSS) Information Systems Division (ISD) has an amazing opportunity for an Information Technology Specialist II (ITS II) to join our Innovative Technology Solutions Branch (ITSB) as innovation lead and make a difference in many Californians’ lives while leveraging modern technologies and approaches. Under the general direction of ISD Manager, the ITS II acts independently in a technical lead role, focused on leading innovation and standardization and assisting ITSB with the most complex information technology projects.

The following are the essential duties and responsibilities of the ITS II position:
• Conduct research and analysis to identify emerging technologies and trends relevant to the industry.
• Lead the identification, evaluation, and prioritization of potential innovation projects. Develop and maintain a robust innovation pipeline, including concept development, feasibility assessment, and business case creation.
• Work closely with architects, technical team and analysts to drive innovation initiatives. Foster a collaborative environment that fosters idea generation and knowledge sharing across teams.
• Oversee the design, development, and testing of prototypes or proof-of-concept solutions.
• Conduct iterative testing and validation to refine concepts and ensure alignment with stakeholder requirements.
• Drive organizational change by promoting a culture of innovation, agility, and experimentation.
• Provide training and support to help teams adapt to new technologies and processes.
• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success and impact of innovation initiatives.
• Prepare regular progress reports and presentations for executive leadership and stakeholders.
• Serve as a technical development and innovation subject matter expert. Create project architecture, related tools, methods, standards, and procedures, develop processing standards and procedures for the most complex systems and projects.
• Serve as a lead for system development and architecture. Provide technical expertise and perform the most complex analysis, studies, test, and activities associated with application architecture, database design, and application development.
• Review technical design specifications provided by systems integrator and review work of other ISD consultants or staff as necessary.
• Serve as a mentor and provide consultation and staff development support on processes and procedures related to IT policies, standards, and methodologies. Monitor, prioritize and lead both state staff and contractor workload of various applications.
• Serve as technical point of contact for business, functional and technical project requirements and solution analysis. Assist the project team to ensure that project goals are achieved according to project plans and in accordance with oversight guidelines.

Benefits: The state offers comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, long-term care and disability insurance, as well as paid leave. Please see the Benefits section below for more details.

Click here to view all the attractive benefits available to state employees!

Telework / Remote Work Information: This position may be eligible for hybrid telework under California Government Code Section 14200 for eligible applicants residing in California. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be reevaluated at any time. Specific telework arrangements may be discussed in more detail with the respective hiring manager. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the Department of Social Services policies. Headquarter location will be designated based on the selected candidate's primary residence location, and/or the closest CDSS location.

Need help understanding the examination and hiring process? Do you have a question about CDSS? We'd love to hear from you! Please contact us at Recruiter@dss.ca.gov. Please include the job classification and job control number in the subject line.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

This work location is very convenient! The CDSS is located two blocks from the light rail and public transportation: within walking distance to the State Capitol, parks, restaurants, farmer’s markets and the Golden 1 Arena. Our building has easy access to I-5, Highway 50, and Highway 80.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-431200
Position #(s):
800-772-1414-XXX
Working Title:
Innovation Lead (Telework Eligible)
Classification:
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST II
$8,130.00 - $10,893.00 A
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of fellow Californians while achieving your career goals? Do you set high standards for yourself and enjoy a collaborative and challenging work environment? The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) serves, aids and protects needy and vulnerable children and adults in ways that strengthen and preserve families, encourage personal responsibility and foster independence. CDSS employees are our most important resource in serving California’s needy and vulnerable children and families.  


The Information Systems Division (ISD) mission is to develop, support and promote the business value of IT which comes from the ability to conduct business processes more reliably, faster and at lower cost. ISD creates value by continually improving customer service and providing access to information that enables better decision making by California Department of Social Services (CDSS) business units.

ISD accomplishes this by:
• Effectively managing information systems and equipment;
• Planning, communicating and implementing responsible information technology policies and solutions; and,
• Sharing and transferring information technology knowledge and tools.

CDSS Culture

 

CDSS’ goal is to foster a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion within our Department, that actively invites the contribution and participation of all people, and is representative of the varied identities and different perspectives in California. In our role as public administrators, our charge is to ensure that our programs and our workplaces provide all Californians the opportunity to thrive.   

Special Requirements

This position is subject to fingerprinting clearance by the Department of Justice.


You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD 678). You may be disqualified from the hiring and selection process if the employment history is not complete. Resumes will not take the place of employment history.

If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts for verification. If selected, you may be required to provide office transcripts at the time of hire.

Training and Development assignments may be considered based on the availability of eligible candidates and are subject to approval by the Hiring Authority prior to appointment. Training and Development assignments are temporary in nature and shall not exceed twenty-four (24) months.

 

Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview, but they must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for an appointment.

Application Instructions

Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: Until Filled

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Social Services
Attn: Classification & Pay Unit
P.O.Box 944243
Sacramento, CA 94244-2430

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Social Services
Classification & Pay Unit
744 P Street, MS 8-15-58
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of web application development using Microsoft technology stack (Visual Studio, .NET framework, .NET core, SQL Server, Azure, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, SSRS reporting, Azure DevOps, Internet Information Services)
• Experience developing tactical plans to implement strategic goals.
• Strong interpersonal and emotional intelligence skills
• Experience working with business or program units to identify use cases relevant to innovation opportunities.
• Experience leading or participating in an Information Technology focused innovation capability.
• Experience identifying, evaluating (including cost estimation), and piloting emerging technologies and assisting in their integration and adoption.
• Experience with Microsoft Azure AI, Cognitive Services, or other Azure-based Artificial Intelligence services.
• Experience in solution design and architecture.
• Experience with Agile development practices, including leading teams on enterprise level projects.
• Experience producing technical documentation, such as diagrams, technical requirements documents, systems architecture and interfaces, data model diagrams, configuration management documents, etc.
• Strong analytical and time management skills.
• Ability to think critically and approach problems with creativity, while using a variety of analytical techniques to resolve said problems.
• Ability to work independently with multiple priorities and under pressure of critical time demands.

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California has a generous benefits package that includes medical coverage, CalPERS pension upon retirement, two weeks paid vacation per year, two weeks paid sick leave per year, two paid Professional Development Days, one paid Personal Holiday, pre-tax parking fee program.

 

TRANSPORTATION REIMBURSEMENT

 

  • Public transit (mass transit) passes.
    • 100 percent discount on public transit passes sold by state agencies, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
    • 100 percent reimbursement on public transit passes purchased by state employees, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.
  • Vanpool drivers and riders
    • 100 percent reimbursement on the monthly fee, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.

 

Click here to view all the attractive benefits available to state employees!

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Hiring Unit Contact:
Faleena Martinez
(279) 789-0023
Faleena.Martinez@dss.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
EEO Office
(916) 657-2326
EEOoffice@dss.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Examination Information

Those interested in obtaining employment with the California Department of Social Services must apply and compete through the State recruitment process.  Applicants who successfully pass the examination will be placed on an eligibility list used to recruit for positions.

To apply for the examination for this position, click on the link below to search for the examination and follow the “How to Apply” instructions in the examination announcement:

CalCareers Exam/Assessment Search

If you already have list eligibility for this classification, you do not need to retake the examination, except when your list eligibility expires. For questions regarding the examination process and/or career opportunities with the California Department of Social Services, please contact the Examination Unit at examinations@dss.ca.gov.

Applicant Survey

Please let us know how you learned about this career opportunity by taking the brief survey that follows:  Recruitment Survey

Do not include any confidential information on any documents (i.e., application, resume, or transcripts) you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include but is not limited to: Social Security Number (SSN), birthday and/or age, photos, student/other ID number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, exam results, LEAP status, and marital status. Confidential information submitted via a CalCareer Account (electronic application) is automatically redacted upon submission.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job