SENIOR PROJECT LEADER

APPLICANTS MUST BE PERMANENT IN THE COMPUTER SPECIALIST (SOFTWARE) CIVIL SERVICE TITLE The Department of Social Services (DSS) is comprised of the administrative units of the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the Department of Homeless Services (DHS). HRA is dedicated to fighting poverty and income inequality by providing New Yorkers in need with essential benefits such as Food Assistance and Emergency Rental Assistance. DHS is committed to preventing and addressing homelessness in New York City by employing a variety of innovative strategies to help families and individuals successfully exit shelter and return to self-sufficiency as quickly as possible.

Information Technology Services (ITS) is DSS’s technology services organization. ITS mission is to support the daily, emergent, and long-term needs of both agencies. ITS creates and enhances the technology infrastructure and computer applications that support HRA and DHS and develops applications, including a variety of client eligibility and recertification systems, case management systems, housing systems, employment/work engagement services, revenue producing computer matches, claiming systems, and personnel systems.

Information Technology Services (ITS) is recruiting for one (1) Computer Specialist (Software) II, to function as Senior Project Leader, who will:

• Perform complex system, application, database design, development, and maintenance tasks for the large and complex print mailing system.
• Monitor and execute schedule jobs to ensure their successful completion and participate in problem investigation and resolution. Interface with ITS Production Control and Computer Operations staff to resolve technical problems with Production systems and/or applications.
• Design, create, modify, and maintain form design and mapping.
• Perform technical analysis of user functionality and requirements and participate in the analysis and design for complex automation projects. Participate in feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses and recommend technical alternatives.
• Provide technical assistance to staff concerning the appropriate use of mailing forms and mentor technical staff to facilitate the development of their skills to use in this environment. 5
• Create accurate, clear, and comprehensive technical documentation in accordance with agency standards and work with designated staff to ensure its successful turnover to Production. Update all documentation to reflect changes and enhancements and ensure these are put into Production in a timely fashion. Maintain other logs and documentation as required.
• Assist in the planning and scheduling of activities relating to the development implementation and maintenance of complex systems, applications, and databases.
• Communicate in a clear and timely manner, problems likely to jeopardize project schedules, system response time, data accuracy or system availability.

Hours/Shift: Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm

Minimum Qualifications

(1) A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, including or supplemented by twenty-four (24) semester credits in computer science or a related computer field and two (2) years of satisfactory full-time software experience in designing, programming, debugging, maintaining, implementing, and enhancing computer software applications, systems programming, systems analysis and design, data communication software, or database design and programming, including one year in a project leader capacity or as a major contributor on a complex project; or (2) A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and six (6) years of full-time satisfactory software experience as described in “1" above, including one year in a project leader capacity or as a major contributor on a complex project; or (3) A satisfactory combination of education and experience that is equivalent to (1) or (2) above. College education may be substituted for up to two years of the required experience in (2) above on the basis that sixty (60) semester credits from an accredited college is equated to one year of experience. A masters degree in computer science or a related computer field may be substituted for one year of the required experience in (1) or (2) above. However, all candidates must have a four year high school diploma or its educational equivalent, plus at least one (1) year of satisfactory full-time software experience in a project leader capacity or as a major contributor on a complex project.

NOTE: In order to have your experience accepted as Project Leader or Major Contributor experience, you must explain in detail how your experience qualifies you as a project leader or as a major contributor. Experience in computer operations, technical support, quality assurance (QA), hardware installation, help desk, or as an end user will not be accepted for meeting the minimum qualification requirements.

Special Note To be eligible for placement in Assignment Level IV, in addition to the Qualification Requirements stated above, individuals must have one year of satisfactory experience in a project leader capacity or as a major contributor on a complex project in data administration, database management systems, operating systems, data communications systems, capacity planning, and/or on-line applications programming.

Preferred Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to lead and motivate team.
• A deep understanding of database systems, data warehousing concepts, and related technologies.
• Proficiency in relevant programming languages such as SQL and Python.
• Familiarity with database management systems such as Oracle, SQL Server, and DB2.
• Experience with project management methodologies such as Agile and Waterfall, using tools such as Jira and Azure DevOps.
• Ability to analyze problems, identify root causes, and develop innovative solutions.
• Adaptability and a willingness to learn.

Residency Requirement

New York City Residency is not required for this position

Additional Information

The Human Resources Administration/Department of Social Services offers competitive salaries and the following benefits: Generous Pension Plans (The New York Employees' Retirement System); 401(k) and 457 Roth's Retirement Savings Programs; U.S. Savings Bonds Flexible Spending Program; Health Benefits, Dental, Vision Coverage, Prescription Drug Program; Training and Professional Development; Opportunity for Scholarship; College Savings Program; Paid Holidays and Generous Annual Leave;