The Business Analyst is responsible for the set of tasks and techniques used to work as a liaison among stakeholders in order to understand the structure, policies, and operations of an organization.
Complete Description:
**There are 2 separate, but similar positions associated with this requirement.**
BACKGROUND/PROBLEM STATEMENT
OCYF began a new IT project in April 2012 for the development and implementation of a child welfare statewide IT system. This new system will be developed in four phases over five years. Phase I commenced in March 2013 and runs through December 2014. In fiscal year 2013-14 staff augmentation is needed to assist OCYF with maintenance of existing legacy applications and with development and implementation of the new IT system. During the development and implementation of the new system, temporary staff augmentation is needed to support ongoing OCYF operations. OCYF has multiple standalone legacy applications that will continue to be used by OCYF and its business partners until incorporated into the new statewide system. In addition, most data collection and reporting processes require manual intervention.
OBJECTIVES OF ENGAGEMENT
The contractor’s primary responsibilities will be to provide program office and business partner ongoing logistical and business operational support for OCYF stand-alone software applications and DPW enterprise software applications used by OCYF and its business partners. The legacy applications will be maintained for several years to support OCYF and County Children and Youth Agencies’ (CCYA) business needs until their functionality is incorporated into the statewide system. The contractor’s responsibilities include identification and analysis of new or changing business requirements that affect the legacy applications; assistance with quarterly data collection processes and submission of required federal and state reports; and the provision of technical assistance to OCYF and business partner users of the legacy and enterprise systems. The following applications and/or reports may/will be supported by the consultant:
The applications are utilized by individuals from 67 CCYAs and four OCYF Regional Offices (approximately 1,500 users). Several of the systems require manual processes for data collection and compilation in order to ensure OCYF meets its federal and state reporting requirements. Stakeholder support is provided via email, telephone, and/or fax. Primary responsibilities will include performing independent and consultative research and analysis activities and coordinating with business partners, DPW program office and regional office representatives to identify and recommend solutions regarding: a) Business processes and/or procedures, b) Data anomalies and system issues, and c) Logistical and adoption support activities to ensure continuity of business operations.
TASKS TO BE PERFORMED
Specific tasks for the contractor are:
1. Communication with OCYF partners and county children and youth agencies to identify and resolve information system and data issues.
2. Reviews business requirements functional specifications for system development or enhancements initiatives and provides associated systems deployment, adoption, problem resolution, and end-user support activities.
3. Provides assistance and support to business operations and end users for OCYF and/or DPW software applications regarding business operations and technical issue evaluations and resolutions.
4. Investigates and resolves business operational, software, and data issues identified and reported by users.
5. Serves as the contact for users having problems and escalates as necessary.
6. Applies existing software and business process documentation to resolve user issues.
7. Obtains and maintains a comprehensive understanding and acts as a subject matter expert for the designated applications and their respective interdependencies and integration points in business operations and processes.
8. Discusses application and data issues with designated OCYF staff and recommends changes that may improve the application or business process.
9. Works closely with OCYF staff to produce and analyze quarterly, semi-annual and annual reports.
10. Provides assistance regarding data collection and reporting to county partners and contractors with independence of judgment within established policies, procedures, and controlling legislation.
11. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the network of county children and youth agencies, other Department staff, and other contractors.
12. Uses Microsoft programs (Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Access, Outlook) for documentation and communication purposes.
13. Works with OCYF staff and county partners to identify informational needs and gaps in existing data collection systems.
14. Provide regular progress updates to appropriate OCYF staff.
15. Follows quality standards, and displays strong customer service skills.
16. Completes assigned tasks.
CONTRACTOR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
• 3-5 years experience in performing business analysis, data analysis and user support for computer software systems.
• Contractor must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Contractor must demonstrate good interpersonal skills and the ability to work with diverse user groups.
• Knowledge of business process and systems analysis principles, practices, and techniques.
• Ability to analyze and interpret written and numerical information.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Highly Desired – 2 years experience performing business analysis or similar work in the Child Welfare or other Human Services Field.
Skills:
Skill
Required / Desired
Amount
of Experience
Business Analysis experience.
Required
5
Years
Data Analysis experience
Required
3
Years
User Support for computer software systems experience
Required
3
Years
Knowledge of business process and systems analysis principles, practices, and techniques
Required
3
Years
Ability to analyze and interpret written and numerical information
Required
3
Years
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Required