Administrator, Bureau of Information Systems, Allegheny County                             L0238

Definition:

This is responsible administrative work directing the information systems functions for the Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS).

The employee in this class is responsible for the development and maintenance of the computerized information systems for all of the program divisions within the Allegheny County Department of Human Services.

Work involves directing and coordinating the activities of the computer systems for Allegheny County DHS; advising departmental senior management on computer project priorities, determination of feasibility of applications, computer hardware and software selection; formulating implementation policies and procedures; preparing special reports as requested; attending meetings and conferences; and advising and making recommendations to senior management with reference to development and advances in the state of the art in electronic data processing.

Work also involves planning and participating in management education in systems and data processing concepts; analyzing information system resource utilization and initiating programs for improvement.

The employee also handles major personnel, administrative and data processing problems; consults with, advises and coordinates between data processing groups and other divisions within the DHS as necessary for the proper integration and correlation of the functions and activities assigned; measures performance of personnel, equipment and systems; recruits and develops computer systems personnel.

Supervision is exercised over a large professional, technical and clerical staff.

Work is performed under the direction of an administrative superior and is reviewed for effectiveness through periodic reports, conferences and an evaluation of the achievement of specific objectives.

Examples of Work:

Directs the design, development and implementation of computer supported information systems needed to support the varied and multiple functions required of the DHS in meeting its program objectives and goals.

Directs the development of plans and budget estimates to support requests for additional computer systems and software applications.

Ensures that the Department's computer systems users are properly trained on applications required of their positions.

Directs the design, development and implementation of adequate security system controls to restrict access by unauthorized persons and to protect the confidentiality of client information; evaluates the effectiveness of the security system controls and directs the implementation of changes when warranted.

Directs the preparation and distribution of Requests For Proposals for hardware and software enhancements for all of the program areas within the DHS, and oversees the RFP selection process through completion; Negotiates systems development contracts with hardware and software vendors and county officials.

Selects the design of hardware and software specifications to meet the needs of an integrated data base for a variety of computer systems end users; Consults with other program administrators to determine their respective information systems needs, and then designs the appropriate systems to meet those needs.

Coordinates and collaborates with all DHS units and specifically with those employees assigned the development, maintenance, operation and performance of computerized information for their respective subject areas; coordinates and collaborates with these incumbents, imparting to each the latest technical advances in the field, assisting by answering their questions regarding equipment, software, problem solving, etc. and by examining each incumbent's needs, addressing their concerns regarding additional training and for the development of desired projected new types of training; serves as the resource person for the information system family in DHS.

Required Knowledges, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of techniques in systems analysis and design with application to electronic data processing, word processing and telecommunications.

Knowledge of concepts, characteristics and capabilities of electronic data processing equipment and management information systems.

Knowledge of current developments in systems analysis, management information systems, data base management, telecommunications, electronic data processing equipment, and technical support and operational activities.

Knowledge of management principles, practices and techniques, including organization structure, staffing patterns and administrative control.

Ability to direct the conversion of technical program reporting requirements to information systems processing and/or other management methods.

Ability to plan and administer the activities of a group of professional planning, system development, technical support and operations staff.

Ability to provide guidance to and establish effective working relationships with departmental personnel, associates, public and private agency management officials, EDP equipment manufacturers and representatives of Federal, state and local governments.

Ability to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of management information services and resources.

Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.  

Minimum Experience and Training:

Five years of progressively responsible professional experience in computer systems analysis; including the design of detailed applications for electronic data processing equipment, and a master's degree;

Or

five years of experience in planning and coordinating the development of EDP/ADP information systems, and a master's degree;

Or

five years of experience in operating computers, including three years of progressively responsible supervisory experience and a master's degree;

Or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Commonwealth Equivalent PSG ST10