Solutions Architect

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 Information Systems Division works in collaboration with programs and county agencies, to provide solutions to systems that assist families access essentials such as, but not limited to, medical services, care providers, groceries, and transportation. Under the direction of the Technical Services Unit's Technical Services Manager, an IT Manager I, the Information Technology Specialist II (IT Spec. II) codifies the enterprise vision, leads the solution architecture, technical development, implementation, maintenance and support of the IT project(s) within ISD. The IT Spec. II leads staff and consultants. The primary duties of the IT Spec. II include developing and maintaining the technical architecture of the IT project(s) within ISD, operation, and maintenance of systems including user research, user-centric design, development and configuration, testing, and iterative implementation of the business application services. If you would like to share how you learned about this career opportunity, please take a moment to complete our brief Recruitment Survey. Need help with applying for positions, taking an examination, or preparing for interviews? Our team is here to support you, reach out anytime at Recruiter@dss.ca.gov. For guidance on applying for a state job, visit Three Steps to a State Job Follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated on our latest opportunities., 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 mission of the California Department of Social Services is to serve, protect, and support the people of California experiencing need in ways that empower wellbeing and disrupt systemic inequities. The vision of the California Department of Social Services is to provide quality services with a commitment to an inclusive, diverse, and equitable California where all people can thrive. Information Systems Division's (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 Guiding Principles Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Accessibility. Belonging. We ensure opportunities for everyone to participate in a meaningful way in fulfilling the mission and vision of CDSS. Community Engagement We prioritize the lived experiences of community members as a driving force behind the creation, implementation, desired impact, or change of programs and services. Empowerment We engage, operate, and advocate from the understanding that each community and person have desires and capabilities to lead in their own life. Quality Services We provide services that align intent and impact by ensuring that they are accessible, community driven, interconnected, and continuously improved. Data Defined Outcomes We equitably collect and analyze data, take data-driven action, and measure outcomes relevant to those we serve, ensuring transparency and accountability., For each response, include the name of the organization where you gained the experience, the timeframe you gained the experience, your title and level of responsibility.

1. Describe a complex system where you led full-stack architecture (business, application, data, security, integration). How did you ensure alignment with enterprise and security standards?
2. Provide an example of a large modernization effort you led. How did you manage requirements across systems and coordinate diverse stakeholders?
3. Describe a modernization or transformation initiative where you developed technical standards and supported change management and user adoption.
4. Share your experience planning and executing a POC. How did you define success, manage vendors, ensure architectural alignment, and present findings to leadership? 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 inaccurate or incomplete. 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 official 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 the appointment. Training and Development assignments are temporary in nature and shall not exceed twenty-four (24) months.

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:

• Possession of a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant IT field, with industry certifications or equivalent experience considered highly desirable.
• Experience in designing scalable, maintainable, and cost-effective solution architectures using standard modeling tools and frameworks aligned with Enterprise Architecture standards.
• Experience in application architecture principles such as microservices, API-first design, and event-driven architecture.
• Experience designing integration patterns across complex multi-system environments including subsystems, third-party platforms, and cross-department interfaces.
• Experience recommending cloud services (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) across major platforms to support IT modernization and digital transformation.
• Experience in leading and supporting migration strategies, legacy modernization efforts, and cloud-native adoption.
• Experience in change management for technology modernization, including standards, procedures, training, and user adoption.
• Proficient in data architecture principles including data modeling, governance, MDM, and information-sharing standards.
• Ability to document business processes and data interfaces with attention to privacy, accuracy, and interoperability requirements.
• Proficient understanding of security frameworks and regulatory requirements such as NIST, HIPAA, IRS 1075, and CJIS and experience ensuring solution designs comply with underline security and privacy requirements.
• Ability to contribute to the refinement of Enterprise Architecture standards and ensure solution designs are reviewed, validated, and documented for oversight compliance.
• Knowledge of CDT's Project Approval Lifecycle (PAL) process including feasibility studies, stage gates, funding documents, and planning artifacts.
• Ability to produce required technical documentation for Departmental, Agency, and Federal partners throughout all project phases.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders including program teams, executives, IT staff, vendors, and oversight entities.
• Experience engaging in requirements gathering to ensure technical and business requirements reflect all impacted systems.
• Ability to perform cost-benefit, alternatives, and feasibility analyses to support project decision-making.
• Experience supporting IT procurements by developing SOWs, solutions evaluation mechanism, and reviewing technical proposals.
• Ability to work with vendors and technical teams to assess alignment with business priorities and enterprise standards.

This work location is very convenient! The CDSS is located two blocks from the light rail and public transportation: within walking distance of the State Capitol, parks, restaurants, farmers' markets and the Golden 1 Arena. Our building has easy access to I-5, Highway 50, and Highway 80. Please note: Regular commute is not compensable., 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. o 100 percent discount on public transit passes sold by state agencies, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). o 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 o 100 percent reimbursement on the monthly fee, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.