Systems Architect

Texas Health & Human Services Commission•Austin, TX

1d•$7,015 - $9,310•Hybrid

About The Position

The System Architect supports the delivery of product enhancements. The selected individual will perform technical analysis and contract oversight of HHSC third party information technology systems in support of Texas Medicaid and CHIP programs. The candidate will routinely interact with business users and contracted IT representatives. This position will ensure contractor systems meet agency information technology directives, plans, goals, and contract requirements for Medicaid/CHIP programs including, but not limited to, Vendor Drug, Acute and Long-Term Care. This position participates in planning, definition and high-level design of the solution while actively participating in continuous discovery, especially with enabler Epics. The System Architect is responsible for understanding the solution and ensuring efficient integration points with all products. This may include identification, development, input into, or validation of a solution. Assumes a strategic role which ensures all aspects of the architectural runway are properly planned and communicated. This position helps to establish vision and direction with regard to the system architecture. Will work closely with the Release Train Engineer to achieve efficiency for the Agile Release Train and Program Increment (PI) Planning. May identify specific non-functional requirements that must be considered as part of PI planning. Works under minimal direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

Knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of computer systems and of the techniques used in automated systems
Knowledge of industry best practices related to system architecture
Knowledge of computer hardware and software
Knowledge of computer operating systems
Knowledge of Medicaid and/or CHIP Program and Policy.
Knowledge of multiple computer-based systems, information technology management, and systems development methodologies including programming languages, systems analysis, and system testing.
Must understand the relationships between agency systems as related to provider enrollment, client eligibility, and claims payment, including the multiple technologies supporting these complex systems.
Skill in Agile Methodology
Skill in ensuring systems meet business requirements
Skill in coordinating and solving problems
Skill in communicating effectively both verbally and in writing with technical and non-technical staff
Skill in stakeholder engagement
Skill in reviewing technical requirements and ensuring that vendors are using best practices and technology
Ability to solve problems using various techniques and approaches
Ability to provide leadership and managing personnel in a team environment
Ability to communicate issues and coordinate oversight across multiple cross-functional divisions.
Ability to monitor and report on the status of large-scale technical solutions
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with coursework in business administration, computer science, computer information systems, management information systems, or a related field. Experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
Seven (7) or more years’ experience working in system architecture, system analysis or related field
Experience working in an agile environment

Nice To Haves

Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Certifications preferred but not required
Experience working in a state agency

Responsibilities

Oversees and evaluates vendor architecture including PI plans, enabler epics, non-functional requirements, subsystems, interfaces, story documentation, test scenarios, functional designs and Testing results to ensure consistency with requirements and established standards, policies, and procedures.
Develops strategies for resolving deficiencies or deviations in the deliverables from program area goals and expected outcomes and provides recommendations to project team.
Develops business and system requirements, user stories and architecture runway.
Provides day-to-day management support of a team of Delivery Product Managers who will coordinate with internal and external stakeholders for delivery on the product backlogs.
Serves as voice of MMIS IT System Architecture in all program-level planning activities.
Participates in PI planning, solution demos, and Inspect and Adapt (I&A) events.
Ensures program/architecture requirements are being met and value is being delivered.
Oversees various vendor product tracking systems to ensure architecture strategy, enabler epic definition and any associated acceptance criteria are well defined, measurable and deliverable.
Analyzes, documents and reports on the IT component of projects with emphasis on identification of risk factors and develops mitigation strategies.
Compares architectural runway schedule, which supports new features, with current progress.
Identifies risks and issues and reports any change or impact to the PI.
Ensures vendors are reporting accurate metrics and are operating within established procedures.
Provides status updates on the PI and responds to questions from management.
Leads workgroups to prepare, define and develop procedures or processes to comply with established policies.
Identifies gaps in established processes and collaborates with agency staff to make recommendations for their closure.
Provides recommendations on improving process workflows in the operation of the Texas Medicaid Managed Information System (MMIS).
Coordinates with stakeholders to support continuous delivery of value in accordance with established standards, policies, and procedures to ensure operational, technical and system support requirements are met.
Develops mitigation plans when risks associated with scope, cost or resources are discussed during status meetings to ensure stakeholders are aware of possible issues.