WIC EBT Operations Team Lead

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

1d•$5,798 - $9,508•Hybrid

About The Position

Performs highly advanced (senior-level) computer systems analysis work which supports the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. Responsible for the operations of the eWIC Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system, including the continued maintenance and upgrading of the eWIC EBT system. As the EBT Operations Branch Team Lead, responsible for overseeing EBT Operation’s activities, team workload, allocation of resources, preparing, updating, and initiating changes to eWIC EBT Operations’ policies and procedures and serves as the backup for the EBT Operations Branch Manager. Develops and updates technical specifications for eWIC EBT systems. Identifies any technological deficiencies or innovative technological solutions for the unit by analyzing current systems and forecasting possible needs. Conducts and participates in the grocer system certification/re-certification process for eWIC EBT point-of-sale (POS) systems. Oversees EBT card management and inventory. Responsible for ensuring appropriate research and resolutions for vendor and participant disputes. Provides the Branch Manager with long-range eWIC EBT technology plans as the system evolves and works closely with staff assigned to work on eWIC EBT system functionality with emphasis on vendor transaction processing and redemptions. Functions as a liaison with technical contacts from other WIC State Agencies and USDA. Works under general direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

At least four (4) years of experience in planning, troubleshooting, and developing solutions for technical applications.
At least four (4) years of experience creating and/or revising technical standards/specifications.
At least three (3) years of experience in retail grocer automation, electronic payment cards, card terminals, card software, and retailer point-of-sale systems.
Knowledge of computer hardware and software systems.
Knowledge of computer systems analysis and data communication principles, equipment, procedures, and terminology.
Knowledge of principles and practices of systems analysis, research techniques, work simplification, and documentation.
Knowledge of structured system development methodologies.
Knowledge of Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) and File Transfer Protocol Secure (FTPS) protocols, design, implementation, and maintenance of file transfer pipelines.
Knowledge of retail grocer automation, electronic payment cards, card terminals, card software, and retailer point-of-sale systems.
Knowledge of information systems industry, including technologies, products, trends, standards, and related government technology requirements.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws relating to the WIC Program.
Skill in effective organizational and supervisory leadership.
Skill in effective verbal and written communication.
Skill in planning, troubleshooting, and developing solutions for technical applications.
Skill in system analysis and design.
Skill in identifying problems, evaluating alternatives, and implementing solutions.
Skill in specification/requirements development, technical report writing, and presentation.
Skill in coordinating technical teams and organizing and prioritizing tasks and schedules.
Skill in working collaboratively and cooperatively with diverse groups.
Skill in developing or revising policies and procedures.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, with intermediate proficiency in Excel, and Power BI.
Ability to prioritize, plan assignments, and handle complex projects in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to create and revise technical standards/specifications, procedures, and documents.
Ability to lead diverse teams, on large or small scale projects, to achieve desired results.
Ability to think creatively and support creative thinking in others.
Ability to establish goals and objectives.
Ability to interpret data and develop effective operating procedures.
Ability to organize and present technical information effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written form.
Ability to write clearly and concisely relative to audience.
Ability to read and analyze technical written materials.
Ability to analyze technical challenges, conduct testing, and determine solutions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Experience working for Texas HHS enterprise agencies
Experience developing technical specifications
Minimum of a bachelor’s degree

Responsibilities

Coordinates, develops, organizes, and oversees the operations of the Texas eWIC EBT system based on the specifications of state and federal laws and regulations.
Works with staff and Local Agencies to ensure effective information flow within the eWIC EBT system.
Works closely with other agencies and state agencies on the coordination, planning, and scheduling of eWIC EBT systems and POS certifications.
Responsible for overseeing the development or revision of EBT related policies, procedures, and processes.
Provides technical assistance to vendors and POS providers by analyzing transaction data to evaluate system issues and formulate immediate solutions or future system recommendations.
Provides analytical support, research trending of eWIC EBT system and participant dispute resolutions, transaction redemptions and adjustments, and drop ship data.
Evaluates vendor FTP status, connectivity history, and FTP logs to determine if vendors are connecting frequently and downloading the approved product list (APL) in accordance with federal regulations for known issues.
Provides oversight of EBT card management and inventory.
Provides eWIC EBT technical specifications to system developers and POS providers to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
Acts as EBT Operations Team Lead in the assignment and review of work for all staff assigned to the EBT operations and redemptions functions and serves as the backup for the EBT Branch Manager.
Assists in the selection and hiring of staff, direction, and management of work schedules.
Develops and provides training to maintain personnel proficiency.
Researches and prepares reports that include study findings, recommendations, and instructions for proposed system implementations regarding statewide grocer system certification/re-certification process to ensure eWIC POS providers comply with federal and state regulations.
Analyzes certification results for accuracy and ensures all steps are completed successfully.
Reviews POS certification problems and errors while devising recommendations to resolve any underlying issues.
Evaluates the certification process to determine work simplification and provides updates to the certification script.
Actively participates on national standards workgroups to prepare updated POS operating procedures and technical implementation standards.
Acts as liaison to USDA, state and national organizations, and public and private agencies.
Leads and participates in meetings, answers requests for information, provides information, and prepares requests and specifications to USDA for analysis as needed.
Participates in state/federal taskforces, work groups, and committees, including future technology developments.
Performs other duties as assigned including but not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or locations.