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.


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You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions
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.


Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST II

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-519173


Position #(s):
800-783-1414-009

Working Title:
Solutions Architect


Classification:
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST II $8,625.00 - $11,557.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.


# of Positions:
1


Work Location:
Sacramento County


Telework:
In Office


Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time


Department Information 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.


Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.

Please Note: A Statement of Qualifications or Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted along with your application to be considered for this position. Applications submitted without an SOQ may be disqualified for this position.


Do not include any confidential information in any documents (i.e., application, resume, or transcripts) you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include but is not limited to: Social Security Number (SSN), birthday and/or age, photos, student/other ID number, driver's license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, exam results, LEAP status, and marital status. Confidential information submitted via a CalCareer Account (electronic application) is automatically redacted upon submission.

The response to the question below constitutes the selection for the first-round interview for this position, as the Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). Response to the SOQ are to be typed, in 11-point Arial font, on 8 1/2" x 11" paper with standard 1" margins. Please put your name, the position number you are applying for, and the page number in the header page, and right justify. Response is limited to two (2) pages in length.


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.


Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview, but they must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment.


Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 7/13/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).


How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:


Address for Mailing Application Packages


You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:


Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Attn: Classification & Pay Unit
P. O. Box 944243 - MS 8-15-58


Sacramento , CA 94244-2430


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:


Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Classification & Pay Unit
744 P Street, MS 8-15-58


Sacramento , CA 95814


08:00 AM - 05:00 PM


Required Application Package Documents


The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications - (SOQ) Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.


Desirable Qualifications 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.


Benefits 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.


Click here to view all the attractive benefits available to state employees!


Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.



Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Snehungsu Guha
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View email address on click.appcast.io


Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
EEO Office
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California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025
Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 - Salaries do not reflect reductions from the Personal Leave Program, please see the applicable Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for additional information on the length and percentage of reductions.



Examination Information
Those interested in obtaining employment with any state agency must apply and compete through the state hiring and recruitment process.
To apply for the examination for this position, click on the link below to search for the examination and follow the "How to Apply" instructions in the examination announcement: CalCareers Exam/Assessment Search


Successful examination applicants are placed on an eligibility list. If you already have list eligibility for this classification, you do not need to retake the examination. Applicants should refer to their examination results or check their CalCareer account for specific list eligibility expiration dates and to re-take the examination when necessary. For questions regarding the examination process, please contact the Examination Unit at: View email address on click.appcast.io .


Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.


It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.