CSCD Business Analyst I

Business Analyst IProvides routine technical consulting and support services for defining, developing and improving functional or business processes to meet user and organizational needs. Works with departmental management and staff to define problems and management requirements. Serves as a liaison between department users and the Information Technology organization in order to provide technical solutions to meet user needs. Possesses expertise in supporting basic department applications and functions. May assist with process redesign and documentation, as required for simple applications. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is the first in a series of four business analyst-related job classifications within the Information Technology job family. Provides routine technical consulting and support services for defining, developing and improving functional or business processes to meet user and organizational needs. The Business Analyst I performs routine Information Technology functions and may perform basic computer hardware and software installation, network administration and database management within a department. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.Duties and ResponsibilitiesProvides routine technical consulting and support services for defining, developing and improving functional or business processes to meet user and organizational needs. Works with departmental management and staff to define problems and management requirements.Solicits and interprets client requests, documents client needs and automated procedures and works with users to improve business processes. Proposes alternatives appropriate within the broader context of County Information Technology and other operations and technology.Resolves day-to-day technology needs of the department with a focus on the analysis of processes, dissecting problems and suggesting solutions. Reviews business processes, analyzes existing procedures and systems and makes recommendations for improvements. Develops process performance measures and assists in planning the transition to a new process.Participates in continuous review and update to ensure that processes meet changing departmental and organizational conditions. Identifies processes for improvement, documents existing processes, and identifies and analyzes gaps between current processes and the desired state.Interfaces and collaborates with other Information Technology staff in the design of new programs, processes, projects and software. Assists with analysis, design, programming, validation, testing, training and maintenance. Assists with application testing and product defect tracking. Interfaces with software project team members to assist with requirements and testing activities. Participates in the coordination and monitoring of software development activities. May review programs written by others. Establishes test procedures and tests and debugs programs.Serves as a liaison with Information Technology System (ITS) in network administration within a user department. May possess primary responsibility for administration, installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of a stand-alone departmental network.Assists in or installs computer hardware, software and peripheral devices, as required. Performs diagnostics and troubleshoots problems encountered by department users and provides limited user training. Coordinates technical support work provided by Information Technology System (ITS). Assists in maintaining the inventory of department hardware and software.Assists in evaluating, acquiring and implementing vendor hardware and software for user department. Collaborates with users, researches product information, assesses available technology, makes recommendations and may assist with the purchasing process.Assists in the creation and/or development of enhancements needed for complex departmental databases. Maintains production, development and test database systems to meet user needs and provides systems support and security for self-contained departmental databases.Uses reporting tools to assist in the development of simple reports which are needed for department business processes and statistical reports which are used by management to help them evaluate department productivity and workload.Assists in researching departmental data and in recommending effective use of business information. Documents and catalogues business and information system processes.Assists in or configures document management systems.Participates in cross-functional project teams involving various levels of internal and external participants. Facilitates team building to identify and resolve system or process problems.May develop and maintain department specific Internet or Intranet websites.Provides end-user and system support for specified department applications and functions.Produces periodic status and operational reports for management review.Performs other job-related duties as assigned.Minimum RequirementsEducation and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration or a directly related field; OR, Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job. Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements: Valid Texas Driver's License. Preferred: Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) Certification. Certified Novell Administrator (CNA) Certification. Certified Novell Engineer (CNE) Certification. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of: Policies, practices, procedures and terminology of assigned function. Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations and guidelines. Information technology hardware, software and peripherals as related to assigned function. Existing automated business applications and their relationships to each other and interfaces with other automated systems. Software engineering and the software development lifecycle. Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages. Skill in: Understanding technical problems and solutions in relation to current, as well as future, business environment. Problem-solving and decision-making. Training users on computer applications. Network administration and maintenance. Translating moderately complex concepts for peers and customers. Installing, maintaining and troubleshooting of hardware, software and peripherals. Both verbal and written communication, including presentations and communicating technical issues in non-technical language. Ability to: Learn and utilize department's case-management system. Identify and analyze end-user problems and develop practical technological solutions. Work independently and efficiently and as part of a team. Manage time well, perform multiple tasks and organize diverse activities. Research, compile, analyze, interpret and prepare a variety of memorandums or reports. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies and providers, other County employees and officials, and the public.Work Environment & Other InformationPhysical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 35-40 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing, crawling, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, repetitive motion, and squatting to perform the essential functions. Subject to exposure to variations in extreme heat, cold, mechanical, fume/odor, and dust/mites. Work Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 - 5:00 PM; May be occasionally on call or required to respond to emergency or critical issues outside of normal working hours. Location:411 W 13th St, Austin, TX 78701 Department: CSCD Adult Probation Criminal, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required. For updates or questions on this position, contact: View email address on click.appcast.io. This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.