POSITION INFORMATION

The Health and Human Services - Children's System of Care (CSOC) Division is seeking an Information Technology Specialist who excels in communication, customer service, and problem-solving. This individual will support CSOC operations as Administrator on software systems related to child welfare and probation cases served in CSOC. The systems include CWS/CMS, CWS-CARES, CARES-Live, CARES-RFA, SafeMeasures, SDM, Business Objects, Tableau, Traverse, and ETO. This position will act as the lead in providing access and monitoring security and permissions in applicable systems for Division staff. Other job duties include helping with the design, validation, and delivery of new system releases and software upgrades.

This individual reports to CSOC's Health and Human Services Assistant Program Director and will act as the Division lead to coordinate the conversion of the CWS/CMS system to CWS-CARES and prepare staff for applicable business process changes. Additionally, this position will contribute to the design and implementation of the next versions of CWS-CARES to achieve full compliance with state and federal requirements. Other job duties include creation of ad hoc and routine reporting using Tableau, forms and template management in AEM, and collaboration with county, state, and vendor agencies on child welfare related projects and initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have experience performing system implementation, upgrades, and integrations, preferably in a child welfare environment, as well as excellent analytical and project management skills and a demonstrated ability to troubleshoot issues and identify technical solutions independently.

The eligible list established as a result of this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies as they arise countywide.

Please note: This position is scheduled to receive a 3% wage increase effective June 13, 2026 (pay date July 10, 2026).

BENEFITS

Placer County offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees. The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change. Applicants should inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view Placer Public Employees Organization (PPEO) benefits.

For more information regarding the benefits Placer County has to offer, please visit Placer County's Human Resources website.

DEFINITION

Provides effective specialized information technology support for network systems and business applications related to Placer County; troubleshoots, analyzes and resolves system/application related requests including specialties such as Help Desk, Web, and department specific applications. Performs a variety of technical duties pertaining to computer systems and related equipment and serves as a second or third level responder for computer, network and hardware/software issues. Assists and trains users in personal computer hardware and specialized software and provides technical assistance to customers. Analyzes existing processes and provides recommendations regarding technology solutions. Coordinates with vendors, other county departments, and other agencies in identifying and implementing system upgrades and modifications; and performs other related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the journey level classification in the Information Technology Specialist classification series. Positions in this classification independently perform a broad range of both routine and complex technical assignments in support of specialized systems, including user support, system troubleshooting, review of business processes and communication of user requirements/problems to a vendor or statewide system which then develops the technical solution

This class is distinguished from the classification of Information Technology Analyst because the latter describes positions with analytical responsibilities where the primary duties include the analysis of business and/or system needs, the evaluation of current systems and the design of technical solutions to meet the identified business or system needs, including work which may emphasize business systems analysis and the design of technology solutions to resolve application problems or improve efficiency and effectiveness; network/telecommunication systems analysis and design; system analysis/administration and design, and/or database analysis/administration and design.

This class is distinguished from the classification of Information Technology Technician II in that the Specialist describes positions that are responsible for performing duties that are broader and more complex in nature requiring specialized knowledge and abilities as compared to the more routine tasks performed by a technician that require a more general knowledge.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Incumbents at this level work under direction from an assigned supervisor, receiving occasional supervision while working toward a definite objective that requires use of a wide range of procedures and involves planning and/or determining specific procedures or equipment required in order to meet assigned objectives and solve complex problems. Only unusual matters are referred to a supervisor. May exercise functional or direct supervision over technical or clerical staff. Incumbents may exercise functional supervision over other technical specialist staff on a project basis.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Perform a variety of specialized duties in support of the County's technology functions which may include, but are not limited to, applications, network, business processes and related technology areas.
• Assist users of a particular application where detailed knowledge of the specific application is required, troubleshooting, debugging and resolving a variety of operations/business-process related applications problems. Troubleshoot new applications and/or systems to ensure functional operation.
• Install, configure, customize and administer a variety of commercial, off-the-shelf (COTS) and vendor developed applications; write programs/scripts and develop reports using standard application development products and tools.
• Design and generate a variety of routine and ad hoc customized reports based on customer requirements.
• Perform routine applications, system and/or network support duties such as monitoring or adding applications/users/devices, modifying user profiles, re-setting passwords and performing file maintenance; set up basic user access permissions consistent with County policies and procedures.
• Complete, review, and/or approve a variety of forms, including requests for hardware and software, and user access.
• Serve as a technical resource in the evaluation, selection, acquisition and implementation of computer hardware and software solutions, including cost/benefit analysis. Recommend contractor selection and assist with vendor and contract management. Review and provide input on Requests for Proposals.
• Design website layout and content; design and develop screens and menus; review and monitor content to ensure consistency with County policies and procedures; conduct ongoing website maintenance for content updates and revisions.
• Execute website and software testing plans to validate functionality; resolve programming issues; refine data and format final products; test, troubleshoot and de-bug programs using appropriate technology and various test utilities, and ensure functional operation.
• Coordinate and complete projects that are specific to area of assignment, such as the implementation of a new system design or system upgrade. Interface with users to identify problems/gaps with current technology and/or business processes and gather system requirements. Serve as the primary interface with and coordinate and direct the work of vendors. May coordinate and direct the work of staff at the same or lower level while working on projects. Design and direct project testing and quality assurance processes.
• May write, revise and maintain computer programs based on business requirements and application design specifications identified and developed by someone else, in order to create new business applications and interfaces or maintain/modify existing business applications, using various computer languages and/or database platforms; troubleshoot, debug, and resolve problems with application coding.
• Prepare data maintenance documents and follow-up to ensure completion; prep information recovery plan.
• May perform application software maintenance duties; install and test software application patches and upgrades;
• Prepare technical reports, correspondence and other documents; provide general administrative support that may include maintaining records and monitoring contracts/budgets.
• Participates on committees and task forces; attend meetings, conferences and training sessions.
• Develop training materials and conduct training pertaining to the use of new or modified applications and/or systems for users and other information technology staff.
• When assigned to support a statewide, federal, or legislation-governed system, review upcoming changes to programs, regulations or system (All County Letters, Management Change Requests), identify impact on system and/or County processes, provides input on necessary revisions, and assist with implementing changes.
• Serve on project teams providing technical assistance as needed.
• Train, lead, and provide technical guidance to technician or clerical staff. Direct the work of peers and/or subordinate staff on assigned projects.
• May recommend the appointment of personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; provide standards and operating guidelines; and provide timely input on performance evaluations and disciplinary matters, as assigned.
• Assign, direct, and review the work of assigned staff; conduct employee performance evaluations for assigned direct reports.
• Provide after hours technology support as assigned.
• Provide technical and functional supervision of contractors/vendors.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is typically performed in an indoor office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances; position occasionally requires travel to other locations. Work environments may include noise, dust and/or unpleasant odors, marked changes in temperature and humidity, and may occasionally require work in confined spaces.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Two years of journey-level technical experience comparable to an Information Technology Technician II with Placer County.

Training: Equivalent to completion of an associate's degree from an accredited college or university in computer science, information technology or a closely related field. Additional relevant technical experience that demonstrates the ability to perform specialist level duties in assigned technology area may substitute for the required education on a year for year basis; or possession of one or more approved information technology certificates and/or completion of other approved technology-related training may substitute for all or part of the above-required education.

Required License or Certificate:

May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position and in accordance with the California Vehicle Code. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services, concepts, terms and activities common to a comprehensive, state-of-the-art information technology program.
• Basic operational characteristics of local and wide area network systems.
• Automated systems/software utilized in area of assignment, including work processes, methods of data entry/retrieval, and system navigation.
• Standard office software such as word processing, electronic mail, and spreadsheet software.
• Principles and practices of troubleshooting computer system hardware and software problems.
• Process and workflow analysis.
• Tools and test equipment used in the installation, maintenance and repair of information systems.
• Basic project management principles and techniques such as organizing and managing a project, developing schedules, identifying critical paths, and breaking down a project into individual tasks.
• Basic principles and practices of technical network administration.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Methods and techniques of developing and presenting technical documentation and training materials.
• Principles and practices of record keeping.
• Modern office procedures, methods and equipment.
• Principles and practices of effective team building, team leadership and conflict resolution.
• Principles and practices of effective supervision techniques, training, and performance management.

Ability to:

• Operate, maintain and perform repairs on information technology equipment and software.
• Perform complex duties related