Business Analyst - VR

Description

Job Summary: This role will formulate and define system scopes and objectives based on both user needs and a thorough understanding of business systems and industry requirements.

THIS IS A HYBRID POSITION. CANDIDATE WILL HAVE TO COME TO WORK AT CORPORATE OFFICE IN PALM HARBOR, FL. 3 TIMES A WEEK.

Work Experience / Knowledge:

The ideal Business Analyst will either possess Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) experience, with emphasis on Employment and Training programs provided to disabled individuals or prior Business Analyst experience in the IT field. Prior Business Analyst experience is desired, however, a qualified candidate having experience in VR programs along with performance responsibilities both at a Federal and State level will be considered. You will work both in an independent and team environment. You must be able to take ownership of projects and complete those projects accurately and efficiently. You must also be able to work with various internal groups and teams and have the ability to manage multiple, simultaneous projects and deadlines. The ability to understand both federal and state laws that govern the programs and translate those requirements into a system are a plus. 

The ideal candidate for this position is organized; detail oriented, has great communication skills and thrives in a fast-paced environment. You will need to apply these skills in a variety of areas including, but not limited to, business analysis, requirements definition, building test plans, coordinating all resources and stakeholders, setting deadlines, assigning responsibilities, and monitoring, summarizing and communicating the progress of all assigned projects. You will work among a team of software Engineers, Business Analysts, Developers, Project Managers and QA staff for support and collaboration of client specific deliverables.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyze business and user needs, document requirements and translate both into proper specifications for each project
• Coordinate and meet with clients and business leaders, as well as working closely with software architects and development teams to ensure that the direction, scope and dependencies are identified and documented
• Possess strong knowledge of software development lifecycle (SDLC) of large-scale development projects 
• Translate business requirements into concise system requirements for use by the software architects and development teams
• Foster productive communication between technical and non-technical audiences to ensure technology solutions fulfill the business needs
• Responsibilities include 
• Identify, document and diagram business requirements and processes
• Knowledge of project management methodologies and practices
• Assist with validation and testing of applications written to the design specification 

Communication Skills:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Facilitate team and client meetings effectively
• Keep the client and project team well informed of project status, issues and issue mitigation strategies
• Resolve and/or escalate issues in a timely fashion
• Effectively communicate relevant project information to superiors

Technical:

• Ability to write design specifications outlining needs to improve the VOS system to support Department of Education programs
• MS SQL server (2008/2012) and query knowledge is desirable
• Testing of applications written to the design specifications written
• Ability to track data through the database as it relates to the application and when required federal reporting requirements
• Review of all customer change orders, enhancement requests to VOS application components to determine feasibility, update requirements documents, and make recommendations regarding the implementation of the request modifications 

PLUS:

• A solid knowledge of Department of Education Employment and Training programs is desired but not required, or has extensive knowledge in coordination of services with other programs such as Wagner-Peyser, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Trade Adjustment Assistance, SNAP Employment and Training, Adult Education, Welfare Transition 
• Possess a general understanding of application programming, database and system design
• Ability to analyze system requirements relative to the base software functionality and configuration

Leadership:

• Inspire coworkers to attain goals and pursue excellence
• Manage the process of innovative change effectively
• Identify opportunities for improvement and make constructive suggestions for change

Teamwork:

• Consistently acknowledge and appreciate each team member’s contributions
• Work with both technical software developers and non-technical state and local government clients to make sure that final deliverables meet client requirements
• Coordinate client training with training staff and assist where necessary
• Prepare and deliver training updates via webinars

Requirements

Knowledge and Skills:

• Proficient in MS Office to include: Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, Visio, and Project
• Knowledge of relational databases and basic SQL query techniques
• Must have experience interfacing with customers, internal managers and staff
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills 
• Strong oral and written communication skills with an attention to detail 
• Strong leadership skills with a proven past to drive results and affect change
• Ability to prepare presentations and conduct training sessions at the annual User’s Conference
• Knowledge of the software development life cycle
• Bachelor’s Degree in business or related field, or equivalent experience preferred

Travel:

• May be required to visit client sites, attend National Conferences and/or assist in marketing presentations which are assigned by Manager when appropriate