DSHS FTAA IT Systems Administration - Journey

About the Department

DSHS FTAA IT Systems Administration - Journey

As part of Field Operations within Finance, Technology & Analytics Administration (FTAA) – Department of Information Technology (DIT) this position is responsible for providing support for multiple offices. It provides Systems Administration, technical and network administration in support of the Economic Services Administration (ESA), which serves approximately two million clients throughout the state with a projected budget of $1.3 billion annually. This position is part of a statewide team of 44 System Administrators who support the technical systems accessed by over 3,500 staff who are distributing benefits such as payments, healthcare, and food to individuals and families. IT Systems Administration services are provided through DIT - Supporting ESA for over 60 offices, eight mobile offices and multiple outstations and tribal partners statewide. The systems for which DIT – Supporting ESA is responsible are mission critical and serve over 6,000 staff comprised of users who represent multiple administrations across the department, as well as other state agencies (DEL, HCA, HBE, ESD, Commerce, etc.) and local governments/partner organizations (both County and City level).

It is the responsibility of this position to interface with business, vendors and various state agencies to provide high-level technical support to business staff while setting and maintaining information technology best-practices and standards. This position is part of a team that participates and ensures the mission critical Automated Client Eligibility System (ACES), in addition to other mission critical systems, are available. This position reports directly to the Region 2 Information Technology Manager for Department of Information Technology (DIT). The primary office this position supports is located in Snohomish  and Skagit County in addition to other offices as needed. This position is geographically separated from the supervisor and other team members and combines the use of technology and creativity to independently perform troubleshooting and resolution of complex systems, projects, or operational problems.

Some of what you'll do:

Systems Administration

• Provides systems administration involving planning and coordinating the installation, testing, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of hardware, software systems, and systems environment for systems such as Windows Server 2012, Microsoft Exchange, and Windows 19, Intune, Windows 11.
• Ensures the following mission-critical systems are secure and available o The Automated Client Eligibility System (ACES), aces online, ACES 3G - Supporting ESA’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance, Aged/Blind/Disabled cash assistance, Supplemental Necessary Assistance Program (food assistance) and Medical Assistance programs; o Electronic Jobs Automated System (eJAS) - Management for TANF recipients and is used by state staff and community partners.
• Uses a broad base of technical knowledge and analytical skills to conduct systems analysis techniques and procedures in the evaluation and resolution of mission critical systems, technologies and processes
• Collaborates with Network Infrastructure Services to review and monitor ESA systems and review all proposed modifications and/or enhancements to ensure functionality, integrity, and efficiency Diagnoses and repairs server hardware utilizing the Dell Remote Access Tool (DRAC)
• Plans and installs new or modified hardware, operating systems, software, server fixes, updates security patches, and enhancements using tools such as Asset Management System (AMS) System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), Intune and Microsoft Active Directory (AD)

Local Area Network (LAN) Administration

• Installs, configures, and manages network switches, equipment and Static IP addresses
• Tests and maintains network infrastructure including software and hardware devices.
• Monitors performance for organizational or regional network systems by conducting traffic studies using tools such as Solarwinds
• Maintains local IP address office network documentation 
• Coordinates with DSHS Enterprise Technology (ET), WaTech, other agencies and external vendors during WAN upgrades
• Implements and manages disaster recovery (DR) processes
• Design of LAN room cable runs to promote efficiency and ease of access
• Coordinates with the Network Team, WaTech, other agencies, and external vendors during WAN upgrades

Establishes a safe, secure IT environment 

• Monitors, implements and enforces Federal, State, DSHS and ESA security policies and standards
• Responds to and eradicates security intrusion and virus/malware using antivirus software such as Microsoft Security and reinstalling the operating system when necessary
• Establishes secure IT environment that includes sensitive and confidential information by managing access, rights, and permissions in systems such as ACES, Barcode, and eJAS
• Analyzes security reports and takes appropriate corrective action
• Ensures the physical security of Local Area Network (LAN) rooms, servers, wiring closets and demarcation point locations baseline system security according to organizational policies.
• Upon becoming aware of any event that has resulted in a compromise or potential compromise of Federal or State data, reports the event within one business day to the ESA Security team and the DSHS Security staff.
• Resolves complex installation problems such as operating system failures
• Validates systems/hardware/software compatibility by testing and monitoring performance and functionality
• Reviews vendor documentation for warranty information, best practices, troubleshooting tips and installation procedures
• Identifies emerging issues, analyzes information, and communicates analysis and recommendations to peers and IT management; escalates according to established procedures
• Analyzes, troubleshoots, diagnoses, installs, and configures computer system hardware and software
• Provides capacity planning to determine office needs
• Provides instruction and documentation on specific use of information technology systems and procedures
• Plans and coordinates installation of regional systems/hardware/software 

Consultation to Management and staff and participates in and leads projects:

• Consults with management and users to evaluate business IT needs of a region, geographical grouping of offices/facilities, or multiple business units with multiple business functions
• Coordinates with the local and regional offices and other agencies and consults management on infrastructure upgrades and addition including office moves or reconfigurations
• Participates in statewide committee projects to plan and implement applications/system operation, optimization, enhancements and upgrades. May take the lead within area of responsibility 

Mobile Device Administration 

• Utilize Intune to configure and manage iPhones. 
• Audit and ensure mobile phones/communication devices operating system updates are installed timely to prevent security issues
• Follow security protocols such as remote data removal on lost or stolen phones

If this is your area of expertise and interest, we encourage you to apply!

Snohomish County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
  
Who should apply? Those with:

A Bachelor's Degree including nine semester or 15 quarter hours of computer science courses

AND

FOUR (4) years of consultative, administrative, or supervisory experience in information technology analysis, system maintenance, or troubleshooting/problem resolution experience, or analyzing, designing or programming computer systems applications or databases.

 OR

An Associate's degree or completion of an accredited vocational training program in an information technology or related program

AND SIX (6) years of consultative, administrative, or supervisory experience in information technology analysis, system maintenance, or troubleshooting / problem resolution experience or analyzing, designing or programming computer systems applications or databases.

OR

Eight years (8) Information Technology experience. Consultative, administrative or supervisory experience in information technology analysis, system maintenance, or troubleshooting/problem resolution experience, or analyzing, designing, or programming computer systems applications or databases will substitute for education on the basis of one year of experience for two years of education.

Concurrently: a minimum of THREE (3) years (within the last FOUR (4) years) experience implementing, maintaining, supporting, and administering multiple Windows 10 workstations or newer, MS Windows 2019 Server or newer, Microsoft Office 2019 or O365 or newer.

 Preferred Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Interpret business requirements and translate them into technical requirements for automated solutions
• Interface with vendors to solve complex problems
• Clearly communicate technical issues and solutions to non-technical staff and managers
• Dependability and Accountability - Takes personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work, and achieves results with little oversight
• Judgement and Problem Solving – Being able to analyze and be adaptable to new and demanding situations and receptive to new ideas in a challenging environment. Maintain a high degree of knowledge in installing, configuring and maintaining the enterprise applications and systems utilized.

To be considered for this opportunity please include the following:

• Current chronological resume
• A non AI generated cover letter explaining why you are interested in the job, and your skills and experience that makes you the best person for the job
• Three professional references with current contact information

Questions? Please contact [email protected]  and reference #06291

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
 

Other Qualifications

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

 

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protect­ed veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

 

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position. 

 

 E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. 

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays 
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. 

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. 

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.  

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave 
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Agency Information

EmployerState of WashingtonAddress View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov