Job Description

Supplemental Information

Under the administrative arm of the Board of Regents, the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) administers Louisiana\'s premier merit-based scholarship program, the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS), Louisiana\'s need-based component to the state\'s financial aid plan to support non-traditional and low to moderate-income students called Go Grant, the state\'s 529 college savings plan called the Student Tuition Assistance and Revenue Trust (START) program, the educational savings plan for K-12 tuition called the START K-12 program, the 529-A savings plan called the Louisiana ABLE program, the Rockefeller State Wildlife Scholarship program, TOPS Tech Early Start Program for 11th and 12th graders, the John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program, the work force development program that provides financial assistance for students enrolled in one of 5 high demand, high pay industry sectors, called the MJ Foster program, and scholarships for students enrolled in teacher preparation programs called the Geaux Teach program.

LOSFA is extremely active in the dissemination of college access information within the state, with a concentration on assisting students from low-income families and first-generation college attendees in locating and obtaining the resources necessary to pursue and complete a postsecondary education. To attain this, LOSFA regularly partners with other entities including the Louisiana Department of Education (LADOE), the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Statewide School Districts, U.S. Department of Education, the Louisiana Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, and others. In conjunction with DCFS, LOSFA provides payment processing assistance for the Chafee Education and Training Voucher for students who have aged out of the foster care system and Strategies to Empower People (STEP) to aid government-assisted citizens in obtaining their Adult Education certificate and Vocational Education training.

The Information Technology Division is responsible for developing, operating, and maintaining technical and operational support of mid-range systems and network processing, database administration, disaster recovery, web site support and maintenance for all in-house systems as well as the monitoring of systems supported by outside vendors. The duties and responsibilities of the I.T. Programmer Analyst are subject to expand in volume and complexity in direct relation to increases, demands and/or changes in federal and/or state regulations, additional state and federal programs and changes in technology. The I.T. Programmer Analyst receives administrative direction from an I.T. Project Leader.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Baccalaureate degree in a related field such as information technology/information systems, computer/information science, decision science, or a related technical field plus two years of professional level experience in information technology/information systems or business or data analytics.
• Proficient in analytics programming languages, understanding of databases, and web-based applications.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to present complex information clearly.
• Quick learner with the ability to pivot swiftly based on changing direction.
• Ability to multitask and juggle multiple requests and competing priorities.
• Self-motivated and deadline -oriented to ensure tasks are completed with little supervision.
• Ability to be a team player, foster a cooperative environment with the project team, and adapt to the team.

IDEAL CANDIDATE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in WebFocus Business Intelligence and Analytics platform or other business intelligence tool is preferred.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited the following:

• Assists in the coordination of information systems support of the agency by evaluating, analyzing, and prioritizing tasks and projects as directed by the I.T. Project Leader.
• Responsible for all assigned development and maintenance projects.
• Completes projects for all assigned systems utilizing LOSFA\'s software development life cycle processes and procedures.
• Follows change management procedures.
• Performs analysis which includes reporting on complex computer systems in terms of cost, programming time, feasibility, and system network impact.
• Provides I.T. Project Leader with detailed project tracking reports on all currently assigned projects.
• Works with internal and external users to complete all assigned tasks.
• Meets and consults extensively with users and agency management to discuss and develop plans for the creation and modification of application reports through the use of WebFocus or other reporting tools used by LOSFA.
• Responsible for maintaining reporting solutions for all LOSFA Program applications.
• Performs the duties of technical lead of all Scholarship & Grants and 529 Program notifications issued by LOSFA.
• Coordinates with users to update the notifications each year as well as incorporating new notifications throughout the year.
• Works with I.T. technical team members to identify and incorporate notifications throughout all LOSFA Program applications.
• Handles the creation and sending of all IT related emails supporting the LOSFA Program applications.
• Responsible for meeting with users, identifying criteria for emails, sending emails, and reviewing bounce backs, and reviewing statistics of emails sent.
• Use of preparing queries and reporting on an on-demand basis. Creating long-term reporting for those queries that are requested more frequently.
• Assists in the reset of passwords for all LOSFA Program applications.
• Identifies obstacles and issues found within the project and promptly brings them to the attention of the I.T. Project Leader or the I.T. Director.
• Provides options and implements resolutions of these issues.
• Documents processes and system updates utilizing the applications documentation standards.
• Evaluates and documents all backup and restore procedures associated with databases and code being developed.
• Performs routine tasks in the most efficient manner.
• Responds promptly to work orders entered by the internal users and completes tasks within a reasonable timeframe.
• Performs requested data inquiries from the various databases associated with the systems supported.
• Uses expertise and skillset to assist in all areas supported by the I.T. division.
• Utilizes webinars, internet, and training classes to enhance skills and apply knowledge to projects/tasks.
• Frequently reviews and tests backup functions and features and updates documentation when necessary.
• Updates Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity Plan when applicable.

HOW TO APPLY:
No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

To apply for this vacancy, click on the \xe2\x80\x9cApply\xe2\x80\x9d link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities.

Contact Information:

Jason Whitworth

Board of Regents is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities. For more information on employment resources for individuals with disabilities, see the Louisiana Employment Resources Guide at

Board of Regents is an Equal Opportunity Employer
VACANCY INFORMATION:
This is an unclassified position.

This position is located in Baton Rouge, LA.

Applications will be rejected if the applicant fails to meet the minimum qualifications, submits an incomplete application, or fails to apply by the closing date of the announcement.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application listing complete work experience and education.

Please make every effort to attach a copy of your transcript or any other materials as outlined in the posting to your application if possible.

In compliance with federal law, all individuals hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form (I-9) upon hire.

Benefits for unclassified employees are determined by the individual hiring authority.

State of Louisiana