State of Maryland

A Maryland Department of Labor (MDL) Information Technology (IT) Functional Analyst Lead is the lead level of work providing problem analysis and ongoing user support, coordinating system development and implementation, and training users on the functionality of applications at the Maryland Department of Labor.  Employees in this classification assign, review and approve the work of and train lower-level MDL IT Functional Analysts.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from a MDL IT Functional Analyst Supervisor, other information technology administrator or other administrator.

Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of the classification specification.

The MDL IT Functional Analyst Lead is differentiated from the MDL IT Functional Analyst II in that the MDL IT Functional Analyst Lead assigns, reviews and approves the work of and trains MDL IT Functional Analysts while the MDL IT Functional Analyst II performs the full range of duties and responsibilities under general supervision.  The MDL IT Functional Analyst Lead is differentiated from the MDL IT Functional Analyst Supervisor in that the MDL IT Functional Analyst Supervisor has supervisory responsibility for lower-level MDL IT Functional Analysts.

Assigns, reviews, and approves the work of lower-level MDL IT Functional Analysts;

Trains lower-level MDL IT Functional Analysts;

Provides advice and guidance to lower-level MDL IT Functional Analysts on the resolution of complex problems in providing problem analysis and ongoing user support, coordinating system development and implementation, and training users on the functionality of applications for agency or statewide systems housed on mainframe computers or large client server platforms;

Performs problem analysis to provide appropriate and timely corrective action when agency user operations are adversely impacted by application system’s malfunction or error;

Reviews error codes generated by the application system to determine the appropriate course of action for correction;          

Assists technical programmer analysts in the design, development and testing of application system corrections or enhancements by analyzing modifications recommended, determining system impact and estimating effort and resources required to perform modification;

Monitors migration of new and revised applications through user acceptance and production regions to ensure adequate pre-production test planning and execution in coordination with established quality assurance policies and procedures;

Develops, reviews and updates application documentation and training material to ensure that information is accurate, relevant, current, and user friendly;

Conducts multiple programs of on and off-site training and support for all levels of users on the functions and capabilities of complex applications by using established training techniques and state-of-the-art software;

Oversees, coordinates and supports permanent and ad hoc user groups for the advancement of the system application and the users’ operating knowledge;

Participates in the management of changes to applications based on input from individual system users, user groups and control agencies who identify requirements relating to application deficiencies or enhancements;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of the functions and uses of mainframe or large client server-based application systems;

Knowledge of the functions and capabilities of automated business systems;

Knowledge of the functions and capabilities of computer systems and peripheral equipment as related to the functionality of applications;

Knowledge of the principles and practices of training users of automated application systems;

Skill in providing problem analysis and ongoing user support, coordinating system development and implementation, and training users on the functionality of applications for agency or statewide systems housed on mainframe computers or large client server platforms;

Skill in creating, reviewing and updating application documentation and training materials;

Skill in conducting classroom and one-on-one training on the functionality of complex computer applications;

Skill in using mainframe and PC-based software for problem diagnosis, analysis, correction and end user training on the functionality of applications;

Skill in applying inductive and deductive reasoning to reach logical solutions to complex application system problems;          

Ability to communicate effectively and establish and maintain effective working relationships with system users, user groups, vendors, computer operations personnel, MDL IT Programmer Analysts, and technical support staff;

Ability to assign, review and approve the work of lower-level MDL IT Functional Analysts;

Ability to train lower-level MDL IT Functional Analysts.

Education:    A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, Human Resources Management, Information Technology or other related field with specific coursework in the structure and use of automated information systems.

Experience: Two years of experience providing problem analysis and ongoing user support, coordinating system development and implementation, and training users on the functionality of applications for agency or statewide systems housed on mainframe computers or large client server platforms.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate and two additional years of experience providing problem analysis and ongoing user support, coordinating system development and implementation, and training users on the functionality of applications for agency or statewide systems housed on mainframe or large client server platforms for the required education.

2. Candidates may substitute experience responding to and resolving help desk calls from users of computers, or operating computer equipment for the purpose of data entry, word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, database or other applications on a year-for-year basis for a high school education.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in the Cyber and Information Systems classifications or Cyber and Information specialty codes in the Information Technology field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

Class specifications are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies.  Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is assigned to Bargaining Unit G, Engineering, Scientific and Administrative Professionals classes.  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded from collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.