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IT SYSTEMS TECHNICAL SPECIALIST

IT Program Manager (Quality Assurance)

Recruitment #24-006659-0004

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Introduction

MHBE is accepting applications for a vacant IT Systems Technical Specialist -(IT Quality Assurance Manager) The Maryland Health Benefit Exchange is responsible for the administration of Maryland Health Connection the State's health insurance marketplace, under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of2010(ACA).

MHBE works with the Maryland Department of Health, Maryland Insurance Administration, Department of Human Services, and stakeholders statewide. Vision Statement: High-quality, affordable health coverage for all Marylanders.

Statement: We improve the health and well-being of Marylanders by connecting them with high-quality, affordable health coverage through innovation, technology, and customer service. Values: Diverse & Inclusive, Innovative, Collaborative, & Ethical. For more information on MHBE, please visit our website.

GRADE

21

LOCATION OF POSITION

750 East Pratt St., 6th floor, Baltimore, MD 21202

Main Purpose of Job

The IT Program Manager (Quality Assurance) at the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange (MHBE) is responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and monitoring of quality assurance standards for all IT systems, applications, and services. Reporting to the Director of IT Operations, Requirements & Quality, this managerial role involves planning and executing quality assurance practices, including Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) of IT products, ensuring compliance with agency policies. The position supervises contract staff, leads stakeholder testing, and provides technical leadership to ensure that business requirements are met. Additionally, the IT Program Manager offers subject matter expertise to senior management, contributing to the successful operation of Maryland's health insurance marketplace, the Maryland Health Connection.

POSITION DUTIES

Plan, design, and develop improvements or new advanced QA systems and processes across the software development lifecycle. Establish and maintain quality standards for software systems, ensuring they align with industry best practices. Lead the IT Quality Assurance program of the Exchange, which is an integral part of the Health Benefit Exchange (HBX) solution development, enhancement, deployment, and maintenance.  Plan, lead, and administer quality assurance, quality control, and Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) of IT products of the Exchange, including the HBX solution, in accordance with the agency’s policies and procedures.  

Develop and implement QA methodologies and frameworks for ensuring software quality, such as automated testing frameworks, performance testing strategies, and QA best practices. Create and manage QA processes, including test plans, test cases, and test scripts that cover all phases of software development. Provide technical and administrative direction to the planning, execution, and signing-off on all HBX system and application deployments, blueprint testing, and attestation with partner agencies such as the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Establish stakeholder testing policies to ensure business requirements on Medicaid and MCHP enrollments and annual Plan Certification compliance requirements are met. Analyze, design, and model QA strategies for broad or complex software projects, focusing on resolving critical software quality issues. Lead feasibility studies for QA projects, involving long-range planning and evaluation of diverse technical options to determine the most effective QA solutions.  

Monitor the application of QA practices and methodologies to identify areas for improvement and ensure alignment with organizational goals. Recommend and implement necessary changes to the QA processes to achieve higher quality software products. Oversee development and implementation of quality assurance metrics for performance management and sustainability of Exchange solutions.  Oversee program staff in the development and management of IT quality assurance and quality control processes and procedures for the Exchange.


Advise management on QA-related matters, such as project feasibility, resource allocation, cost-effectiveness, and risk management. Recommend solutions or alternatives to software quality issues, including changes to objectives or new project proposals. Serve as a liaison for the executive stakeholders in developing and enforcing standards, policies, and compliance directives for the Quality Assurance program. 

Provide expert technical advice and guidance to QA teams, developers, and other IT professionals regarding software quality, testing tools, and techniques. Collaborate with other IT departments to recommend software or hardware enhancements that improve overall software quality. Assist the Program Management Office (PMO) in determining staffing and training requirements for the IT function and contribute to the planning, developing and implementing long-term IT initiatives for the Exchange.


 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

•      Current MHBE Employee ( Internal Recruitment Only )
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in Quality Assurance or a related role, with 2-3 years in a lead position.
• Experience with QA methodologies, tools, and processes.
• Knowledge of automated testing tools and scripting (e.g., Selenium, JUnit, Cucumber).
• Understanding of CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment) processes and integration of QA in these pipelines.
• Experience with defect tracking tools
• Strong communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and customers
• Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills for identifying defects and improving product quality.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 8+ years of experience in quality assurance, with a proven record of managing large teams across multiple projects or product lines.
• Experience working in large-scale, global, or distributed teams, with a strong understanding of managing remote and diverse teams
• Proficiency with EDI tools and software such as 834(Enrollment Information) and 820(Payment Information).
• Familiarity with SQL for querying databases.
• Experience with XML, FTP, SFTP, and other file transfer protocols.
• Proven ability to deliver quality products within budget and time constraints while balancing business and customer needs.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle.

Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

BENEFITS

As an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including: health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost. CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE DETAILS: STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS. https://dbm.maryland.gov/jobseekers/pages/benefitsemployment.aspx

Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date).
Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year.
Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year.  
Parental Leave - up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child.
Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least twelve (12) holidays per year.  
Pension - State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension.
Positions may be eligible for telework.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may submit a paper application and resume: via email: Joshua.powell@maryland.gov

via mail: MHBE Office of Human Resources 750 E. Pratt St, 6th Floor Baltimore, MD 21202



Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application.

Applications must be received no later than the close of business on the closing date. Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling MDTTY Relay Service. TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay.



As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.



We thank your Veterans for their service to our country and encourage them to apply. This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issues before the employer can take any employment action against you.



45 Calvert Street, Annapolis, MD 21401

300-301 West Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21201

Toll Free (800) 705-3493


Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. Apply Online
View and print the Supplemental Questionnaire. This recruitment requires completion of a supplemental questionnaire. You may view and print the supplemental questionnaire here.
Apply via Paper Application. You may also download and complete the Paper Application here.

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