Job Description

The Department of Social Services (DSS) is comprised of the administrative units of the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the Department of Homeless Services (DHS). HRA is dedicated to fighting poverty and income inequality by providing New Yorkers in need with essential benefits such as Food Assistance and Emergency Rental Assistance. DHS is committed to preventing and addressing homelessness in New York City by employing a variety of innovative strategies to help families and individuals successfully exit shelter and return to self-sufficiency as quickly as possible.

Information Technology Services (ITS) is DSS’s technology services organization. ITS mission is to support the daily, emergent, and long-term needs of both agencies. ITS creates and enhances the technology infrastructure and computer applications that support HRA and DHS and develops applications, including a variety of client eligibility and recertification systems, case management systems, housing systems, employment/work engagement services, revenue producing computer matches, claiming systems, and personnel systems.

The Technology Enablement unit works in close conjunction with application development teams and HRA/DHS programs to identify and service training needs. This spans new user training, new software releases, building how-to videos and providing on-going learning support. The training methodology includes classroom training, instructor led webinars, and asynchronous instructional videos available via a learning management system. Video development includes working closely with program stakeholders and various user groups to identify the best method for self-paced learning. In most instances, post application go-live support is provided through call-in webinars. Our key areas of expertise are, training needs analysis, agile training development, instructional design, and in-house video production.

Within ITS/Technology Enablement, under the general direction from the Executive Director, with a high degree of latitude for independent action, judgement and decisions, the eLearning Developer encompasses professional responsibilities unique to the assessment and implementation of complex information technology initiatives which require specialized expertise and experience beyond what is expected of a generalist in any given area. The eLearning Developer performs complex information technology project work that delivers usable software systems and technology solutions for business needs. The eLearning Developer builds, creates, and tests technical, online, asynchronous and webinar, computer-based training courses, modules, and videos for new ITS software systems as well as for each Agile release of existing ITS software systems. The eLearning Developer releases and publishes training videos to the DSS Agency so that they can use the new and updated ITS software systems to process benefits and perform other related Agency duties on a day-to-day basis. The e-Learning Developer also makes the training available as a desk-reference for future duties on a day-to-day basis.

Information Technology Services (ITS) / Technology Enablement is recruiting for one (1) IT Project Specialist, to function as eLearning Developer, who will:

- Collaborate with Business Analysts and Agency Heads to understand business requirements.
Utilize Confluence to review business requirements and online content documents and Jira to
research user stories, acceptance criteria, specifications, and UAT Test Cases. Partner with
software development teams, system testers, QA, UAT staff and business stakeholders to
ensure released video eLearning meets requirements for business and operations,
management, and staff. Conduct regular reviews with senior Agency and IT stakeholders to
validate and assess the project requirements, demonstrate proof of design concepts, validate
design assets, integrate feedback, and reprioritize project scope as required.

- Develop and maintain working relationships with business users and technical teams to ensure
effective collaboration on projects. Analyze, synthesize, and implement feedback from
stakeholders. Guide and manage eLearning video projects through the entire software
development lifecycle, from conception, pre-production, production, UAT, and launch. Implement
Agile workflow to ensure all video releases are aligned with ITS software releases. Participate in
human-centered design activities, user research and software prototyping. Create user interface
designs, interaction models, media elements, and overall visual design to maximize user
engagement and desired performance outcomes.

- Use established standards, business and technical requirements and input from functional team
members to design and deliver engaging training using various training modalities including,
but not limited to mobile, on-line, video, and other broad reach vehicles. Transform complex
system information, i.e., design documents, interface designs, prototypes/wireframes, storyboards,
and scripts into video-based presentations that allow users to interact with the online content easily
and intuitively.

- Create computer generated animations, graphic and computer-based motion assets, software screen
recordings, voice recordings, sound effects, and multimedia effects. Generate close captions for the
hearing impaired. Combine video, visual computer assets, and voice recording into prototypes and
final projects; release and render videos. Utilize audio and mixing equipment to record, produce
and mix voice and music for video soundtracks. Enhance sound quality and suppress unwanted
noise using audio editors and recorders.

- Develop prototypes and pilot presentations, utilizing editing tools such as Adobe Premier Pro,
Frame.io and After Affects. Develop online training storyboards to host eLearning on NYC and
NYS computer-based Learning Management Systems for agency staff consumption.

- Design targeted video productions by leveraging specialized business domain knowledge of HRA
and OHS social service programs, as well as the manner in which these services are administrated
via HRA Job Centers and OHS Homeless Shelters. Use deep understanding, knowledge, and expertise
of ITS computer software, such as SPOS, Fair Fares, CARES, RAMS, WTS, and LMS, as well as
how software is utilized by HRA, OHS, and provider run homeless shelter staff to produce videos that
inform staff on new protocols, policies, and processes resulting from lawsuits, court settlements,
Fair Hearing Decisions, COVID-19 policy changes, etc.

- Coordinate and communicate with all levels of operations from Senior Staff to technical teams.
Effectively articulate project nuances and complexities to City executives, Agency Heads, Assistant
Agency Heads, City business partners, and other stakeholders while being responsive and sensitive
to underlying politics.

- Document eLearning requirements, plans, progress, and statuses; communicate project data via
presentations and reports with all levels of Management and stakeholders to deliver computer-based
eLearning solutions that meet the needs of the business. Brainstorm with all partners to identify and
implement solutions for technical and procedural issues in the development project life cycle.

- Perform Business Analysis to define scope and to assess, document, and integrate key points,
details, knowledge, and subtle differences that may be required for software processes and projects
for eLearning computer-based training development. Ensure final released products are reviewed and
approved by stakeholders (e.g., Agency Heads, Department Heads, City executives).

- Ensure that software e-learning solutions are appropriately tested to meet functional (usability) and
technical (performance) requirements. Create test cases, test scripts, and defect reports. Execute
test scripts and document progress and results. Collaborate with technical teams to understand
application capabilities, environment set up and defect fixes.


Hours/Shift:

Normal Business Hours

Qualifications

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college in computer science, engineering, human computer interaction, interactive media, digital and graphics design, data visualization, communication or a related field, and four years of satisfactory full-time experience related to the area(s) required by the particular position and a specialization in a relevant technology, process, methodology and/or domain; or

2. An associate degree from an accredited college in computer science, engineering, human computer interaction, interactive media, digital and graphics design, data visualization, communication or a related field, and six years of satisfactory full-time experience related to the area(s) required by the particular position and a specialization in a relevant technology, process, methodology and/or domain; or

3. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, and eight years of satisfactory full-time experience related to the area(s) required by the particular position and a specialization in a relevant technology, process, methodology and/or domain; or

4. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1", "2", or "3" above.