Program Specialist

Description

Program Specialist (Vacancy#: VAR001634)
Opening Date: July 27, 2021
Closing Date: Aug 10, 2021
Grade Level: GS-13
Series: 0301

Summary

This position is located in the Acquisitions, Fiscal & Overseas Support Division in the Acquisitions and Bibliographic Access Directorate within Library Services The incumbent coordinates and facilitates activities relating to Library Services' program and technology goals through implementation of projects, manual and automated systems and OCIO-approved technical solutions.

The position description number for this position is 402772.
This is a non-supervisory, non-bargaining unit position.

Read more about Program Specialist at: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/608936800

Responsibilities

Applies knowledge of relevant library system infrastructure best practices, statistical data, trends, and institutional policies to provide expert analysis and advice and propose recommendations to resolve complex automation issues.

Oversees or coordinates the preparation of testing and implementation plans. Prepares business requirements and specifications for implementation by OCIO-approved developers or contractors. Develops test plans and scripts, and oversees testing by others.

Provides guidance on security best practices and uses knowledge and familiarity of OCIO security authorization and accreditation process as applicable to IT systems and projects.

Coordinates the common use of core software across multiple business areas and establishes troubleshooting procedures for related applications. Prepares strategies for recovery in the event of systems failure. Develops recovery methodology for the systems in coordination with the overall
agency or department disaster recovery plan.

Develops systems modifications to aid in recovery, which includes determining the cause of failure, and documenting methods for preventing future problems. Performs feasibility studies including original research in order to identify solutions that meet customer requirements. Evaluates the feasibility of new methodologies in terms of meeting agency requirements and recommends the adoption of the most promising new methodologies. Suggests technically feasible approaches and demonstrates viability through working prototypes. Recommends automation approaches that lead to improvements in Library of Congress systems design and development process and the delivery of high quality information systems that support achievement of core agency mission requirements.

Plans, develops, and implements the coordination of automation activities that affect broad mission areas. Activities include interacting with stakeholders and other groups; assessing capabilities and identifying various organizations to serve as change-agents; and ensuring appropriate program/project documentation is professionally executed.

Advises management on a variety of technical information program/project issues. Provides programmatic coordination on high visibility projects, consulting with professionals in various sectors. Advises senior management on key issues/constraints to program/project implementations.

Directs and/or participates in review of proposed technical information projects and programs, policy, and technical input. Uses judgment and discretion in determining intent, and in interpreting and revising existing policy and regulatory guidance for use by others within or outside the organization. Assists management in carrying out analyses, feasibility studies, and project design proposals through preparation of terms of reference and making study teams available. Reviews program/project proposals for economic, financial, and technical soundness; recommends or takes appropriate actions. May serve as a COR on technology related projects or procurements.

Serves as a liaison with OCIO on agile project management as a subject matter expert or product owner on automation programs/projects within ABA.

Provides expert guidance in the resolution of complex system and database problems or issues impacting Library of Congress programs. Participates in the analysis of service unit and agency-wide projects and programs.

Provides automation support to users throughout the Service Unit and divisions engaged in the development and implementation of the systems and subsystems required to meet the data processing needs of the Library of Congress. Works with end users to establish and enforce database standards,
procedures, and guidelines.

Participates in the planning of future database expansion, enhancements, and selections. Analyzes, reviews, and recommends upgrades for existing databases. Plans for the total database environment, including database management systems, data dictionaries, security systems, communication software, and end user software.

Provides expert analysis and advice and works with OCIO to develop solutions to solve issues and problems associated with service unit automation programs and systems. Develops criteria to evaluate the effectiveness of automation programs and systems.

Serves as a recognized technical authority for new or enhanced business systems. Exercises considerable judgment and ingenuity in advocating the benefits of implementing business-driven quality and process improvements. Participates in the development of operational plans. Assists in planning, directing and coordinating the implementation and execution of approved policies, programs, and services related to information and business systems. Reviews and evaluates operations to appraise the effectiveness of policies and programs. Identifies deficiencies and takes/recommends appropriate
action.