HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 08122008 - C.2A HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA
TO: BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
FROM: Joseph Villarreal, Executive Director CO2000
DATE: August 12, 2008
SUBJECT: APPROVE NEW JOB CLASSIFICATION FOR DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY
I. RECOMMENDED ACTION:
APPROVE the addition of the,following job classification and salary range:
Job Classification FLSA Status
Director of Information Technology Exempt
Salary Range (5 steps)
Minimum Step Maximum Step
$6,870 $8,335
II. FINANCIAL IMPACT:
While this is a new classification, funding for this position has been approved by the Board in the
Authority's current budget.
III. REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATION/BACKGROUND
The)Authority currently receives primary information technology (IT) support on a contractual basis.
Ansulting team provides direct support for most of the Authority's network, software and hardware
ngds, including support and programming for the software the Authority uses to manage its public
housing, tax credit, housing choice voucher, project-based voucher, family self-sufficiency and
homeownership programs. This team also provides primary oversight of the Authority's Computer
Support Specialist and also oversees other outside IT contractors such as those providing the
Authority's telephone services..
Over the past ten years, HUD has significantly increased the technological sophistication it requires
of housing authorities. Most of HUD's reporting and monitoring requirements are conducted
electronically and an extensive and sophisticated database is required to track family composition,
income and unit information and use these factors to correctly calculate subsidies under HUD's
various program regulations. With increasingly complex and ever-changing rules, t laces a
oe
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: X YES SIGNATURE
oseph Villarreal,Executive Director
RECOMMENDATION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD
COMMITTEE
exI APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(S):
ACTION OF BOARD ON APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED HER
VOTE OF COMMISSIONERS
1 HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A
UNANIMOUS (ABSENT 77;L � j TRUE AND CORRECT COPY OF AN
AYES: NOES: ACTION TAKEN AND ENTERED ON THE
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF
COMMISSION RS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
ATTESTED
JO H VILLARREAL, CLERK OF
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
B
, DEPUTY
tremendous demand on housing authorities' IT systems. As the Authority's IT needs have grown
both more complex and fundamental to its core business, the costs of these services have greatly
increased. Over the past four years the Authority has seen the cost of its existing contract nearly
double. Costs for this team have averaged $198,827 for the past two complete calendar years.
While the Authority has been pleased with the services provided by its IT consultants, staff proposes
to replace the current consultants with a permanent staff person. Staff believes a permanent staff
person will better contribute to the operational stability of the organization and will also help to contain
costs.
The draft job description for the proposed Director of Information Technology position is attached.
The proposed salary was developed based on a review of salaries in the area. The most comparable
agency surveyed was the Housing Authority of Alameda County (HACA). A slightly smaller agency,
their IT Manager position oversees one staff person, as this position will, and is responsible for a
similar range of duties as proposed here. The salary for HACA's IT Manager ranges from $6,669 to
$9,004.
IV. CONSEQUENCES OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Should the Board of Commissioners elect not to approve this action, the Housing Authority would be
unable to permanently staff a key operational function and would continue to utilize a vendor(s) to
provide primary IT services to the Authority.
HOUSING AUTHORITY
OF THE
COUNTY OF CONTRA COSTA
Approved: 00/00/00 Reviewed: 00/00/00
Revised: 00/00/00
DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(FLSA EXEMPT POSITION)
DEFINITION/PURPOSE:
Provide leadership, strategic,direction and guidance in maintaining and improving the
Authority's enterprise and desktop computing environment, communications
infrastructure, other technological solutions designed to meet the business needs of the
Authority. This position willllsupervise internal staff, manage outside contractors and
coordinate work with other Departments. This position will provide assistance and
guidance to the Executive Director.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This single position management classification is responsible for the planning and
coordination of all programs related to the Agency's information technology services. It
differs from all other classifications in that it is solely responsible to the Executive
Director for the effective planning for and implementation of information technology
standards and strategy in support of the Agency's goals and objectives.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
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Operates under the direct supervision and general administrative direction of the
Executive Director, with significant independence.
Direct supervision and general direction is exercised over Computer Support Specialist
who is responsible for providing the day-to-day hardware and software support to all end
users. This classification provides direct and indirect supervision to outside vendors
providing information technology services to the Authority.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
Communication, Leadership and Relationships
As a member of the senior management team, participates in the Authority's strategic
planning process.
• Establish Authority-wide goals and cross department projects and objectives.
• Contributes leadership toa team effort in technology planning, equipment
acquisition, applications development, and establishment of standards for hardware,
software, networking data and voice security, and telecommunications equipment
and services.
• Maintains effective communications with all departments within the Authority to
assure that information technology services for management, operations and
decision-making requirements are acquired or developed, implemented, and
improved or replaced as necessary.
• Provides leadership to that IT Department staff delivers the highest quality of
customer service to Authority's departments through prompt response and resolution
to service requests.
• Demonstrates commitment to constant improvement, monitoring workflow to assure
maximum productivity, making sound decisions on resource allocations.
• Identify, implement and evaluate best practices to maximize project and service
delivery.
• On an ongoing basis review procedures and approaches.
Financial Accountability
• Develops and manages contracts and service agreements with information
technology and telecommunications vendors
• Manages department and IT expenses to meet budget goals.
Compliance
• Responsible for security and integrity of all aspects of the Authority's data network,
servers, and telecommunication systems.
BO Director of IT Job Description
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Responsible for backup strategy for devices on the Authority's data and
telecommunication networks.
• Responsible for Dis'asterjjRecovery planning activities for information technology and
telecommunication systems.
• Assures that all softwarelacquired and installed on Authority's equipment is used in
compliance with software end use agreement(s).
• Responsible for maintaining current and accurate inventory of equipment, software,
and licenses.
Operations
Provides leadership to the IT Department in the delivery of a wide range of
information technology and telecommunications services including server
implementation and management, application development,.database management,
networking, website development, special projects, security monitoring, vendor
relations, disaster recovery issues, professional development, and user support and
training.
• Manage conversions to new hardware and software.
• Performs duties following established HUD and Authority guidelines; works in
conjunction and in cooperation with all Authority departments.
• Serve as a resource to Authority's management staff on issues of computer
technology and applications as requested.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
• Represents the Authority,in consultative information technology assignments with
other agencies and orgaI�izations.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Knowledge of: Strong leadership, staff development, and communications skills.
Principles, practices and techniques of public and business administration.
Experience in researching, adopting and implementing new technologies.
Experience in project management, budget development and oversight.
Experience in database management (preferably SQL), system design and
programming, software application development, MS Exchange, voice and data
network technologies and management, firewalls, web design. Fundamental
knowledge of telecommunications systems (preferably Cisco). Proficient MS Office
Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access). Knowledge of Housing
Authority program management software (preferably Yardi) is preferred, but not
required.
Ability to: Organize, supervise, train, direct, and evaluate professional staff to
ensure a high level of works performance, productivity, and customer service in the
delivery of information technology and telecommunications services. Think
analytically and demonstrate creative problem-solving skills. Translate technical
issues to non-technical team members. Prepare clear and concise administrative
and financial reports. Make clear, concise and informative oral presentations. Set
goals and achieve results'. I Monitor new and emerging information and
telecommunications technologies to assess their applicability to Authority goals.
Communicate effectively both' orally and in writing (using audio and visual
capacities)
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
California Driver License — Must possess and maintain an applicable California Driver
License and a driving record acceptable to the Authority's insurance carrier.
Physical Abilities and Work l Environment— Must have the ability to drive an automobile,
sit and stand for lengthy periods of time, stretch and bend. Must have the manual
dexterity to operate a varietyy�of automated office machines including computers,
printers, facsimile machines and telephones. Must be able to access system equipment
and infrastructure. Lift or carry up to 50 lbs. A majority of work is conducted in an indoor
office environment.
Other
• Provide an annual Statement of Economic Interest.
Director of Information Technology
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BO Director of IT Job Description
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• Provide proof of US citizenship or, if a non-citizen, either lawful admission for
permanent residence or authorization for appropriate work by the Immigration
and Naturalization Service.
• Will be required to take a pre-employment physical examination.
• Be bondable.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION GUIDELINES:
I'
Any combination of experience and education that would be likely to provide the required
knowledge and abilities could be qualifying, as determined by the Authority. Equivalent
combinations of education,'-training, and experience will be considered. A typical way to
obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience —A minimum of five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in
information technology, or a"related field, at the middle or senior management level; a
minimum of two (2) years of"supervisory experience.
Education — Bachelor's Degree, from an accredited college or university, with a major in
computer science, information systems management, public administration, business
administration or a closely related field
Director of Information Technology
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