DSHS FTAA DIT Senior IT Quality Assurance Specialist

Senior IT Quality Assurance Specialist (Test Lead)

Finance, Technology & Analytics Administration (FTAA) – Department of Information Technology (DIT)

This is an exciting opportunity to be an instrumental Test Lead for critical programs that provide significant, ongoing impact to Washington State. You will champion the quality and operational excellence of applications that serve our community.

You will help ensure that the technology systems used across Washington State to deliver food, cash, and medical benefits meet the highest standards of quality for the people that need them most. These systems serve residents every day, and your leadership guarantees they remain accurate, secure and intuitive for both staff and the public. By supporting applications that allow families to apply for benefits and report changes, and complete reviews, you play a vital role in helping Washingtonians achieve greater stability and well-being.

As Test Lead, you will be involved in every phase of the software development lifecycle (SDLC) –from requirements to design definition to coding, testing and deployment.

Serving as the operational backbone of the QA team, you ensure our testing environments and systems are fully functional to support daily activities. You act as a key problem-solver, proactively removing roadblocks to keep our processes streamlined and our releases on track.

You will guide testing efforts for the Quality Assurance team, working closely with testers, business analysts, technical teams, and business partners. You will mentor others in testing practices, support quality improvements, and review the work of others to ensure system updates are ready for production. You will also empower new testers to build confidence and skills through training, coaching, and clear expectations.

This position offers flexible work options, including telework within Washington State or on-site. Normal working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Some evening and weekend work maybe be required to support scheduled maintenance activities, critical problem resolution or urgent production operations.

Some of what you will do

• Lead the testing of complex projects, including creating test plans, test cases, defining tasks and timelines, and reporting progress to managers.
• Make decisions and complete tasks regarding test environment maintenance and the access of test environments.
• Manage testing for software upgrades and disaster recovery exercises, including automated scripts and validation scenarios.
• Apply strategic expertise to incorporate existing processes and develop new methods/procedure/approach to complete projects.
• Complete research on new technologies and tools and provide a recommendation for implementation and guide integration.
• Develop and deliver training for new and seasoned team members, including tools, testing principles, concepts and best practices.
• Maintain relationships with State and Federal Agency partners to coordinate test efforts for shared functionality.
• Collaborate with the QA Manager to analyze enhancements, incidents, and problems related to release cycles.

Required and preferred experience

You will bring a combination of education and experience that prepares you to lead complex testing efforts:

• A bachelor’s degree in IT systems, computer science, or a related field plus 7 years of experience using software testing methods, working with hierarchical and relational databases, and testing web or client-server applications. Eleven years of professional experience in these areas will substitute for the degree.
• Experience using XML, SQL, and file-management tools.
• Experience with test workflow or requirement-definition tools.
• Experience solving complex problems using creative and practical approaches.
• Knowledge of DIT-ESA applications, batch dependencies, public assistance program rules, and interfaces connected to ESA systems.
• Knowledge of software development lifecycle practices, defect management, and industry standards for planning and executing test scenarios.
• Ability to identify risks, interpret complex rules and policies, communicate clearly with technical and non-technical audiences, and adapt to shifting priorities.
• Ability to facilitate meetings, plan and track work, and guide projects from start to finish.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, build relationships, and provide clear guidance.
• Skill in reviewing interfaces, using SQL tools to locate data, and navigating ESA applications.
• Skill in problem-solving, time management, written and verbal communication, and attention to detail.
• A software testing certification is helpful but not required.

To apply: Include 3 or more professional references with current contact information, a chronological resume, and a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the job and defining skills and experience that make you the best person for the job.

DSHS partners with people to access support, care, and resources.
Questions?Please contact the Recruiter Jenny at bastrjl@dshs.wa.gov or 360-725-5810 and reference #03104. Learn more about DSHS.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protect­ed veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information.Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.