Unemployment Insurance, SME, Consultant

Job Title: Unemployment Insurance (UI) Subject Matter Expert (SME), Consultant

Job Summary: We are seeking a highly knowledgeable and experienced Unemployment Insurance (UI) Subject Matter Expert (SME), Consultant via Variable Hours to support a client's UI Modernization initiative. The SME will provide technical and strategic expertise across multiple domains, including operations and maintenance (O&M), state IT implementation assistance, software engineering and development, database management, data analysis/reporting, system architecture, testing, and help desk support. This role involves collaboration with multi-disciplinary and multi-contractor integrated product teams (IPTs) and active participation in Agile SCRUM development environments.

Key Responsibilities:

Subject Matter Expertise & Strategic Guidance

• Provide expert guidance and analysis related to UI program administration, IT modernization, and state-level implementation.
• Support the development of scalable and flexible modernization solutions adaptable to varying state requirements.
• Engage with state and federal stakeholders to assess needs and provide actionable insights and recommendations.

Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Support

• Lead and advise on Configuration Management, Database Management, and Application Development.
• Support application testing (manual and automated), DevOps integration, release management, and help desk operations.
• Analyze application bugs, perform root cause analysis, and recommend long-term resolutions.

State IT Implementation Assistance

• Partner with state agencies to assess current systems, define modernization strategies, and assist in execution.
• Provide subject matter support for new software development, platform design, and technology enhancements.
• Collaborate on after-action reports and implementation documentation to promote cross-state learnings and best practices.

Application Development and Testing

Oversee and guide the development of UI applications within a DOL-centric hosted modular framework.

• Ensure development and maintenance meet all security, performance, and functional requirements.
• Oversee and guide the development of UI applications within a DOL-centric hosted modular framework.
• Lead and support Tier 3 help desk escalations for UI application-related issues.

Data Analytics and Reporting

• Support the generation of statistical reports, dashboards, and executive presentations to inform federal and state leadership.
• Ensure performance metrics are accurately captured and reported to evaluate program effectiveness.
• Assist in identifying common state issues and recommend shared, scalable IT solutions.

Collaboration and Agile Team Participation

• Actively participate in integrated SCRUM teams, retrospectives, and Agile ceremonies.
• Collaborate with other vendors and federal staff to deliver joint outcomes under multi-vendor IPT structures.
• Facilitate communication materials and change management processes in accordance with client guidelines.

Support

• Collaborate with integrated product teams (IPTs) to understand reporting requirements and business objectives related to UI program modernization.
• Extract, transform, and analyze data from multiple sources (on-premise, cloud, and hybrid environments).
• Design and develop dynamic reports, dashboards, and data visualizations using Power BI.
• Translate complex data findings into clear, actionable insights for federal and state stakeholders.
• Develop statistical reports, executive presentations, and graphical representations to support decision-making.
• Prepare and maintain standardized and ad-hoc reports (e.g., Implementation Plans, After Action Reports, Lessons Learned).
• Ensure the accuracy, consistency, and timeliness of all reports and data deliverables.
• Collaborate with software engineers, architects, and business analysts to ensure data/reporting solutions align with evolving UI modernization efforts.
• Contribute to documentation for data analysis processes, data definitions, and visual standards.
• Support change management and communications efforts by providing digestive data summaries and visual content.

Qualifications

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  Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Information Systems, Computer Science, Business, or related field; Master's degree preferred.

  
  
• Minimum 7+ years of experience supporting UI systems or related large-scale government programs.
• Strong understanding of UI policy, program operations, and modernization initiatives at the federal and state levels.
• Demonstrated experience with database management, configuration management, and software engineering methodologies.
• Experience supporting IT systems in on-premise, cloud, or hybrid environments.
• Familiarity with Agile/SCRUM development methodologies and participation in integrated product teams.
• Proficiency in data analytics, secure data transfer, business analysis, and IT performance management.
• Knowledge of FISMA, NIST standards, and federal IT security requirements.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills, including experience producing reports and stakeholder briefings.