Title: Web Application Developer, Jr. (AWS) #W2223
State Role Title: Info Technology Specialist II
Hiring Range: $110,000 - $120,000 per year (salary commensurate with experience)
Pay Band: 5
Agency: Department of Social Services
Location: DSS HOME OFFICE
Agency Website: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
At the Virginia Department of Social Services, we put people at the center of everything we do. We believe that every Virginian can live a life of dignity and that all voices, ideas and experiences contribute greatly to our pursuit of excellence. Inspired by continuous improvement, we commit ourselves to listening, learning and cultivating environments of trust, respect and positive engagement. Together, we are mission-driven, eager to achieve, and passionate about bringing the best of who we are to those we serve.
We design and deliver high-quality human services that help Virginians achieve safety, independence and overall well-being. We are a $2 billion agency – one of the largest in the Commonwealth of Virginia – partnering with 120 local departments of social services and 31 community action agencies, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children, adults, and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside 1,650 (state) and 12,200 (local) human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens have easy access to the services and benefits available to them.
The BSE department within TSD develops and maintains TSD applications in AWS and provides migration pathways from on-prem applications to AWS. The Web Application Developer, Jr. (AWS) position is responsible for analyzing solutions that require research and design and provide best practices to move to AWS, working closely with the Application Developer (AWS) on most tasks assigned.
Under the direction of the Application Developer (AWS), The Web Application Developer, Jr. (AWS) is responsible in creating, maintaining, and evolving AWS cloud infrastructure for running applications both small to large complex projects that require advanced skill in multiple technical environments to produce integrated solutions to resolve highly complex technical and business issues to serve a diverse audience with varied proficiencies.
The Web Application Developer, Jr. (AWS) developer works with the Architecture and Cybersecurity departments, along with VITA MSI provider Unisys, to complete the Controls Assessment and work with ISRM to get ATO. The developer also works with the Application Developer (AWS) in providing additional support for lines of business
Under the direction of the senior staff, The Web Application Developer, Jr. (AWS) assists project management with analysis and research on technical effort requiring development resources; communicating problems & project risks; designs technical requirements for the project managers/teams; guides and directs work on multiple projects and ensures proper usage as part of the design efforts in building a system to be put into production. A thorough understanding of the SDLC development lifecycle including post production implementation tasks/deliverables.
The Web Application Developer, Jr. (AWS) works closely with Enterprise Architecture and Infrastructure & Operations teams to ensure the solutions developed conform to the prescribed architecture; ensures solutions are complaint with all security protocols and guidelines; and seeks/obtains input from Enterprise Architecture on items that are architecturally significant and thereby affect development design/approach/solution. Works with VITA AWS Solution provider to confirm with VITA standards and assists in automation of processes working with DevOps teams.
The Web Application Developer, Jr. (AWS) prepares system documents and constructs code to deliver quality, cost effective and timely deliverables according to the department’s lifecycle development approach.
This includes, but is not limited to:
•Clarifying requests for solutions, enhancements or system changes
•Perform estimate analysis on requests, tickets or proposals
•Analyzing user requirements, documents and requests to develop effective automated solutions
•Maintaining production code, programs and supporting test plans and will provide direct support to TSD departments
Minimum Qualifications
• Basic knowledge/experience in SDLC using agile processes
• Basic knowledge/experience in RDBMS, SQL, JavaScript,
• Basic knowledge/experience in REST API development
• Basic knowledge/experience in defect Tracking and source code utilities : Git, Jira, VS Code
• Basic knowledge/experience in development Terraform and Cloud formation templates in AWS
• Basic knowledge/experience in developing AWS Lambda functions
KSA’s and/or Competencies required to successfully perform the work:
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse audiences and to make presentations and conduct meetings.
• Build, maintain, and scale distributed, fault-tolerant systems and microservices using languages like Java, Python.
• Knowledge of observability tools and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools (Terraform).
• Knowledge of Spring framework.
Additional Considerations
• Some experience in hands-on work with core AWS services not limited to Lambda, Dynamo DB, Bedrock
• Beginner skill in automation and scripting (PowerShell, Python).
• Beginner skill in cloud platform management and cost optimization.
• With guidance from senior staff, ability to transition an application to a new system, infrastructure or cloud solution.
• With guidance from senior staff, ability to evaluate, implement and document application enhancements.
• Develop applications using HTML, ReactJS
• Develop applications using Java 17/21
• Working knowledge and development using Oracle SQL queries and stored procedures
• AWS Cloud Practitioner certification
• Knowledge of VITA NIST 800.53 standards
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a fingerprint-based criminal history background check. A record of criminal history does not automatically bar an applicant from consideration. Employment verification will be conducted to include current/previous supervisory employment reference checks.
VDSS will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.
To be considered for this position, you must submit a Commonwealth of Virginia application or resume through the on-line “Virginia Jobs” (PageUp) employment site no later than 11:55 p.m. on the closing date listed. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and additional considerations as stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided. Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment within 90 days of the closing date.
In addition to a rewarding work experience, VDSS offers excellent health and life insurance benefits, pre-tax spending accounts, state funded Short and Long Term Disability, paid holidays, vacation, tuition assistance, free wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching – Employee Benefits.
The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity within its workforce.
VDSS does not provide sponsorship.
This position may be eligible for telework opportunities; availability, hours, and duration will be in accordance with the Commonwealth’s Teleworking policy.
VDSS is an official certified state agency that values the service and experience of our Veterans. As such, Veterans are encouraged to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni also are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants, if requested, during the application and/or interview process.
If you have been affected by Policy 1.30 Layoff as a state employee and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Card (Blue Card), you must submit this document through the “Virginia Jobs” (PageUp) employment site when you apply.
Contact Information
Name: VDSS – Division of Human Resources
Phone: dssrecruitment@dss.virginia.gov
Email: dssrecruitment@dss.virginia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
The Commonwealth of Virginia is located in the South Atlantic region of the United States. It was the 10th state to be admitted to the Union on June 25, 1788. Home to approximately 8 million residents, Virginia is the 12th most populous state in the United States. The capital is Richmond, and its most populous city is Virginia Beach.
The narrative history of the Commonwealth of Virginia often begins with the founding of Jamestown in 1607, near what is now modern day Williamsburg, Virginia. Jamestown became the first permanent English settlement in the New World, and the Virginia General Assembly, established on July 30, 1619, is now recognized as the oldest legislative body in the western hemisphere. When Virginia became a royal colony in 1624, the robust tobacco trade that had been developing in Virginia helped establish the American colonies as a powerful economic force. During the American Revolution, Virginia witnessed the final surrender of British forces at Yorktown and later became known as the birthplace of many revolution-era figures and future American presidents, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. To date, 8 United States presidents have been born in Virginia, more than in any other state.
The modern government of Virginia is nearly identical in structure to the federal government, and is divided into 3 branches, these being the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches. The Virginia General Assembly is comprised of the 100-member House of Delegates and the 40-member Senate. A governor and lieutenant governor are elected every 4 years. Governors cannot be elected to or serve consecutive terms. Virginia’s judicial system consists of the Supreme Court of Virginia and the Court of Appeals of Virginia, the Circuit Courts, and the lower General District Courts and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts. Virginia has 13 electoral votes in presidential elections, and possesses 11 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
