Lead Software Architect

Lead Software Architect

Location: South Carolina
Employment Type: Contract

Client: South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS)
Department: Child Support Services Division (CSSD)

Position Overview

The South Carolina Department of Social Services is seeking an experienced Lead Software Architect to support the Child Support Services Applications team.

The Lead Software Architect will develop a strong understanding of the Child Support Enforcement System (PACSS), including Case Initiation, Case Management, and Financial functional areas, and how these areas integrate with the SC New Hire and Child Support Client Portal applications.

This role will lead a team of Business Analysts, Testers, and Subject Matter Experts supporting PACSS, SC New Hire, and the Child Support Client Portal.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead functional architecture activities for PACSS, SC New Hire, and Child Support Client Portal.

• Develop a thorough understanding of PACSS functional and technical requirements.

• Understand how PACSS functional areas integrate with other applications.

• Lead Business Analysts, Testers, and Subject Matter Experts across the three applications.

• Report project status and provide written and verbal updates to the PACSS Project Manager.

• Plan and coordinate State project team responsibilities for requirements validation, design, and system testing.

• Oversee System Development Contractor activities throughout the SDLC.

• Review and evaluate contractor deliverables according to project plans and contractual requirements.

• Oversee the Requirements Management Process.

• Maintain requirements traceability throughout the SDLC.

• Work with CSSD stakeholders to understand application-related business issues.

• Lead development of user stories and use cases.

• Analyze requirements and create workflow charts and diagrams.

• Develop technical specifications and reports.

• Assist with test case design and review.

• Process change requests and manage project scope through requirements management.

• Work closely with developers and end users to define and validate functional requirements.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience with the PACSS application.

• Experience working with Child Support systems.

• Experience with Federal Child Support IV-D regulations.

• Experience working with developers and end users to define functional requirements.

• Experience with New Hire applications.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field.

• Strong leadership and team management abilities.

• Strong understanding of system engineering concepts, modeling techniques, and methodologies.

• Ability to work independently with minimal guidance.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong technical writing skills.

• Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SharePoint.

• Experience with Team Foundation Server (TFS).

• Experience with SQL Server.

• Experience with Visio.

• Experience working with State Government technology teams.

• Experience overseeing requirements validation, system design, and testing activities.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have strong Child Support system experience, particularly with PACSS, combined with functional architecture, requirements management, leadership, and technical communication skills. The candidate should be comfortable working with State stakeholders, developers, end users, vendors, Business Analysts, and testing teams throughout the SDLC.