IMS Specialist

Primary Purpose:

• To provide support, guidance, and technical assistance for IMS Business and Student software to ESC 16 district clients in a timely, professional, and efficient manner.
• To provide for the delivery of TSDS PEIMS, TSDS Core Collection, and all mandated TEA collections to contracted Local Education Agencies (LEAs) by developing effective and efficient preparation processes based on ESC expertise. Submit the required TSDS/PEIMS data to the Texas Education Agency on behalf of the contracting LEAs.
• To provide technical assistance and training, to assist LEAs in meeting all TSDS/PEIMS submission requirements 
• To provide the technical expertise to maintain the hosting environment for contracted Local Education Agencies (LEAs).

Qualifications:

Education/Certification

• Bachelor's Degree required preferably in the areas of Education, Computer Science, Business or other related degree

Skills

• Demonstrated ability to learn the ESC Educational Administrative Software (ASCENDER(TM)) to provide support to Region 16 districts
• School district business office or student SIS experience preferred
• Knowledge of Texas Student Data System (TSDS) preferred
• Demonstrated excellence in communication skills while working with personnel of school districts, Texas Education Agency (TEA), Education Service Center (ESC), and other clients served by the ESC
• Demonstrated ability to perform assigned duties while working in current Windows environment. 
• Must possess an internal drive to teach and guide clients through a complex processes
• Must possess a customer service attitude in assisting clients
• Must possess a service oriented ability to think strategically while emphasizing on the needs of clients

Working Conditions:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals
• Posture: Must be physically able to tolerate prolonged sitting, frequent standing; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting, and standing
• Motion: Must be physically able to tolerate frequent standing and walking, repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching, occasional driving
• Lifting: Must be physically able to tolerate regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may require occasional heavy lifting and carrying (45 pounds or more) 
• Environment: Must be physically able to work inside; tolerate frequent regionwide travel and occasional statewide travel; regular exposure to noise; may be required to be on-call 24 hours a day; occasional prolonged hours
• Mental Demands: Must be able to work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours on occasion
• Regular Attendance is an essential function

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Provides professional assistance to district personnel to support Texas Student Data System (TSDS) data collections, data editing, and data submission to TEA for each of the reporting cycles
2. Maintains a thorough knowledge of the "TEDS" Data Standards," "Student Attendance Accounting Handbook," and other legal publications
3. Provides professional assistance to school district personnel by providing the Texas Education Agency, Federal Government, and other governing agencies mandated reporting requirements
4. Provides professional assistance and training to district personnel in the areas assigned for computer software support and problem determination for the ESC  Educational Administrative software (ASCENDER(TM)) and other ESC  supported software
5. Provides assistance in the planning and conducting of workshops for the areas of assignment
6. Remains alert and knowledgeable of the changing needs of the users and assist with required needs
7. Provides problem solving determination to district personnel in the area of ESC supported software
8. Provides technical assistance in the areas of software installation and configuration
9. Exhibits a continual effort to collaborate within the IMS team, other ESC departments, districts and their personnel as well as other Regional Service Centers
10. Travels as a part of job responsibilities
11. Maintains a functioning cell phone and is accessible through this phone as deemed appropriate by the service area director  A functioning cell phone means that it is charged, activated, messages checked, and mailbox emptied regularly
12. Reports for work ready to perform responsibilities
13. Performs duties that directly and/or indirectly impact student performance in Region 
14. Maintains a professional level of confidentiality regarding all ESC matters
15. Supports the mission, goals, and objectives of the ESC strategic plan
16. Upholds and adheres to safety rules and policies of the ESC safety program
17. Performs professional responsibilities as required by ESC policies, processes, and procedures
18. Manages time, calendar, and job responsibilities to meet deadlines 
19. Meets proficiency levels of required technology skills as outlined by supervisor
20. Incorporates appropriate technology in daily work and exhibits continual growth in technologies as outlined by supervisor
21. Performs other duties as assigned

Annual Number of Work Days:  226