What are the responsibilities and job description for the Health Services Department Information Systems Manager position at County of Sonoma, CA?
Salary : $132,260.79 - $160,770.85 Annually
Location : Santa Rosa, CA
Job Type : Full-Time
Job Number : 25 / 02-0161-DHSO
Department : Department of Health Services (DHS)
Opening Date : 02 / 07 / 2025
Closing Date : 3 / 3 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit : 50
Position Information
Take the lead in health information systems innovation and performance! Join Sonoma County's Department of Health Services as the Department Information Systems Manager. Apply today!
Starting salary up to $77.03 / hour ($160,770 / year) and a competitive total compensation package!
The Department of Health Services (DHS) is seeking an experienced and innovative Department Information Systems Manager (DISM) to oversee the implementation and maintenance of critical health information systems, including electronic health records (EHR) and other specialized platforms. This leadership role involves managing technical projects, supervising IT professionals, and collaborating with stakeholders to achieve DHS's technology goals. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead transformative technology initiatives that enhance public health services. You will drive innovation and efficiency, ensuring DHS's systems meet the needs of clinical, public health, and administrative operations. As the DISM, you will also :
- Oversee the implementation, enhancement, and operation of the Behavioral Health Division electronic medical record system, SmartCare and other Health Services database systems
- Lead data conversion from legacy systems such as Avatar and SWITS
- Act as a liaison between DHS and external partners including ISD, CalHMSA, and vendors
- Manage and support specialized systems, including QuickBase, SharePoint, IBM Watson-Care, Orchard Laboratory Information Systems, WIC Welfare System, and Pulse Point
- Ensure compliance with data security and health information privacy regulations
- Develop system training, communication, and support strategies for DHS staff and external stakeholders
You will play a pivotal role in shaping several key IT initiatives, including :
The ideal candidate will possess many of the following :
The Department of Health Services (DHS)
DHS is one of Sonoma County's largest and most complex departments. DHS consists of the Administration, Behavioral Health, Public Health, and Homelessness Services Divisions and is driven by its mission to promote, protect, and ensure access to services that support the health, recovery, and well-being of all in Sonoma County. These ideals are the basis for DHS operations and service delivery :
For more information regarding the department, its programs, services, and partnerships, visit the
What We Offer
Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits
This recruitment is being conducted to fill the Health Services Department Information Systems Manager position in the Department of Health Services. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment. The Civil Service title for this position is Department Information Systems Manager.
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.
Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of training and experience which would provide the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed. Normally this would include :
Experience : Four years of progressively responsible experience planning, developing and administering multiple, complex, information technology systems and applications, including one year of supervisory or lead responsibility for defining, planning and implementing automated information systems
Education : The equivalent to graduation from a four-year college with major coursework in business analysis, project management, management information systems, computer science, statistics, or closely related field; and
License : Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level including necessary special endorsements, as required by the State of California to perform the essential job functions of the position.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Considerable knowledge of : IT policy and planning concepts, methods, and practices; customer service protocols; capabilities and limitations of various computer systems, including mainframe and personal computer based systems, LANs and WANs; the principles of information systems analysis and design especially related to multi-platform and networked applications; information system security technologies; general principles of office automation; various operating systems and related software used in operating departments; current and emerging technology principles, principles and techniques of project management.
Working knowledge of : principles of computer programming in languages required to support the applications and systems utilized in the operating department; principles of data retrieval and reporting; requirements and methods of procurement, contract negotiation and preparation; cost benefit analysis methods; principles and practices of personnel management, employee supervision, and training.
Ability to : develop strategic information technology plans; plan, organize, prioritize and delegate work; respond to changing needs and balance competing priorities; develop cost estimates and manage project costs; apply goals and objectives in responding to user requests related to the support, maintenance, and / or upgrade of computer information systems; train and develop staff; establish staff performance standards and evaluate performance; analyze information, develop alternative solutions, project consequences and implement solutions; establish metrics and associated systems performance measurement tools; formulate and modify policies and procedures; remain knowledgeable on the current technologies available; prepare and present reports, proposals, and other information; establish and maintain effective working relationships with department staff, other information systems staff, other agencies, and vendors or contractors; understand, interpret, and apply rules, regulations, ordinances and legislation related to operations; communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying
Please visit to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.
Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state, "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.
The selection procedure will consist of the following examination :
An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination ( weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant's application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass / not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria :
Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as the number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.
Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the to determine the requirements for this position.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are accepted online at Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.
The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.
HR Analyst : BH
HR Technician : RR
IMPORTANT NOTE : Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.
COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS : MANAGEMENT
These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers :
Paid Time Off : Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
Health Plan : Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generous County contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.
Retirement : Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit
IRS 457 Plan : Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
Retiree Medical : County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance / benefits.
Student Loan Debt Relief : County employees may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Education.
Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.
For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at or (707) 565-2900.
How did you first learn about this opportunity?
Please indicate if you would also be interested in future part-time or extra-help (temporary, intermittent, or seasonal employment) positions should they become available. Check all that apply.
For this question, and all subsequent questions, provide sufficient information to allow for a thorough evaluation of your qualifications. Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria and may be reviewed by hiring managers.
The minimum qualifications for this position generally require :
Please describe how you meet these minimum qualifications.
Please describe your experience implementing and maintaining electronic health records (EHR) or similar systems. What was your role in the project, what challenges did you face, and what actions did you take to ensure compliance with data security and privacy regulations?
Please provide an example of how you communicate complex technical information to a non-technical audience, this can include internal or external stakeholders. Describe the context, your role, what actions you took to ensure clarity or overcome barriers, and the outcome of your communication.
Please describe your lead and / or supervisory experience. Include details regarding the number of staff and type of positions (e.g., clerical, technical, professional) you supervised, and the scope of duties you performed (i.e. hiring, training, performance management, discipline, etc.).
Required Question
Salary : $77,030 - $160,770
