Senior Systems Programmer Analyst

Summary
 Why should you join the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina family of companies? Other companies come and go, but for more than seven decades we’ve been part of the national landscape, with our roots firmly embedded in the South Carolina community. We are the largest insurance company in South Carolina … and much more. We are one of the nation’s leading administrators of government contracts. We operate one of the most sophisticated data processing centers in the Southeast. We also have a diverse family of subsidiary companies that allows us to build on a variety of business strengths. We deliver outstanding service to our customers. If you are dedicated to the same philosophy, consider joining our team!
The CICS team is a core part of our Mainframe Services organization, responsible for delivering and supporting the transaction processing backbone of our enterprise systems. This group manages the full lifecycle of CICS (Customer Information Control System) environments, ensuring high availability, performance, and reliability for mission-critical business applications.
Each team member plays a vital role, owning specific technological components that are essential to CICS operations. This clear sense of responsibility fosters collaboration and mutual respect, with strong relationships and high levels of trust across the team. Everyone is empowered to contribute, and the team thrives on open communication, shared goals, and a genuine commitment to helping one another succeed.
Description
 This position requires a clearance which requires U.S. citizenship to obtain.Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for sponsorship now or in the future.

Position Purpose:

Responsible for ensuring all systems programming decisions maintain the integrity of the overall systems infrastructure. Write or debug programs to maintain and control computer systems software, such as operating systems, networked systems, and database systems. Provide technical and disaster recovery expertise for systems software.

Work Environment:

• Fast paced, multi-platformed environment which may require action and response 24X7 to support the technical business needs of the customer.

What You'll Do:

• Diagnose, isolate, and debug software problems and perform problem resolution. Identify issues that the vendor is responsible for and refer those issues appropriately.

• Review and design system software and hardware builds analyzing system options and the impact on the overall systems infrastructure. Develop and document the framework for integration and implementation for changes to technical standards.

• Coordinate installation, testing, and maintenance of systems software. Schedule system downtime in a way that minimizes user impact.

• Review customer requests, security patches, and audit requirements for additions or changes to systems, and evaluate feasibility to determine if/how to handle the request while maintaining an adequate/appropriate overall systems infrastructure. To determine if requested changes are possible, review system capabilities, workflow, and scheduling limitations.

• Provide technical guidance to project team areas as appropriate. May evaluate vendor-supplied software packages and make recommendations to IT management. In coordination with Project Leads and senior level staff, provide input on proposals that could potentially impact systems.

• Assist in the establishment and implementation of standards and guidelines that guide the design of technology solutions across the enterprise.

• Provide technical and disaster recovery support for systems software.

To Qualify for This Position, You'll Need:

Required Education:

• Bachelor's in a job-related field

Degree Equivalency:

• Associate's degree plus an extra 2 years job-related experience for a total of 10 years of required work experience (see "required work experience").

OR

• 12 total years required work experience

Required Work Experience:

• 8 Years IT experience including extensive systems programming experience.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Strong analytical and logical thinking skills.

• Thorough understanding of operating systems and foundation architecture.

• Extensive knowledge of systems programming, graphical user interfaces, control languages, development, quality assurance, and integration methodologies.

• Advanced knowledge of currently utilized programming productivity tools and their use.

• Advanced knowledge/skills in analyzing system software and making recommendations for performance enhancements.

Required Software and Other Tools:

• Standard office equipment.

We Prefer That You Have: ​

• Daily support and upkeep of the Mainframe CICS Environment and supporting products and processes.

• Work with IBM and vendor utilities and be able to work with various technical groups to support real-time business functions.

• Knowledge of CICS/TS internals and operations.

• Hands on experience with the latest z/OS Versions and Release levels and Products including CICS, CPSM, CICS Explorer, SMF, JCL, SMPE, TSO, SDSF, RACF, SVC Dumps, MQ, CA Sysview, TCP/IP, CAFC, IPCS, DB2, IMS, VSAM. Mainframe Disaster Recovery / Data Center Rotations.

• Proficient in the use of JCL and working with various vendor utility programs.

• Debugging experience, knowledge of COBOL, Assembler, and CICS API programming.

What We Can Do for You:

We understand the value of a diverse and inclusive workplace and strive to be an employer where employees across all spectrums have access and opportunity to develop their skills, advance their careers and contribute their unique abilities to the growth of our company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match

• Subsidized health plans and free vision coverage

• Life insurance

• Paid annual leave - the longer you work here, the more you earn

• Nine paid holidays

• On-site cafeterias and fitness centers in major locations

• Wellness programs and a healthy lifestyle premium discount

• Tuition assistance

• Service recognition

What to Expect Next:

After submitting your application, our recruiting team members will review your resume to ensure you meet the qualifications. This may include a brief telephone interview or email communication with our recruiter to verify resume specifics and salary requirements. Management will be conducting interviews with those candidates who qualify with prioritization given to those candidates who demonstrate the preferred qualifications.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and our subsidiary companies maintain a continuing policy of nondiscrimination in employment to promote employment opportunities for persons regardless of age, race, color, national origin, sex, religion, veteran status, disability, weight, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other legally protected status. Additionally, as a federal contractor, the company maintains affirmative action programs to promote employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. It is our policy to provide equal opportunities in all phases of the employment process and to comply with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities, pregnant individuals, individuals with pregnancy-related conditions, and individuals needing accommodations for sincerely held religious beliefs, provided that those accommodations do not impose an undue hardship on the Company.

If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please email [email protected] or call 800-288-2227, ext. 47480 with the nature of your request. We will make a determination regarding your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

We participate in E-Verify and comply with the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Here's more information.

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