Title: Information Security Officer - #ARS00964

State Role Title: Info Technology Specialist III

Hiring Range: Anticipated salary up to $146,500 commensurate with experience.

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Dept for Aging & Rehab Svcs

Location: Aging & Rehab Svcs

Agency Website: https://www.dars.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Join DARS as the Information Security Officer and lead a mission‑focused security program that protects vital information assets across Virginia’s Disability Services Agencies.

Why Join Us?
✅ Impactful public service that drives positive outcomes
✅ Inclusive, professional, and highly supportive teams
✅ Exceptional state benefits and work life balance

Job Duties:

“In accordance with the Commonwealth Telework Policy, telework is limited based on agency business needs.”

The Information Security Division provides information security services to functional programs of the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). In addition, via memorandum of agreement (MOA), The Information Security Division provides information security services to the Disability Services Agencies (DSA), which include the Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center (WWRC), Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI), the Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired (VRCBVI), the Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH), and the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD). These information security services are provided in support of the DSA’s strategic goals, objectives and initiatives.

We are seeking an Information Security Officer to provide leadership, planning and direction for the DSA information security program by developing strategic approaches, plans, policies and procedures.

This will include the delivery of an Information security program for the DSA which results in adequate safeguards for the agency's vital information resources and the supervision of staff who assist and/or carry out relevant information security system functions. Position ensures that Virginia Information security laws and policies are implemented and that emerging Information security technologies and processes are appropriately incorporated. Position consults and advises Agency officials regarding the security of DSA information assets and represents DSA in public Information security forums.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Performance Management 
• Leadership Team
• Risk and Vulnerability Management of Information Resources
• DSA Information Security Program Management
• Audit Activities

Other duties and/or special projects as assigned.
Completes duties and/or projects as needed or directed by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications:

Training:

• Training in Information Systems, Information Security, Information Technology Audits, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or related field.

Experience:

• Extensive experience in information security and risk management disciplines, including information security trends, technologies, best practices, controls, models, architecture, etc.
• Demonstrated executive leadership experience in in managing teams, vendors and contractors.

Knowledge:

• Extensive working knowledge and understanding of information security practices, policies, applications and network security Issues.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skill Information systems review. 
• Working knowledge of information security requirements and their Implementation in the following areas: IT Operations, Applications, Networks, Risk Management, Continuity Planning, Incident Management/Response and System Architecture.

Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and lead business and technical resources in the completion of enhancement, system, contract, and policy initiatives.
• Ability to develop and implement security policies, procedures and applications; to implement the proper controls of IT and network systems.
• Ability to create spreadsheets, presentations, entering and extracting data from various databases; to identify the business drivers of risk and align security strategies with those drivers; to lead the various components of an Information security program; to effectively communicate both orally and in writing to diverse audiences, various levels of management, and both Internal and external customers; and to supervise others carrying out security system functions.

Additional Considerations:

• Experience in information security or information systems review. 
• Experience/knowledge of Information security program requirements for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Certifications such as CISA, CISM, CRISC, and/or CISSP.

Special Instructions:

• This position has been designated a sensitive position under Va. Code § 2.2 1201.1.
• A fingerprint based criminal history check is required of the finalist.

Benefits:
DARS offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance plan options, flexible spending accounts, VRS retirement, employer paid basic group life insurance, optional employee paid group life insurance, 13 paid holidays, Sick Leave, Annual Leave, Family Personal Leave, employee discount programs, and more.

Reasonable accommodation is available during the application/interview process per the ADA. Contact recruitment@dars.virginia.gov for assistance.

Minorities, individuals with disabilities, Veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other National Service Alumni are encouraged to apply.

To Apply
Equal Opportunity Employer State applications will only be accepted as submitted online by 11:55 p.m. on the closing date through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s New Recruitment Management System. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. PageUp will provide you with confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé are submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Contact Information:

Name: Human Resources

Email: Recruitment@dars.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.