Nearly 350 employees are now working at the new information technology center opened by Kaiser Permanente in Colorado on Aug. 22. Kaiser officials say they want to fill an additional 95 positions there by year's end.

By 2015, Kaiser Permanente anticipates that some 700 professionals will work at the new IT center. Some of the new positions currently being recruited there include solutions architects, managers/directors, software developers, project/program managers and programmers.

"As healthcare evolves, there is an increased demand for IT solutions and support to deliver quality patient care," said Phil Fasano, executive vice president and chief information officer, in a statement. "This new IT location is a center of excellence where best in class employees use technology to ensure the delivery of high-quality, affordable healthcare to Kaiser Permanente members living in Colorado and across the country."

The campus is Kaiser Permanente's first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) gold certified building in Colorado, officials point out. The LEED certification system is a process that awards buildings points for features such as site sustainability, water and energy use, materials and resources and indoor air quality.

"Kaiser Permanente's continued expansion plans in Colorado, including the opening of this IT center and new medical offices throughout the Front Range, directly benefit the communities we serve," said Donna Lynne, president of Kaiser Permanente Colorado. "We are pleased to provide a sustained boost to Colorado's economy."

With more than 6,000 staff in Colorado, Kaiser Permanente is one of the state's largest private employers. This December, it will open a new multi-specialty center in Lone Tree, where approximately 130 positions will be new hires, officials say. As Kaiser adds new membership in Colorado, it's estimated that hundreds of additional jobs could be created in the state in the next three to five years.

"Colorado's high-tech workforce, healthy business eco-system and excellent quality-of-life continue to attract employers and new jobs," said John Brackney, president of the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce. "South Denver is thrilled to welcome Kaiser Permanente and its new IT center to our business community."

[See also: Kaiser bullish on Colorado]