Research Data Specialist II

The Research, Automation, and Data Division (RADD) Data Analytics Bureau is seeking a motivated, organized, intellectually curious person to join us as a Research Data Specialist II in the Dashboard and Data Insights Section in the Insights Bureau. This team is part of the Research and Data Insights Branch, CDSS’s research and data team, within the CDSS Research Automation and Data Division (RADD). This job is for you if you:

• Are passionate about transforming human services administrative data (for programs like food assistance, cash aid, child welfare, and childcare) into actionable insights using code and quantitative social science approaches -Believe in data storytelling, including data visualizations, policy briefs, and other resources that help democratize access to insights from administrative data

• Want to help transform outdated and manual processes into automated, responsive ones through CDSS’s cloud-platform data warehouse (known as the Enterprise Data Pipeline)
• Are energized by the idea of reducing administrative burdens and increasing access to crucial safety net programs through high-quality data Department information: About the Insights Bureau Our mission is to weave together administrative, research, and client experience data to provide timely and contextual programmatic and policy insights to inform decision-makers, advocates, and others to advance the well-being of Californians in need. Our vision is to be the CDSS storytellers, making departmental information fundamentally useful with timely, actionable insights, and sharing connections and context about our programs and the people we serve. The Department of Social Services does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment. If you would like to share how you learned about this career opportunity, please take a moment to complete our brief Recruitment Survey.

Need help with applying for positions, taking an examination, or preparing for interviews? Our team is here to support you, reach out anytime at Recruiter@dss.ca.gov. For guidance on applying for a state job, visit Three Steps to a State Job Follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated on our latest opportunities., Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of fellow Californians while achieving your career goals? Do you set high standards for yourself and enjoy a collaborative and challenging work environment? The mission of the California Department of Social Services is to serve, protect, and support the people of California experiencing need in ways that empower wellbeing and disrupt systemic inequities. The vision of the California Department of Social Services is to provide quality services with a commitment to an inclusive, diverse, and equitable California where all people can thrive.

The Research, Automation, and Data Division’s (RADD) mission is to improve the way the Department collects, manages, and deploys data to support the efficient, effective, and equitable delivery of government social services. RADD manages major statewide initiatives to streamline and automate eligibility determination and benefit administration for key safety net programs, and leads efforts such as human-centered design, data governance, automation and continuous quality improvement, data visualization and analysis, and research partnerships to improve client outcomes and promote program integrity. Across these efforts, RADD provides coaching to the Department on all aspects of the data lifecycle. CDSS Guiding Principles Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Accessibility. Belonging. We ensure opportunities for everyone to participate in a meaningful way in fulfilling the mission and vision of CDSS. Community Engagement We prioritize the lived experiences of community members as a driving force behind the creation, implementation, desired impact, or change of programs and services. Empowerment We engage, operate, and advocate from the understanding that each community and person have desires and capabilities to lead in their own life. Quality Services We provide services that align intent and impact by ensuring that they are accessible, community driven, interconnected, and continuously improved. Data Defined Outcomes We equitably collect and analyze data, take data-driven action, and measure outcomes relevant to those we serve, ensuring transparency and accountability.

In addition to evaluating each candidate’s relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Experience with complex administrative data sets, especially anti-poverty (e.g., CalFresh, CalWORKs, child care subsidies, or one of the many other CDSS programs) or child welfare data
• Experience with project and/or research management, especially in projects involving data, communicating with outside stakeholders, and coordinating with technical experts
• Experience with research and data related to government services, especially social services
• Working knowledge of coding languages like Python, R, or SQL and dashboarding software like Tableau, Power BI, or other, high-code dashboarding approaches like R Shiny or Python visualizations
• A strong interest in social services, poverty reduction, and public service
• A love of problem-solving

This position can be filled in the following locations: ALAMEDA, BUTTE, FRESNO, HUMBOLDT, LOS ANGELES, ORANGE, RIVERSIDE, SACRAMENTO, SAN DIEGO, SAN JOAQUIN, SAN MATEO, SANTA BARBARA, OR SANTA CLARA. This position may be eligible for Hybrid work. In-person attendance is required based on the operational needs of the position and in accordance with Executive Order N-22-25 the Statewide Hybrid Telework Policy, Government Code section 14200, and any applicable department telework requirements. The successful candidate must reside in California at the time of appointment. Proof of California residency may be required. Please note: Regular commute is not compensable., There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California has a generous benefits package that includes medical coverage, CalPERS pension upon retirement, two weeks paid vacation per year, two weeks paid sick leave per year, two paid Professional Development Days, one paid Personal Holiday, pre-tax parking fee program. TRANSPORTATION REIMBURSEMENT

• Public transit (mass transit) passes. o 100 percent discount on public transit passes sold by state agencies, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). o 100 percent reimbursement on public transit passes purchased by state employees, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.

• Vanpool drivers and riders o 100 percent reimbursement on the monthly fee, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.

Applicants must include a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) for this position that replies to the two questions below. The SOQ should be typed, size 12 Times New Roman font, and no more than two pages. Application packages received without specific responses to the supplemental questionnaire will not be considered. We cannot hire you, or even consider your application, if you do not submit an SOQ!

1. Please describe in detail a research or data analysis project on which you played a key or leading role. In your response, please briefly explain (a) the purpose or goal of the project, especially as it may pertain to the use of human services or administrative data; (b) how you and/or your team conducted the analysis and any necessary collaborative elements; (c) the outcome of your analysis; (d) how you communicated results to key stakeholders; and (e) what decision your analysis or your team’s analysis influenced.