Research Data Specialist II

Under the general direction of the Research Data Supervisor II, the Research Data Specialist II leads complex research and analytic efforts that support program improvement, performance monitoring, and data-informed decision-making across the Division. The RDS II works in close coordination with the Research Data Manager, who may assign, prioritize, and provide direction on analytical projects and operational work. The position serves as a senior analytical resource, conducting advanced analyses, developing cross-departmental data matches, and translating findings into actionable insights. 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., This position is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the Governor's Executive Order N-22-25and at the sole discretion of the Department of Social Services under California Government Code Section 14200. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be re-evaluated at any time. The incumbent will be expected to report for in office work and attend work related in-person events as deemed operationally necessary. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the CDSS policies. For positions advertised in more than one location, headquarter location may be designated on the selected candidate's primary residence location, and/or the closest CDSS location in accordance with operational need and available space. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment., 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 vision of the California Department of Social Services, Housing and Homelessness Division is to empower communities to end homelessness and promote housing stability for all Californians. The Division currently oversees seven Housing and Homelessness programs serving children and families, older adults, and adults with disabilities. Our mission is to work with stakeholders to:

• Integrate social services with housing support services
• Share best practices and creative solutions
• Increase access to benefits and client-centered services
• Ensure any instance of homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring. 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., 1) Please describe a time where you led a research project that used computational methods and statistical modeling to inform real-world decision-making. In your response, please note the following:

a. What decision(s) you aimed to inform b. The type and quantity of data you analyzed c. The analytical methods you employed d. The software tools you used to analyze the data e. How your analysis was/was not used to inform the decision.

Note: The real-world decision does not have to be a government/policy decision. It can be from any institutional context (including government, non-profit or community-based organization, for-profit business, education institution, or your own community.) 2) Please describe your experience working with data from social welfare programs or other public-serving systems. In your response, discuss the key challenges you encountered when working with this data and how you addressed them. If you do not have direct experience with these types of data, explain what you believe would be the most significant challenge in using such data and how you would approach addressing it. You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD 678). You may be disqualified from the hiring and selection process if the employment history is inaccurate or incomplete. Resumes will not take the place of employment history. If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts for verification. If selected, you may be required to provide official transcripts at the time of hire. Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview, but they must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application. Final Filing Date: 7/27/2026

Who May Apply Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

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:

• Desirable qualifications for this position would be a person who has strong statistical programming, analytical and research skills, as well as interpersonal and communication skills. Expert knowledge of at least one type of commonly used statistical software such as SQL, Python or R is strongly desirable as well. Familiarity with CDSS programs, particularly housing and homelessness programs is preferred. The position requires expertise in data extraction, transformation, automation, linking, statistical sampling, statistical analysis and research methodologies.

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.

The Housing and Homelessness Division is currently a hybrid workplace. Periodic on-site work may be required for this position.