Systems Analyst V

Role Description

The Foster Care Litigation Data Unit (FCLDU) is a unit within the Office of Data and Systems Improvement (ODSI). FCLDU works to support ongoing efforts by the Department of Family & Protective Services (DFPS) to demonstrate substantial compliance with remedial orders issued as part of a federal class-action lawsuit against DFPS on behalf of children in the Permanent Managing Conservatorship of DFPS. FCLDU also works to support the rollout and implementation of Community Based Care (CBC) across the state and assists other ODSI units as needed.

The FCLDU partners with other divisions within DFPS and external partners in the production, and gathering of said data, and also partners with DFPS leadership to provide data to inform decision-making at the highest levels of the agency as well as for our community partners, legislative oversight entities, and the general public.

The FCLDU routinely interacts with Single Source Continuum Contractors (SSCC's). These local service networks are responsible for finding foster homes or other living arrangements for children in state care and providing them with a full range of community-based care services, including case management. These privatization efforts are active in four separate areas as of Summer 2023, and Texas expects to expand Community-Based Care to all of Texas by 2029. The FCLDU is responsible for working with these SSCC's to ensure they are providing the data required by the court-appointed monitors.

The division is responsible for conducting quality assurance reviews of data to be released outside the agency related to the remedial orders to ensure validity and consistency of reported data. The division also works with other ODSI divisions in the development of data warehouse online reports and the supporting of specialized tables and/or elements.

This position will act as a FCLDU Systems Analyst. The FCLDU Systems Analyst performs advanced (senior-level) computer systems analysis work. Work involves coordinating the planning and analysis of system requirements, procedures, and problems to automate processing or to improve existing systems, designing and implementing designs using software programming languages. May supervise the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions:

• Designing, validating, and implementing report methodologies for multiple areas of specialization while documenting processes and procedures for technical and non-technical users.
• Developing programming code and report design to ensure user requests are properly translated into useful reports.
• Participating in data system design meetings for new agency initiatives to provide strategic guidance and ensure the agency’s ability to report relevant data.
• Interacting routinely with agency program staff, division managers, regional staff, other analysts, and external partners to provide strategic guidance so requirements are met, and work products are appropriately reviewed and validated.
• Performing quality assurance tasks to ensure accuracy of reports created by colleagues within the division, and external partners, for distribution to the agency or the public.
• Serving as a lead analyst on assigned projects of any level of complexity and acting as mentor and on-the-job trainer for new and junior analysts when capable.

Qualifications

• Understanding of and demonstrated skill in relational databases, data processing practices.
• Ability to analyze, consolidate, and interpret complex data, procedures, and systems; and to write or revise program code as required.
• Comprehension of data solutions, reporting methodologies, math, and statistical report design.
• An ability to creatively solve complex data problems, apply new technology, and perform detailed work accurately under stressful conditions while managing multiple projects and tight deadlines.
• Technical Skills - in using SQL code, Excel, and the willingness to learn selected software as required by the division possibly including Tableau, Python, R, and more.
• Communication Skills – the ability to present information to a variety of audiences verbally and in writing and to communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively.
• Ability to work the hours needed to meet defined deadlines and support the agency’s mission critical reporting requirements.

Requirements

• Experience in writing SQL code.
• Experience in using Excel.
• Experience in data extraction and report layout and design.
• DFPS experience preferred.

Benefits

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs.
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for).
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance—at rates much lower than most private plans.
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care.
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.
• You also might qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which could help you pay off federal student loans faster.