Research Data Analyst II/Research Data Analyst I

Job Description and Duties

CDSS is looking for a highly motivated Research Data Analyst I/II (RDA I/II) with strong math skills, research abilities, and analytical experience to join the Fiscal Forecasting Branch (FFB). The FFB is comprised of three bureaus: Family Engagement and Equity Estimates Bureau (FEEEB), Children, Adult, and Housing Programs Estimates Bureau (CAHPEB), and the Child Care Estimates & Allocations Bureau. The FFB develops the annual Local Assistance Governor’s Budget and May Revision update for programs administered by Child Care and Development Agencies and the County Welfare Departments. In addition, the FFB is responsible in providing a fiscal analysis of proposed legislative bills that have a potential impact to the Department.

The RDA II’s are senior analysts that work with minimal direction. It is essential for the RDA I/II to possess a strong background in mathematics and statistics as well as analytical skills to conceptualize, develop, and create fiscal estimates that are robust and consider multiple variables (e.g., funding environment, political considerations, data integration). The work intersects with multiple branches across the department and the RDA I/II needs to develop strong working relationships to be successful. The work produced will be scrutinized closely by senior management, executive staff, and external stakeholders because it will have direct implications for the State Budget.

It is desirable that the RDA I/II have an understanding of social service programs’ policies and experience in interpreting and applying statutes, regulations, and procedures. Additionally, the RDA I/II must be able to work independently, reason logically, and possess strong analytical skills. The RDA I/II is expected to mentor junior staff members and take a lead role in complex assignments. For this RDA I/II position, it is essential the applicant has a strong research background from academia and/or from work experience in a data driven environment.

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. 

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Working Conditions

This work location is very convenient! The CDSS is located two blocks from the light rail and public transportation: within walking distance to the State Capitol, parks, restaurants, farmer’s markets and the Golden 1 Arena. Our building has easy access to I-5, Highway 50, and Highway 80.

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 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.

Special Requirements

Do not include any confidential information on any documents (i.e., application, resume, or transcripts) you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include but is not limited to: Social Security Number (SSN), birthday and/or age, photos, student/other ID number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, exam results, LEAP status, and marital status. Confidential information submitted via a CalCareer Account (electronic application) is automatically redacted upon submission.

This position requires a “Statement of Qualifications” not to exceed two pages in length, size 12-point Arial font. The Statement of Qualifications must specifically addresses the following three questions: (Resumes do not take the place of the Statement of Qualifications.) A complete application package must include names and contact information for three most recent supervisors.

1) Describe a specific project(s) in which you have researched or evaluated a problem and assessed alternatives. Explain the process you used for analyzing the issue, the recommendation(s) you provided and the outcome.

2) Estimating the impact of various policies and program changes for various social services programs is a primary requirement of this job. What in your experience prepares you for this type of work?

3) Please describe your experience making oral and written presentations to inform important decision making.

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 not complete. 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.

Desirable Qualifications

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:

The ideal candidate will have Three years of progressively responsible technical quantitative and qualitative data analysis, including but not limited to researching, identifying patterns and trends in historical data, as well as data model creation experience or a minimum of one year of data research, collection, analysis and reporting experience performing the duties of a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to Research Data Analyst I.

• Excellent Microsoft Excel skills.

• Strong math, research, and analytical skills.

• Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, and maintain cooperative relationships.

• Ability to plan and carry out research projects; analyze and make recommendations; prepare and present technical reports.

• Ability to establish workload priorities, organize materials, and work well under pressure.

• Ability to exercise initiative and flexibility.

• Knowledge of welfare programs, such as CalWORKs, CalWORKs Child Care, and CalFresh are desirable.

Benefits

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

Benefit information can be found on the website and the website.

Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025

Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 - Salaries do not reflect reductions from the Personal Leave Program, please see the applicable for additional information on the length and percentage of reductions.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications -

  (SOQ) Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission.