Research Data Specialist I

Are you ready to champion data that drives real change for California families? Join the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) as a Research Data Specialist I, where you'll work on projects that transform raw data into accurate, timely data products that influence policy decisions, support budget development, and inform how counties deliver critical services. Your work helps to ensure that the department's most essential datasets are complete, reliable, and ready to meet federal standards and state priorities.


What You'll Do
• Produce high quality data products that inform leaders across CDSS.
• Produce and analyze essential data for budgeting and forecasting, ensuring the accuracy of datasets that drive county allocations and feed directly into the Governor's Budget.
• Manage federal data submissions, coordinating with state and federal partners to resolve data issues and to maintain compliance with strict reporting requirements.
• Use your analytical and programming skills to create custom analyses and reports and to provide actionable insights to internal and external stakeholders.
• Champion data quality and consistency, ensuring all analytical products meet professional standards and support the department's larger data driven mission.
• Participate in large teams made up of analysts across the department to analyze and improve our social services programs.
• Improve your skills and confidence in SAS, R, Python and SQL.


Why This Role Matters
Your work ensures California's social service programs have trustworthy data at their fingertips; data that affects policy decisions, funding, and services for millions of children, families, and adults statewide. You'll be at the intersection of program expertise, research, and analytics, helping CDSS make smarter, more meaningful decisions.


Why Join Us?
• Play a key role in strengthening the statewide data ecosystem.
• Be a part of a team committed to accuracy, innovation, and public service.
• Influence high visibility reporting and analytical work across CDSS.
• Grow your analytical skills and impact vital social services programs in a collaborative, mission driven environment.


Ready to be a part of a team that powers data informed decision making across California? Step into a role where your contributions shape outcomes and your work truly makes a difference.


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 View email address on click.appcast.io . For guidance on applying for a state job, visit Three Steps to a State Job


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You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions
Headquarter location will be designated based on the selected candidate's primary residence location, and/or the closest CDSS location.


This position can be filled in the following locations:
ALAMEDA, BUTTE, FRESNO, HUMBOLDT, LOS ANGELES, ORANGE, PLACER, RIVERSIDE, SACRAMENTO, SAN DIEGO, SAN JOAQUIN, SAN MATEO, SANTA BARBARA, SANTA CLARA, or SONOMA COUNTY.


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.


Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-530422


Position #(s):
800-656-5742-005

Working Title:
Research Data Specialist I


Classification:
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I $6,955.00 - $8,706.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.


# of Positions:
1


Work Location:
United States


Telework:
Hybrid


Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time


Department Information 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.

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.


Special Requirements Please Note: A Statement of Qualifications or Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted along with your application to be considered for this position. Applications submitted without an SOQ may be disqualified for this position.


Do not include any confidential information in 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.

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your application to be considered for this position. The SOQ is a narrative discussion prepared by the applicant describing how the applicant qualifies for the position. The SOQ serves as a documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. If your qualifications are competitive, you will be invited to participate in an interview.


An SOQ containing no more than 1,000 words highlighting your experience must accompany the application. Applications without SOQs will not be considered. Your SOQ must specifically address the following questions:


1. Your experience performing data analysis;
2. Your experience collaborating with other groups or people, especially in research projects;
3. Your experience learning new skills, especially as they relate to programming or software systems.


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: 9/15/2026
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. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).


How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:


Address for Mailing Application Packages


You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:


Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Attn: Classification & Pay Unit
P. O. Box 944243 - MS 8-15-58


Sacramento , CA 94244-2430


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:


Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Classification & Pay Unit
744 P Street, MS 8-15-58


Sacramento , CA 95814


08:00 AM - 05:00 PM


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.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.


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:


1. Experience and knowledge of social services programs and issues.
2. Knowledge of statistics and techniques and methods of data collection and analysis.
3. Knowledge of SAS and Structured Query Language (SQL).
4. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with IT staff, program stakeholders, and executive management.
5. Passion for serving Californians through the efficient delivery of social services

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.
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.


Click here to view all the attractive benefits available to state employees!


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



Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Grayson Lenci
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View email address on click.appcast.io


Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
EEO Office
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California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


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



Examination Information
Those interested in obtaining employment with any state agency must apply and compete through the state hiring and recruitment process.
To apply for the examination for this position, click on the link below to search for the examination and follow the "How to Apply" instructions in the examination announcement: CalCareers Exam/Assessment Search


Successful examination applicants are placed on an eligibility list. If you already have list eligibility for this classification, you do not need to retake the examination. Applicants should refer to their examination results or check their CalCareer account for specific list eligibility expiration dates and to re-take the examination when necessary. For questions regarding the examination process, please contact the Examination Unit at: View email address on click.appcast.io .

Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.


It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.