RESEARCH DATA ANALYST II/I

Job Description and Duties

Do you have strong technical skills in research and data analysis? Are you interested in making a meaningful impact on the lives children and families across California? If so, consider joining the Fiscal Forecasting Branch (FFB) at the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) as a Research Data Analyst (RDA) II, also considering RDA I. This position is part of a dynamic team that is dedicated to serving, aiding and protecting children and adults in ways that strengthen and preserve families, encourage personal responsibility and foster independence. We are looking for a highly motivated Research Data Analyst I/II (RDA I/II) with strong analytical skills who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment to join the Children’s Estimates Unit of the Fiscal Forecasting Branch (FFB) team. The Children’s Estimates Unit develops the annual Local Assistance Governor’s Budget and May Revision update for Children’s programs administered by the County Welfare Departments. In addition, the FFB is responsible for providing a fiscal analysis of proposed legislative bills that have a potential impact to the Department.

The RDA II’s serve as a senior analysts that working with minimal direction, while the RDA I supports complex analysis under general direction. It is essential for the RDA I/II to possess strong 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 is highly visible and 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 following 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, take a lead role in complex assignments, and work as an acting manager when required.

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:

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.

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:

• Knowledge of social services programs, such as Foster Care and Child Welfare.

• Excellent Microsoft Excel skills.

• Strong math, research, and analytical skills.

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

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

• Ability to exercise initiative and flexibility.

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.