Data Analyst – Department of Human Services

Full Job Description

El Paso County Department of Human Services (EPCDHS) is seeking a detail-oriented data professional with strong critical thinking skills, a passion for process improvement, and expertise in data visualization and analytic tools.

In this role, you’ll help advance data modernization for the department as a member of the Data Analytics team, which delivers high-quality data products and consultative support to department programs and community partners, empowering data-driven decisions and streamlining the delivery of services to the public.

This position offers opportunities to grow, learn new tools, and collaborate across the department and with external stakeholders, all while contributing to meaningful programs and initiatives.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) strives to protect our most vulnerable citizens while providing efficient access to the services provided by local, state, and federal governments.

We aim to keep families together and help them to become self-sufficient. We work closely with community organizations to stretch the safety net we provide even further.

From food, medical, and cash assistance to child welfare and adult protective services, El Paso County Department of Human Services strives to improve the well-being of the community by offering resources and support to those facing challenges.

We work diligently to ensure that all individuals have access to the help they need to thrive and succeed.

This position analyzes, evaluates, and documents data requirements. Develops a comprehensive data collection and analysis strategy based on functional assignment to evaluate the quality of services, performance, or other business indicators. Identifies and utilizes data solutions to implement data collection; performs data extraction and analysis and presents data. Employment is subject to the terms, conditions, and policies detailed in the Personnel Policies Manual (PPM). This position requires regular in-person presence as an essential job function. This position may be subject to grant funding.

Requirements

Performs a variety of complex activities involved in the collection, analysis, documentation, and interpretation of data and information related to applicable requirements, initiatives, services, and other activities.

Independently draws reasonable and sound conclusions consistent with findings and provides presentations.

Develops data solutions, tools, and capabilities to improve data-driven efforts, frameworks, data delivery, or dashboards.

Conducts research, compiles data, and uses statistical tools to identify, analyze, and interpret patterns and trends. Isolates potential root causes, projects consequences, draws conclusions from analyzed data, organizes and explains data and assumptions, and provides solutions or recommendations.

Designs, validates, and assesses methods of data collection and analysis; develops and implements protocols for data extraction and analysis. Monitors data collection methods and audits data to ensure data collection methodologies and protocols are followed. 

Works collaboratively with cross-functional teams to produce qualitative and quantitative data analysis that supports organizational objectives and processes, aligning with the strategic plan and associated efforts.

Conducts comprehensive and special purpose data analysis, audits, and/or examinations; reviews, evaluates, and measures compliance of programs and processes for quality, effectiveness, and outcomes; assesses adherence to internal policies, regulatory requirements, and other legal mandates.

Recommends and implements practices/processes to support data analytics and program

Identifies, recommends, and helps to implement process improvement opportunities. Proposes system modifications and devises data management strategies for the organization to improve the quality and usability of data.

Serves as the organization’s subject matter expert for function/assignment-specific systems, databases, and data integrity.

Develops and oversees training and development of staff on the use of data collection systems and quality assurance, ensuring alignment with policies, procedures, and best practices.

Provides technical assistance, troubleshooting, and user support for databases and systems.

Leads or participates in data-driven work groups or committees; collaborates with internal and external partners to improve the efficiency of databases and systems; provides recommendations.

Utilizes function/assignment knowledge to provide guidance and recommendations to leadership, staff, and external sources regarding department data, policies, procedures, and best practices.

Maintains a highly technical working knowledge of industry standards and best practices, as well as relevant regulations, policies, standards, and procedures to improve the organization's operations.

Contributes to unified efforts to measure organizational and departmental performance; participates in supporting initiatives, services, and other activities.

Gathers, organizes, and prepares data and presentations; provides data-driven presentations at leadership meetings, conferences, or other forums as needed.

Performs other duties as required.

Supervision Exercised: This classification does not have supervisory authority; however, may be required to provide expertise or limited guidance or direction to employees, such as overseeing work quality, training, and guidance. Typically serves as a subject matter expert on the scope of functional area.

Supervision Received: Receives general supervision. This classification typically performs job duties by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Regular direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor may be expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Extensive knowledge and proficiency in the use of automated data systems to perform a variety of complex tasks. Must be receptive to the adoption and application of new and innovative technologies and technological platforms.
• Working knowledge of office and data analytic software, databases, and business applications.
• Working knowledge of research methodology, principles, and procedures.
• Proficiency in Toad, Crystal Reports, Microsoft Power BI, SPSS, and SQL preferred.

Strong analytical skills, including the ability to quickly and accurately wrangle, analyze, and interpret data, as well as identify and define data integrity issues and make recommendations for resolution.

Ability to collect, synthesize, and analyze data. Ability to develop sound and valid recommendations.

• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Must possess exceptional interpersonal communication skills. Ability to communicate and work effectively with co-workers, clients, other agencies, and the public. Ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Must possess a high level of professionalism and integrity to handle sensitive and confidential situations and information.
• Ability to build strong working relationships, internal and external to the organization. Ability to work cross-functionally with teams and key stakeholders, utilizing analytical skills in understanding data flows, dissecting problems, and delivering clear recommendations and guidance.
• Ability to maintain a high level of proficiency related to research and analysis of a variety of data and systems used by the organization and in conjunction with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
• Ability to articulate data findings using both technical and non-technical language.
• Ability to prepare reports and proposals to meet leadership objectives. Ability to write clearly and concisely and with proper respect to spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Ability to assess situations and make prudent and appropriate decisions; ability to apply conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to respond in a flexible manner and reprioritize work as situations change.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Required Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Three years of data collection, synthesis, or analysis experience, including working with databases or statistical software.
  • Associate’s degree in a related field may substitute for one year of the required experience.
  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for two years of the required experience.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in statistics, information systems, or related field.
• Experience with writing data queries and with managing databases.
• Experience with data visualization tools.
• Experience with data analytics software.
• Experience in a human services-related field.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must pass conditional post offer background investigation and drug screen.

Additional Information

Duties are primarily performed in an office and remote work environment dependent upon Department discretion and business needs. May be required to work evening and weekend hours.

The classification specification above is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities and minimum qualifications; specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and environmental conditions will vary depending on the needs of the department/office and the particular assignment. Changes to this document may only be made by a member of the Human Resources Department.