Analyst III

The Analyst III performs individually and as a team member in conducting quality and outcome analysis to unify and coordinate quality service provision across one or more program offices of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) and may also conduct research and analysis related to other program areas with which DHS interacts (e.g., public education, health, criminal justice).  DHS’s program offices include Behavioral Health, Intellectual Disability, Area Agency on Aging, Community Services and Children, Youth and Families.

The Analyst III receives administrative and technical supervision from the Supervising Analyst in the Office of Analytics, Technology and Planning (ATP) and is indirectly supervised (employment practices) by a Great Lakes Behavioral Research Institute liaison. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Processes and analyzes quantitative and qualitative data to support the daily operational data needs of DHS; a focus on client service data and quick turnaround response to requests from DHS staff/administration and outside entities is a large part of the job. While the Analyst is not required to be an expert in all statistical tests and methods, incumbent is expected to recognize his/her particular expertise in data analysis and to seek other expert opinions whenever appropriate.
• Develops an understanding of DHS’s services and systems, in order to promote the effective use of data for decision-making.
• Shares knowledge and findings through effective verbal and written presentations to internal and to external stakeholders.  Writes detailed research reports describing the methodology, findings and recommendations of completed studies.
• Assists in the development and design of research studies to evaluate human service programs administered by DHS.  Studies may focus upon particular programs, cross-system service utilization or particular consumer groups or service needs. This work may include data collection, cleaning and analysis; performing literature reviews; finding and obtaining secondary data sources; and gathering input from contracted providers, consumers and DHS staff on appropriate standards by which to measure service delivery.
• Assists in the ongoing design, development and enhancement of DHS information systems.  As an end-user of these systems, the Analyst provides guidance on the optimal data structure and system requirements to ensure that the data stored and retrieved from the system meet the research and operational needs of DHS.  May also include working closely with colleagues to identify and solve data-related problems.
• Creates dashboards and data visualizations using Tableau software.
• Supports the development and implementation of quality improvement strategies for DHS.
• Assists in the development and implementation of DHS’s research agenda.

Analyst III Skill Level and Expectations

Analytics

• Analyst III identifies problems and chooses best analytic approach to solve a problem, utilizing multiple approaches as needed.
• Analyst III can extract their own data or conduct primary data collection independently except for rare instances.
• Analyst III is an expert in current data infrastructures and resources.
• Supervisor reviews all work, but minimal feedback typically is needed.  Analyst III has advanced skills in visualizing and presenting data and designing data collection tolls and can be fully trusted in presenting independently to senior staff.

Communications and Consulting

• Analyst III requires only rare data lead support in meetings with non-ATP stakeholders.
• Analyst III has a strong understanding of program domain and consults regularly with program independent of data lead; regularly serves as a mentor and/or resource to other analysts.

Project Management

• Analyst III defines relevant research agenda and coordinates with data lead for planning, relevance to program, etc.
• Analyst III can effectively manage more complex projects involving several stakeholders.
• Analyst III requires only occasional support from data lead in identifying stakeholder and resources.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Additional Responsibilities

From time to time the employee will be required to perform additional tasks and duties as required by the employer.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated interest in public service and research.
• Proficient in the Microsoft suite, especially Excel and PowerPoint and analytic tools (e.g., SPSS or R). Skills in database development, Tableau, geospatial analysis (i.e., ArcGIS) are considered a plus.
• Embraces and can operationalize DHS’s mission and guiding principles in work practices and deliverables.
• Experience working with a variety of information systems and data files, including large and complex files and transforming raw data into finished products.
• Strong analytic and critical thinking skills.
• Able to translate and interpret data to prepare written reports.
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to clearly communicate (written/verbal) with diverse audiences and to work in teams; sensitive to cultural diversity in the workplace and toward clients.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills; can set priorities and accomplish a wide variety of tasks.
• Attention to detail and quality.
• Ability to interact professionally with DHS and provider staff, consumers and general public.
• Ability to take initiative and work with a high level of independence.
• Able to thrive in an environment that requires flexibility and multi-tasking.
• Able to sit at a computer for long periods (2 plus hours) and traverse the building carrying up to 10 pounds (files, books, etc.).
• Has both available and consistent access to reliable transportation and is able to navigate in the community for work-related assignments.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions, consistent with applicable law.

Education/Experience Requirements

Ph.D. in a related field, plus 3 years’ experience.

-OR-

Master’s degree in a related field, plus 5 years’ experience.

-OR-

Bachelor’s degree in a related field, plus 7 years of previous relevant experience.

-OR-

Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Act 33 and 34 clearances.

Salary : $82,616 - $94,803