Data Specialist

Job Requisition ID: 45970 

Opening Date: 05/06/2025
Closing Date/Time: 05/19/2025​
Agency: Department of Human Services
Class Title: SOCIAL SERV PROGRAM PLANNER IV - 41314 
Skill Option: None 
Bilingual Option: None 
Salary: Anticipated Salary (Effective 7/1/25) $7,345-$10,734/month ($88,140-$128,808/year)
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Sangamon
Number of Vacancies: 1
Plan/BU: RC062

 

 

 

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

 

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

 

While not required, a Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) is recommended. When applicable, titles that require specific coursework, professional license or certification will include a notation requesting the appropriate document(s) be uploaded in the Additional Documents section of your application. Failure to upload requested transcripts, license and/or proof of certification when specified may result in ineligibility. Please note that the Department of Human Services must verify proof of higher education for any degree earned (if applicable) regardless of vacancy title before any offer can be extended.

 

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

 

Posting Identification Number  45970

 

 

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

 

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Division of Early Childhood (DEC) is seeking to hire an energetic and detail-oriented Data Specialist to perform highly technical and independent duties in the operations of the Bureau of Administrative Supports/Client Data Unit.  The Data Specialist conceptualizes, designs, and implements studies of Early intervention and other programs through various existing data reports, as well as self-designed and implemented written and/or statistical reports to meet the needs of the program to ensure compliance with federal regulations, statutory mandates policies and procedures. Plans, develops, and coordinates the implementation of reporting and tracking systems, both written and automated, to address performance activities. Prepares federally Early Intervention mandated annual performance report and state performance plan as well as program population reports per time-line requirements. Evaluates and analyzes program data for trends or outliers.  Provides recommendations to Bureau Chief(s) in supporting any need for correction or explanation for existence of those trends/outliers.  Prepares detailed instructions and definitions of all data-driven reports and analysis for the division and statewide stakeholders to confirm fidelity of program through the data analysis and evaluation.  Utilizes knowledge of data analysis programs to respond timely to statewide, external stakeholders with HIPAA and FERPA allowable requests. Provides technical assistance and support to contractual EI field staff in the element of data-driven decision making to coincide with the measurable Performance Contracting of the field staff. Participates in professional growth training opportunities.  Participates in activities that advance the DEC/Strategic Plan and DEC/Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Racial Justice Plan, using trauma-informed and equity lens in the implementation and support of the DEC program, administrative, operational objectives, and outcomes.

Essential Functions

• Serves as the Data Specialist for the Bureau of Administrative Supports/Client Data Unit. 

• Plans, develops, and coordinates the implementation of reporting and tracking systems, both written and automated, to address performance activities.

• Evaluates and analyzes program data for trends or outliers.

• Prepares detailed instructions and definitions of all data-driven reports and analysis for the division and statewide stakeholders to confirm fidelity of program through the data analysis and evaluation. 

• Utilizes data analysis programs to extract and analyze data needed to fulfill statewide and external stakeholder requests in compliance with HIPAA and FERPA regulations.

• Provides technical assistance and support to contractual EI field staff in the element of data-driven decision making to coincide with the measurable Performance Contracting of the field staff.

• Participates in professional growth training opportunities. 

• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to the completion of master's degree.

• Requires two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience in community organization, social service work or in program planning and development.         

Specialized Skills

• Of the two (2) years, requires two (2) years of professional work experience in a public or private organization conceptualizing, designing, and implementing studies of an Early Intervention program or similar program through existing and self-designed data/statistical reports to ensure compliance with state and/or federal regulations, statutes, policies, and procedures including compliance reporting to support performance expectations, implementation of electronic tracking systems, and evaluation and analysis of program data for trends and outliers, using Database2, Structured Query Language, Microsoft Office Suite, graphs, charts, maps, and other visualization tools to generate written and statistical reports, perform analysis, prepare detailed report instructions and related definitions to confirm the fidelity of federal programs, and respond timely to Health Insurance Portability Act (HIPAA) and Family Education Rights and Privacy Act allowable requests.  

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of professional work experience in a public or private organization conceptualizing, designing, and implementing studies of an Early Intervention program or similar program through existing and self-designed data/statistical reports to ensure compliance with state and/or federal regulations, statutes, policies, and procedures including compliance reporting to support performance expectations, implementation of electronic tracking systems, and evaluation and analysis of program data for trends and outliers, using Database2, Structured Query Language, Microsoft Office Suite, graphs, charts, maps, and other visualization tools to generate written and statistical reports, perform analysis, prepare detailed report instructions and related definitions to confirm the fidelity of federal programs, and respond timely to Health Insurance Portability Act (HIPAA) and Family Education Rights and Privacy Act allowable requests. 

• Two (2) years of professional experience providing continuous quality improvement, technical assistance, contract/grant monitoring and management, and/or quality assurance program reviews for a public or private organization.      

• Three (3) years of professional experience working with a federal grant program such as the Part C EI system.           

• Three (3) years of professional experience working with an early childhood program such as early intervention, childcare, child welfare and/or home visiting. 

• Three (3) years of professional experience communicating, verbally and in writing, across various forms of media and with small and large stakeholder audiences to ensure detailed and critical analysis of work performed.

• Three (3) years of professional experience meeting deadlines with strong attention to detail and the ability to use critical thinking skills while multi-tasking multiple projects.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to travel, including overnight travel.

• Requires advanced proficiency in analyzing data, using statistical tools such as Python, SAA, IBM SPSS, “R”, SQL, and Tableau.

• Requires advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Power BI, Business Objects, SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive, graphs, charts, and maps (e.g., two dimensional and ArcGIS).

*All conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

Work Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5pm, 1 hour unpaid lunch.

Work Location: 100 South Grand Ave E, Springfield, Illinois, 62762

Division of Early Childhood

Operations

Bureau of Administrative Supports / Client Data Unit

Springfield / Sangamon County

Agency Contact: DHS.HiringUnit@illinois.gov

Posting Group: Social Services

 

About the Agency:

The Illinois Department of Human Services serves families in need across Illinois. Our mission is providing equitable access to social services, supports, programs and resources to enhance the lives of all who we serve. We are committed to the core values of Human Dignity, Equity, Community, Urgency, Transparency and Kindness.

 

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• A Pension Program
• Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
• 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
• 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
  • Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time work schedules (as applicable)
• 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
• Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
• Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
• GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
• Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

 

This position DOES contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. 

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. 

Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.  If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.

State employees should include temporary assignment in the application profile. Temporary assignment verification forms can be uploaded to the Additional Documents section.

 

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

• donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
• systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com