Summer EBT Consultation & Analysis (Research Analyst 2)

Initial Posting Date:

10/10/2024

Application Deadline:

10/24/2024

Agency:

Department of Human Services

Salary Range:

$4,138 - $6,322

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Summer EBT Consultation & Analysis (Research Analyst 2)

Job Description:

The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

Opportunity awaits!

The Office of Self-Sufficiency Program (SSP) is hiring for a Research Analyst 2 position, responsible for developing tools to gather and analyze data related to the accuracy, efficiencies, and outreach efforts and creating dashboards for leadership, federal, and state agency-required reports. The primary focus for this position is the research and development of methods to collect, synthesize, and interpret data for the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) program.

The Office of Self-Sufficiency Programs is responsible for developing vision, policy, and program guidelines for programs, including policy and rules coordination, Prevention Services, Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, Childcare, Refugee, Family Support & Connections, Quality Assurance, Youth Experiencing Homelessness, Refugee Programs, and the Summer EBT program. 

The Summer EBT program is intended to reduce hunger and food insecurity for children who lose access to free and reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) during the summer months when school is not in session. 

We invite you to join our team, where you'll discover a culture of teamwork, equity, diversity, belonging, accessibility, professionalism, mutual respect, and, most importantly, a life-changing career!  

Informational Session

If you want to hear more about this position, you can attend this virtual informational session via Zoom on Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 12:00pm to 1:00 PM PDT. This is not part of the interview process and is open to the public.

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Summary of Duties

As a Research Analyst you will:

• Use data from developed tools to identify trends, and design initiatives and strategies to evaluate the effectiveness of the Summer EBT program.

• Compile and interpret data from internal ODHS programs, external hunger partners and advocates, and other program participating agencies to make recommendations on system updates, associated program policies, and initiatives.

• Provide analysis of data for the Summer EBT program to ensure the program is in alignment with agency policy. Provide updates on program progress to ODHS Executive staff and Summer EBT partner agencies.

• Gather and analyze feedback from ODHS staff, external partner agencies participating in the Summer EBT program, community partners and advocates, program participants, contracted vendor, and state and federal partners to make recommendations for improved program efficiency.

• Using compiled data for the Summer EBT program, recommend ongoing system updates and modifications to contracted vendors and program analysts to meet program and agency goals, and improve program efficiencies.

• Collaborate with contracted vendor (Deloitte), partner agencies participating in the Summer EBT program, and program analysts to develop a strategy to address barriers related to integrated data systems.

• Prepare monthly and annual updates as requested on status of in-progress policy, strategies, and initiatives for ODHS leadership and federal and state agencies.

• Provide consultive guidance on program trends found through reporting and research with internal ODHS programs and external Summer EBT program participating partners and agencies.

• Explain and present research information to ODHS leadership, participating Summer EBT partner agencies, contracted vendors, legislative bodies, and external community partners and advocates for the purpose of informing organizational change.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree in any discipline that included six-quarter units in statistics or quantitative analysis methods and procedures;
OR
Three years experience as a research assistant comparable to the work of a Research Analyst 1; or two years experience using computer applications to help gather, compile, analyze, and report information and statistical data.

Experience with elementary statistical or quantitative analysis methods and procedures is helpful.

Essential Attributes

We are looking for candidates with:

Critical & Creative Thinking: Ability to analyze complex problems, develop innovative solutions, and apply creative approaches to data interpretation and research methodologies.

Experience with Python: Proficient in Python for data analysis and visualization, with familiarity in ArcGIS and R Studio as additional strengths for geospatial analysis and statistical modeling.

Data Analysis Proficiency: Expert in data analysis tools and methodologies with a strong ability to extract insights from complex datasets.

Dashboard Design and Development: Proven experience in creating user-friendly dashboards for leadership and government agencies, translating data into actionable visualizations.

Research Tools and Industry Trends: Deep knowledge of research tools and industry trends, with the ability to stay current on emerging technologies and methodologies in data analysis.

Interest holder Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with diverse interest holders, including non-technical audiences, to meet their information needs.

Data Visualization and Testing: Skilled in creating compelling data visualizations and experienced in developing testing methodologies for data accuracy and reliability.

System Design and Implementation: Demonstrated track record of working on system design and successful implementation. Ability to contribute to the development of efficient and scalable data systems.

System Updates and Auditing: Proven track record in system design and successful implementation, with a focus on developing efficient and scalable data systems.

Comprehensive Reporting: Skilled in preparing clear and concise reports on complex findings, with experience presenting to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Adaptability: ability to handle evolving data and reporting requirements, adjusting effectively to changes in program implementation and data needs.

Communication Skills: Effective in summarizing data and responding to requests, with the ability to tailor communication for clarity across diverse audiences.

Attention all candidates! In your application materials, please clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes for the Research Analyst position with ODHS. Be sure to include detailed work and education history that demonstrates your qualifications. Your application materials will be used to determine whether you move forward in the selection process. Additionally, share your understanding of the Research Analyst role and explain what interests you in serving Oregonians in this capacity.

Working Conditions

• This is a full-time and permanent position with hybrid/remote working options. Reporting to the office in Salem may be required for business operations needs.

• Frequent computer use to produce written documents and review data for prolonged periods and working extended hours during peak work periods. 

• This position works in a professional environment.

• This position requires extensive analysis and problem-solving, and you may work with multiple partners with conflicting priorities and requirements.

Background Checks and Requirements

• If selected as a finalist, we will conduct a criminal history and background check. Adverse criminal history or background check may lead to disqualification. Additional background check information.

• The Oregon Department of Human Services does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. ODHS will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

Benefits

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities that promote shared learning.

• Cost of Living Adjustments.

• Annual salary increases (until you reach the top of the listed salary range).

• Amazing benefits package.

• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Employment Preference

Veterans’ preference:

• Veterans’ preference information.

• How to submit your Veteran documents for preference. Please do not attach your Veterans’ preference documentation in the Resume/CV field of your application.

General Information

• This is a permanent, full-time position and is represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).  

• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

Contact Information

We invite you to contact the recruiter for accommodation requests under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), application questions or job-specific questions.

• The recruiter for this position is Teresa Camacho De La Torre. If you contact the recruiter, please include the job requisition number: REQ-166881.

• Email: Teresa.CamachoDeLaTorre@odhs.oregon.gov

• Phone (call or text): 971-286-0701