Research Specialist V

WHY WORK FOR DFPS?

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected — children, elderly, and people with disabilities — from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the citizens of Texas. DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, longevity pay, generous paid leave, access to the Wellness program, lifetime retirement annuity, Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

Brief Job Description:

The Research Specialist will be part of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Office of Data and Systems Improvement (ODSI). The position will act as an analyst in the newly established Qualitative Analytics and Evaluation team. ODSI works to build a preeminent system for protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation by partnering with DFPS leadership to continuously and proactively improve the agency’s processes, practices, and functioning to ensure optimal outcomes for the people the agency serves. The Qualitative Analytics and Evaluation team works with leadership to strategically use data to identify what parts of the system are working well and areas to target for improvement. The teams then work with the multiple divisions to explore the different aspects of a system (the people, policy, and processes) to find out why particular areas are performing well or need improvement. Working with leadership and, when appropriate, external stakeholders, the team brainstorms what to do, helps implement plans, and tracks and reports on progress. We’re looking for someone who wants to dedicate their talents and abilities to serving and protecting the most vulnerable Texans. Someone who is excited to be a part of a team of highly skilled, capable, and motivated individuals. We want someone who is intellectually curious, wanting to understand not just what is happening but why, and who’s not afraid to think outside the box for innovative and new ways of solving problems. We need someone who can engage a variety of people across the agency, as well as with external stakeholders, building strong relationships and support for the work of our division. While the role has a qualitative focus, quantitative analytics skills would be an asset.

Essential Job Functions:

• Conduct in-depth analyses and evaluations of statewide programs and initiatives to proactively identify areas of strength and areas needing improvement.

• When areas needing improvement are identified, support state office leadership and external partners in understanding root causes and implementing continuous quality improvement strategies.

• Identify and create tools or reports that encourage work efficiency and data-driven decision making.

• Facilitate and foster collaborative approaches to change, incorporating diverse perspectives through focus groups, workgroups, surveys, or similar methods.

• Provide technical advice to a range of internal and external stakeholders on evaluation design, research methods and relevant ethical issues. Present and explain complex data analysis in a way that is easily understandable and engaging for someone with limited knowledge of technical terms or analytical jargon.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Qualitative research skills including conducting interviews and discussion groups, and thematic analysis of qualitative data.

• Quantitative analysis skills - ability to conduct data analysis and interpret findings including both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques.

• Ability to creatively problem solve, including accessing needed resources from multiple areas and sources, and helping management think outside-the-box in developing solutions

• An attitude of customer service with demonstrated experience in team-building and collaboration - providing actionable and relevant recommendations, helping management stay focused on outcomes to be achieved, but being flexible and deferring to management with respect to how to best accomplish objectives  

• Communication skills - the ability to communicate information orally and in writing in a way that is understandable for multiple different audiences, including taking complicated information and making it understandable

• An ability to work with staff, regardless of their role, from direct delivery caseworkers up to executive leadership

• Knowledge of evaluation concepts and methods including measurement, testing, random sampling, research methods, principles, techniques, and philosophies.

• An understanding of and ability to apply process and systems improvement principles Preferred Skills Experience in program evaluation, including experience designing and conducting large-scale or multi-site evaluations.

• Knowledge of the child welfare system Understanding of and demonstrated skill in project management - specifically being able to keep plans on track

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university at a minimum. Master’s degree or higher preferred. Ability to travel (up to 5%) Experience communicating with individuals of differing levels of experience, knowledge, and authority. Experience in qualitative data analysis using qualitative data analysis software such as NVivo, ATLAS.ti or similar preferred. Experience in quantitative data analysis and use of Excel, at a minimum. Experience with  SQL, Tableau, and/or an analytics tool such as SAS, Stata, SPSS, R, or Python preferred.

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Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files. 

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS/DFPS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.