Data Analyst

Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.

Would you thrive in an environment where you learn and grow personally and professionally all while helping make a positive impact on people’s lives? Do you appreciate being around others like yourself who are dependable, trustworthy, hard workers who believe in the value of teamwork? HSCS is dedicated to building an atmosphere where employees feel valued and supported while providing specialized care for Texans in need. 

HSCS is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Data Analyst to join the Office of Forensic Services and Coordination (OFSC). In this essential role, the Data Analyst will lead analysis and reporting on critical insights related to system trends, operations, and outcomes throughout the forensic service continuum. This position will be responsible for services related to capturing, extracting, analyzing and display of data for forensic services across Health and Human Services Commisson. The main applications used include Excel, Access, Crystal Reports and Tableau. The main source of data used for analysis and reporting comes from the Electronic Health Record, electronic medication administration record, pharmacy applications, data files from sources external to the state-hospital system and in-house developed forms and databases. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in data analytics, policy research and evaluation, with expertise in statistical modeling to identify patterns and trends in existing datasets. The ability to collaborate effectively with key stakeholders will be vital to the success of this position.

The Data Analyst works under the direction of the Director of Behavioral Health and Justice Initiatives on the research, planning and innovation team within the OFSC with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgement to ensure the statutorily mandated duties of the Forensic Director (SB 1507, 84th Legislature, Regular Session, 2015) are met. These duties include statewide coordination and oversight of forensic services; coordination of forensic programs operated by HHSC; and addressing issues with the delivery of forensic services in Texas including significant increases in populations with serious mental illness and criminal justice system involvement. The Data Analyst will be expected to perform with independence at a senior-level and be a motivated self-starter.

The salary will be offered in accordance with the salary range posted for this position. Salary requests outside of the range in the posting will not be considered and is non-negotiable. For internal applicants, salary negotiations must align with the HHS Human Resources Manual and align with the salary range for this posting. For internal applicants, salary requests beyond the salary range in this posting or that require higher level approvals will not be considered.

Essential Job Functions (EJF):

Data Analysis and Reporting: Conduct analyses of complex datasets to identify trends within the forensic service continuum. Utilize statistical modeling techniques and tools (e.g., regression analysis, predictive modeling) to generate insights that inform program effectiveness and operational efficiency. Prepare comprehensive reports and visualizations that clearly communicate findings to stakeholders, ensuring that insights are easily understood and actionable for non-technical audiences. (20%)

Collaboration with Departments Across HSCS, Behavioral Health Services and Community Services: Actively engage with data teams across various departments, including Behavioral Health Services, Community Services, State Hospitals, and State Supported Living Centers. Facilitate regular meetings to enhance cross-agency data collection, data sharing and data analysis. Ensure that the collaboration results in actionable insights that drive improvements in service delivery. (20%)

Policy Research and Evaluation: Support the development of studies, policy research, and evaluations. Partner with agency leadership and staff, universities, and stakeholders to support research and evaluation projects. (15%)

Fielding Data Requests: Act as the primary point of contact for internal forensic data requests. Assess the needs of executive leadership and internal stakeholders, develop appropriate data extraction and analysis plans, and deliver timely and accurate data reports. Ensure that all data requests are managed in accordance with legal and ethical standards, particularly concerning confidentiality and data security. (15%)

Support for Local Data Enhancement Initiatives: Collaborate with local behavioral health and justice stakeholders to assess current data practices related to the forensic continuum of care. Develop tailored trainings to empower stakeholders in implementing data-driven practices, enhancing the overall competency restoration system, and improving outcomes for individuals found incompetent to stand trial, unfit to proceed or not guilty by reason of insanity. (10%)

Quality Assurance and Data Integrity: Establish and maintain stringent quality assurance protocols to ensure the accuracy and integrity of data across all projects. Conduct regular audits and reviews of data collection and analysis processes, providing recommendations for improvements as necessary. Serve as a subject matter expert on data integrity, offering guidance on best practices for data management and compliance with regulatory requirements. (10%)

Preparation and Presentation of Reports: Develop and deliver presentations summarizing the progress and outcomes of forensic data initiatives to executive leadership and relevant stakeholders. Utilize data visualization techniques to create compelling narratives that highlight key findings and recommendations. Ensure that reports are tailored to the audience, promoting accountability and transparency in all activities. (5%)

Continuous Professional Development: Stay current with advancements in data analytics, forensic policy, and relevant legislation. Participate in professional development opportunities, conferences, and training sessions to enhance skills and knowledge. Share insights and best practices with colleagues to foster a culture of continuous improvement within the OFC. (5%)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of SAS

Knowledge of electronic health records

Knowledge of forensic policy, programs and services

Knowledge of statistics and analyzing data sets

Knowledge of IT governance processes

Knowledge of MyAvatar (the electronic health record used by the State Operated Hospitals) preferred

Skill in the creation, monitoring and analysis of performance measures

Proficient in use of software such as Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Crystal Reports, Tableau

Skilled in use of relational databases

Skilled with and knowledge of IT systems

Skilled in analyzing problems and devising effective solutions

Ability to collect, interpret, organize, validate, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy

Ability to compile, review and analyze data; to prepare reports; to maintain accuracy and attention to detail; and to communicate effecitvely

Ability to coordinate, work with and on committees

Ability to present to various types of audiences

Creative and innovative mindset to effectively partner and collaborate with HHSC and HSCS leadership and staff, patients and their families, advocacy groups, professional associations, and the public. 

Action-oriented with strong self-direction and self-motivation skills and the ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects in a fast pace, high performance environment.

High degree of integrity, ability to build trust and communicate effectively.

Ability to work the hours of 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday with flexibility to be available after hours as needed such as during Legislative Sessions.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in data science, business analytics, computer science, computer information systems, management information systems, accounting, finance, mathematics, statistics, economics, or a related field is required.

Thirty-six months (36) experience in data analysis and/or quality assurance.

Thirty-six months (36) experience in designing, developing, and maintaining queries and reports.

Twelve months (12) experience working with electronic health records preferred. 

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Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:

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.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS 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 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.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form