Analyst Save

In Allegheny County, we appreciate people who think big, act boldly, and care about making a difference. You don’t have to be from here to feel at home, or to make your mark. With only 1.3 million people in the County, it’s small enough for motivated people to get things done. Allegheny County’s Department of Human Services (DHS) is a perfect place to get things done that directly affect people in need in a positive and lasting way.

Overview

We are seeking an Analyst with an interest in human services. The Analyst must be able to work independently as well as part of a team in conducting research and analysis on housing and homeless programs, as well as other DHS program areas that interact with housing and homelessness (e.g., health, criminal justice). Responsibilities will include:

• Processing and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data to support daily operational data needs. A focus on quickly responding 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 methods, Incumbent is expected to recognize their particular expertise in data analysis and to seek other opinions whenever appropriate.
• Developing an understanding of DHS’s services and systems, to promote the effective use of data for decision-making.
• Sharing knowledge and findings through effective oral and written presentations to internal and external stakeholders.  
• Assisting in the development and design of research studies to evaluate DHS-administered human service programs. Studies may focus on specific 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 stakeholders.
• Querying databases to answer ad hoc requests to support program offices.
• Creating dashboards and data visualizations using Tableau software.
• Assisting in the development and implementation of research that informs DHS’s policies, practices, and programs.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Analyst 1 Candidates

Candidates at this level should have:

• Demonstrated interest in public service and research. Knowledge of housing and/or homeless programs/policies a plus.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft suite, especially Excel and PowerPoint, and analytic tools (e.g., SPSS or R). Skills in database development and geospatial analysis (i.e., ArcGIS) are a plus.
• Experience querying relational databases with SQL.
• Experience with data visualization (Tableau preferred).
• 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 and oral presentations.
• Strong time management and organizational skills; can set priorities and accomplish a variety of tasks.
• Attention to detail and quality.
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to clearly communicate with diverse audiences and to work collaboratively; sensitive to cultural diversity in the workplace and toward clients.
• 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, as needed.

Analyst 2 Candidates

In addition to the qualifications above, Level 2 candidates should have:

• Ability to use some advanced analytic approaches.
• More advanced skills in visualizing and presenting data or designing data collection tools.
• Ability to take initiative and generally manage a project from beginning to end independently.
• At least two years of experience using programming and analytics tools (e.g., SQL, R, Python, Tableau).

Analyst Salary Range Varies Upon Technical Experience

Analyst 1 Level $68k to $74k
Analyst 2 Level $79k to $84k

Education/Experience Requirements:

Master’s degree from an accredited college/university in social science, public policy or a quantitative field and experience with data visualization also preferred.

-OR-

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university in a related field, plus 2 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.

About Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS)

DHS is the largest agency in Allegheny County government, with a budget of nearly $1 billion. DHS serves over 200,000 people a year through services that include: Protecting children and youth from abuse and neglect and preventing future occurrences of maltreatment; improving child wellness through family support, home visiting, early intervention and in-home services; providing treatment for behavioral health issues such as substance use disorders and mental illness; managing the care of adults with intellectual disabilities; preventing unnecessary nursing home stays; and services that prevent homelessness and provide shelter and housing for families and individuals. 

Why DHS?

• It is innovative. Most recently, the national attention and awards we’ve gotten are for how DHS integrates data and uses them to improve the safety and well-being of children through tools that support front-line staff in making decisions (using predictive analytics).
• DHS is diverse, but we strive to be even more inclusive. Our director has made it her top priority that DHS is “the kind of place where a diverse group of talented people want to come, grow, and do their best work.” This includes equity in hiring and advancement, as well as in unleashing the creativity and ideas of staff at every level of DHS.
• It has strong, assertive leaders. We do not hire yes-people.

You can make a big impact here. We stand out as one of the best human services organizations in the country. But we need problem-solvers, innovators, and terrific leaders to make sure we are smart in how we use our funding so that we reach the people who most need our help to make their lives better. 

 DHS strives to be the kind of place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come to grow and do their best work.