City Of Philadelphia Office Of Human Resources

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5A20

SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH STATISTICIAN

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General Definition

• This is human services analytical work developing, revising and directing the collection, classification, analysis and dissemination of statistical information. The employee works in the Department of Human Services’ Division of Performance Management and Accountability supervising staff responsible for managing projects and developing and managing the research agenda. Work includes developing and delivering Federal and State mandated reports using the AFCARS reporting requirements. An employee in this class analyzes the operations of social service programs to evaluate existing information needs and to develop and revise information systems for the dissemination of statistical information. Directing statistical studies and research projects to identify social service problems, patterns and needs is a significant aspect of work. Work is performed under the general direction of a Deputy Commissioner of Human Services.

Allocating Factors:

(The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)

• Positions in this class must perform human services analytical work developing, revising and directing the collection, classification, analysis and dissemination of statistical information.
• Positions must supervise staff responsible for managing projects.
• Positions must be located in the Department of Human Services’ Division of Performance Management and Accountability.

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Typical Examples Of Work (Illustrative Only)

• Analyzes the operations of social service programs to evaluate existing information needs and to develop and revise information systems; collaborates across the Division of Performance Management with the Data Integration and Management Unit, the Provider Relation and Program Evaluation Unit, the Performance Management unit, and the Quality Improvement Unit to develop and manage the research agenda for the division; assesses the data required to provide and improve services, utilizes the data from other department divisions, and facilitates data integration with the Division of Technology.
• Develops and conditions large-scale datasets; performs descriptive analyses, develops predictive models; displays data using spreadsheets, applications and programs.
• Confers with program administrators across the Division and Department to determine which information on service activities is required for administrators to evaluate existing services and improve services.
• Assists program directors in developing criterion for determining which data should be retained and collected and criterion for evaluation of services and activities; develops and revises data collection methods; reviews, revises and designs forms used to gather information on patients and services; develops data reporting, coding and screening policy and procedures; directs the application of data processing and computer capabilities to the systemic collection of information.
• Collaborates with a staff of analytical and programming personnel engaged in the compiling, classification, recoding and analysis of statistical information; plans, designs, conducts and directs statistical studies and research projects to identify social service problems, patterns and needs; reviews proposed studies and approves plan of approach including sampling techniques; reviews analyses and conclusions prepared by subordinate staff; presents recommendations to unit directors.
• Provides technical direction and supervision to staff responsible for managing projects and lower level analysts; provides technical training on statistical packages to subordinate employees.
• Prepares reports of studies, which include analysis, interpretation, documentation and recommendations relevant to program performance, costs and projected future needs; collaborates on reports generated from the Department of Human Services’ electronic case management system and works with outside consultants to develop and execute more complex research reports on process and outcome measures for child welfare and juvenile justice; prepares reports and professional papers; attends conferences; reviews periodical and professional literature; reports specifically to comply with Federal and State mandates, with special attention paid to AFCARS reporting requirements.
• Performs related work as required.

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Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Knowledge Of:

• the design, methodology and techniques of social service program analysis
• techniques of descriptive and inferential statistics
• principles, methods and techniques for research and data collection
• the principles and practices of utilizing computers for management reporting and analysis
• supervisory methods and techniques
• social science research and investigation methodology and its application
• statistical packages such as SPSS, SAS or STATA
• the reporting requirements for AFCARS data
• the principles, practices, goals and programs of child welfare and juvenile justice administration
• the methods of child welfare and juvenile justice service delivery
• child welfare and juvenile justice policy and law

Skill In:

• conducting research projects and determining appropriate research methods utilizing current research techniques
• performing complex quantitative and statistical analysis
• using computer software packages include MS Office Suite to manage data and produce tables, spreadsheets, graphic displays, and text

Ability To:

• supervise lower level employees
• exercise initiative and independent judgment
• identify key problem areas for investigation
• independently initiate, plan, and direct research projects of considerable scope
• evaluate programs, systems and activities through analysis of data
• organize and present clearly findings and recommendations from studies and analysis
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, departmental officials and outside consultants
• work in a dynamic environment under aggressive timelines
• enlist the cooperation of officials in implementing policy and procedural changes
• present ideas effectively, both orally and in writing
• effect sound management practices in the administration of human services programs

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Minimum Acceptable Training And Experience

(The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 11/09.)

Education

• Completion of a master's degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in a quantitative subject such as statistics, economics, applied mathematics. OR
• Completion of master’s degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in a social science or social policy field with at least 12 semester credits hours in quantitative methods.

General Experience

• Five years of research experience in a social service setting, two years of which have involved responsibility for directing comprehensive research projects that involve the analysis of social service programs, vital statistics and information systems.

PREFERRED Experience

• The general experience described above in the field of child welfare and juvenile justice delivery.

OR

• Any equivalent combination of training and experience which has included a master's degree as the educational minimum and which has been determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources.

Physical And Medical Requirements

1. Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

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PAY RANGE:

EP25

• Class Established:

  • CSC: 9/09, Ad Board: 10/09

• Class Revised:

  • CSC: 3/11, Ad Board: 5/11

PF/jl

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End Of Job Class Specification - 5A20