Performance Data Analyst

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

33d•$5,425 - $7,156•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Director of Performance Analysis, the Performance Data Analyst performs complex (journey-level) data analysis and data research work to support the Performance Management and Analytics System (PMAS). PMAS aims to integrate and transform HHSC program data to help monitor program performance and enhance data-driven decision-making. The role involves maintaining positive internal and external stakeholder relationships, providing consultative services and technical assistance to program staff, using SQL and other tools to develop performance measures and proof-of-concept calculations, gathering, tracking, and reporting performance data, analyzing data to identify patterns and forecast performance, assessing data quality and suitability for use in analytics, and identifying gaps, errors, and inconsistencies using data analysis best practices. This position works under general supervision of the Director and the Analytics Lead Team Member(s), with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

Knowledge of Texas Health and Human Services Commission's programs and functions, and Medicaid system in Texas.
Knowledge of State and federal legislative processes.
Knowledge of Project Management frameworks and Agile methodologies.
Knowledge of Record keeping, including security procedures for handling, protecting, and distributing confidential data.
Knowledge of Database structures and data models.
Knowledge of Database environments (Snowflake, Oracle, Databricks).
Knowledge of Data analysis best practices.
Skill in building queries and analyzing data using standard statistical tools (SQL, Python, Excel), applications, platforms (especially Snowflake), methods, and techniques.
Skill in joining database tables, creating calculated fields, CTEs, and window functions.
Skill in summarizing complex technical information, evaluating alternatives, and developing creative and workable solutions.
Skill in identifying and defining key performance indicators and measures.
Skill in communicating complex information clearly for a variety of audiences (verbal and written).
Skill in managing personal workload, including multiple and competing priorities.
Ability to review and understand business and system requirements, analyze performance data, and develop statistical data charts, maps, and tables.
Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions and communicate effectively.
Ability to use data analytics tools (SQL, Python, Excel).
Ability to optimize data for use in visualization platforms (especially Tableau).
Ability to collaborate with multiple teams, work with people under pressure, resolve conflicts, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university preferred. Related work experience may be substituted for educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
At least 2 years of experience in using SQL queries or Python to describe datasets, identify data quality issues, outliers, and other features.
At least 2 years of experience in performing business or program performance analysis, data collection, and data analysis required.

Responsibilities

Provides technical assistance to programs seeking to establish targeted, high-level metrics capable of effectively measuring and communicating program performance as well as overall HHS system performance.
Assists in developing new and refined measures, identifying suitable data sources, and selecting calculation strategies and reporting methodologies.
Researches HHSC programs, national measurement standards, or performance measurement best practices.
Educates program staff on measurement techniques, best practices, and data quality standards.
Checks data sources for data completeness and validity.
Documents measurement methodologies and proofs of concept.
Analyzes data from multiple sources to identify patterns and underlying causes to changes in data and trends.
Interprets historical and current data and makes projections for future program performance.
Compares data from different sources to identify similarities and differences or compares data from different time periods to better understand trends and impacts from changes in programs or policies.
Examines historical trends for clues about future impacts or to provide recommendations for program benchmarks and measure goals.
Performs research and develops reports, summaries, and presentation materials for a variety of audiences.
Analyzes state and federal legislation and rules, agency policies, and program procedures for downstream effects on data and data analyses.
Researches similar policies or legislation from other states to see what occurred elsewhere or researches how past changes have affected HHSC programs.
Crafts technical specifications based on known or suspected impacts, as well as providing a plain-language summary of information for agency leaders.
Coordinates User Acceptance Testing (UAT), including developing test scripts, test documents, and testing of new system functionality in various test environments, and ensuring approval of the final products.
Provides ongoing support to program staff, including performance management training and consultation, continuous improvement strategies, and assessment and reporting methodologies.
Researches best practices for conducting and documenting UAT.
Works with program staff to train them on data analysis tools and advises on training materials.
Troubleshoots issues and submits bug reports.
Identifies maintenance needs.
Assists program and technical staff in identifying future data product needs or additional features to be included in future development.
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.