Data Scientist

State of Connecticut • Hartford, CT

12d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Data Scientist will support the Office of the Correction Ombudsman’s oversight mission through research, data collection and analysis, development of performance measures, identification of trends and systemic issues, and preparation of reports and other research products concerning Connecticut’s correctional system. The role includes work related to conditions of confinement, correctional operations, health care, complaints, investigations, and other areas within the Office’s jurisdiction.

The position independently performs data management, analysis, and predictive activities to support data-driven decision-making. It applies statistical, analytical, and data-management methods to varied datasets and projects; translates agency needs and management objectives into analytic projects; prepares quantitative analyses, summaries, visualizations, and reports; reviews analytical methods; conducts literature reviews; advises agency staff on data risks and benefits; and assesses technologies for data preparation and analysis.

The position is primarily based at the Office of the Correction Ombudsman, 55 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut. Occasional attendance at correctional facilities, meetings, hearings, or other off-site locations may be required. Remote work may be available consistent with state policy and operational needs. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 40 hours per week.

Requirements

• Seven years of professional experience in data analytics, quantitative methods, or geographic information systems involving statistical modeling or spatial data analysis.
• One year of the required general experience must be at the junior working level, assisting with data management, analysis, and predictive activities supporting data-driven decision-making.
• Knowledge of research design, statistical analysis, and data management methods.
• Knowledge of principles related to managing and developing data and analytics projects.
• Knowledge of relevant state and federal statutes, regulations, and guidelines.
• Knowledge of data preparation and management tools and technology, data governance, and data-management practices.
• Interpersonal skills and oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to collect and prepare data, conduct analysis, and summarize and report conclusions.
• Ability to identify and use appropriate data and quantitative frameworks to support program or policy decisions.
• Ability to use relevant software, spatial-analysis tools, and/or programming languages to conduct analyses and generate reports and visualizations.
• Ability to independently develop and implement project designs.
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate summaries, visualizations, and dynamic reports or dashboards based on data findings.
• Ability to translate data and analysis into policy or program recommendations.
• College training in a specified or closely related field may substitute for general experience at 15 semester hours per half year, up to a maximum of four years for a bachelor’s degree.
• A master’s degree in a specified or closely related field may substitute for one additional year of general experience.

Nice To Haves

• Experience conducting quantitative or qualitative research, including research design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Experience analyzing administrative, programmatic, operational, or other large datasets and preparing statistical and narrative reports.
• Experience developing or maintaining databases, data-tracking systems, dashboards, or data-visualization tools.
• Experience conducting research related to criminal justice, corrections, public policy, health and human services, or another governmental or social-services system.
• Experience preparing research findings, data analyses, policy analyses, or reports for executive, legislative, governmental, or public audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop and conduct research projects concerning correctional conditions, operations, health care, complaints, investigations, and other matters within the Office’s jurisdiction.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret quantitative and qualitative data from the Department of Correction, complaint records, surveys, interviews, public records, and other sources.
• Develop and maintain databases, tracking systems, and other tools to monitor complaints, investigations, recommendations, trends, and outcomes.
• Conduct statistical and trend analyses to identify systemic issues, disparities, patterns, and changes in Connecticut’s correctional system.
• Develop performance measures and methodologies for evaluating correctional programs, services, policies, practices, and conditions.
• Prepare statistical, narrative, and graphical presentations of findings for reports, presentations, hearings, and other publications.
• Assist in developing and analyzing surveys and other research instruments for incarcerated individuals and other stakeholders.
• Research correctional policies, practices, programs, and relevant state and national trends.
• Provide research and data support for investigations, systemic reviews, legislative initiatives, policy recommendations, and public reports.
• Apply statistical, analytical, and data-management principles to datasets and projects.
• Work with agency staff to translate business problems, domain knowledge, and management objectives into data-driven projects.
• Use quantitative frameworks and computerized methods to analyze, summarize, visualize, and interact with data.
• Evaluate strengths and weaknesses of analytical techniques and conduct literature reviews.
• Consult agency staff about data use, including associated risks, benefits, and potential remedies.
• Prepare project proposals, maintain databases and datasets, and develop reports for internal and external audiences.
• Assess and implement technologies related to data preparation and analysis.
• Perform related duties as required.

Benefits

• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• A healthy work/life balance.
• State employee benefits are referenced through the State Employee Benefits Overview page; specific benefits are not detailed in the posting.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed