Research Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Austin, TX

2d•$4,263 - $6,779•Onsite

About The Position

The Texas Civil Commitment Office (TCCO) is a small state agency with a critical public safety mission — to provide intensive supervision and treatment to civilly committed sexually violent predators. TCCO is a separate state agency that is administratively attached to the Health and Human Services Commission. TCCO is seeking dedicated professionals who are ready to contribute to this small but important agency. If you are passionate about public safety, supervision, and treatment; TCCO offers a unique and impactful career path. TCCO offers a comprehensive benefits package to include paid time off, a defined benefit pension plan and 100% paid employee health insurance for eligible full-time employees. Brief Job Description: Research Specialist: The Research Specialist performs complex (journey-level) research work, data collection and analysis under the direction of the Texas Civil Commitment Office. Work involves developing and maintaining research data sets, documenting data structure and definitions, developing audit and monitoring tools utilizing Microsoft Excel advanced functions as well as entering data into existing tools and gathering, compiling and organizing data to produce reports pertaining to the Texas Civil Commitment Office (TCCO) program and functions. The Research Specialist completes both routine, ongoing data entry and analysis as well as ad hoc reports or analysis as needed by TCCO management. The Research Specialist works under moderate supervision with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position is not a remote position and is required to report in-person to the TCCO office at 4616 W. Howard Lane Austin, TX 78728.

Requirements

Knowledge of running queries, report writing, and presenting findings.
Knowledge of statistical concepts and methods and their application to research analysis; of measurement, testing, and evaluation; and of research methods, principles, techniques, and philosophies.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills to include compiling multiple datasets, utilizing trend forecasting, creating models and reports, conditional formatting and developing forms.
Skill in creating written reports regarding findings and tailoring reports to a variety of audiences.
Skill in gathering and analyzing data to inform executive management decision-making.
Skill in conducting qualitative and quantitative research, in the use of a computer and applicable software, and in using statistical tools and programs.
Skill in attention to detail and self-editing to produce quality data and written reports.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple research projects simultaneously.
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, interpret and analyze large data sets.
Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate research projects; to evaluate research data; to ensure the development of measuring instruments with respect to reliability, relevance, and validity; to interpret and publish research findings; and to communicate effectively.
Advanced skill in critical thinking and problem solving.
Experience in data collection and analysis utilizing Microsoft Excel.
Valid Texas Driver's License

Nice To Haves

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in business or public administration, government or political science, statistical analysis, research methodology, mathematics, or management information systems is generally preferred.
Experience and education may be substituted for one another on a year to year basis.

Responsibilities

Develops and maintains research data sets, documents data structure and definitions, develops audit and monitoring tools utilizing Microsoft Excel advanced functions to support the collection of data to assist program staff with their monitoring and audit functions and to aid management staff in determining staff and contractor compliance with agency policies, procedures and contracts. Includes the development of reporting functions in Excel based upon complex datasets and combining multiple datasets.
Performs routine troubleshooting to assist users with existing audit and monitoring tools.
Completes fiscal year conversion of audit and monitoring tools to transfer year-end data into tools for the new fiscal year.
Utilizes historical data and trend forecasting to develop caseload and related projections to aid TCCO Executive Management in determining staffing, space and related needs and developing appropriation requests. Monitors progress toward meeting projections and provides updates to TCCO Executive Management on an ongoing basis.
Completes accurate and timely data entry into existing tools to aid program staff with their monitoring and audit functions.
Collects and analyzes data from TCCO systems and databases to complete ad hoc reports related to topics assigned by TCCO executive management.
During legislative session, compiles information related to filed bills for tracking by TCCO executive management.
Coordinates, plans, develops, and monitors research projects to include gathering data, compiling data, analyzing and querying data. Interacts with users, subject matter experts, executive management, and/or outside entities in defining problems, understanding the agency’s programs, and gathering information for reporting. Conducts both long- and short-term studies.
Plans and conducts research on the agency’s programs, including current and historical state policies and regulations and the policies and regulations related to similar programs in other jurisdictions. Requires the ability to conduct ad hoc analysis and prepare reports in short timeframes.
Explores opportunities for process automation to maximize efficiency.
Maintains a position desk reference manual of processes for job duties, including; report preparation, data analysis, data sources, data structure and definitions, and other duties as assigned.