Statewide Systems Improvement Specialist

Texas Health & Human Services Commission • San Antonio, TX

1d • $5,425 - $8,886 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Statewide Systems Improvement Specialist is a Research Specialist V in the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services’ Office of Data and Systems Improvement. The role leads and supports development and improvement of data-driven analyses and other products that inform decision-making at state and regional levels, primarily for Child Care Investigation, while also serving executive leadership needs for Child Protective Services and Child Protective Investigations.

The specialist works across teams including data analysts, developers, program staff, and executive leadership. The work includes strategic planning informed by data, business process analysis and improvement, detailed data analysis and research, reporting findings, and monitoring and implementing data quality. The position may guide others through special-project leadership or on-the-job training and operates under general supervision with moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

The position focuses on using data to understand system performance, communicate findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences, and develop practical strategies and process improvements. It also involves building relationships with program and regional leadership, documenting processes and decisions, mentoring colleagues, and supporting accurate, accessible, and policy-aligned data products. The role is based in San Antonio, is eligible for telework, and requires travel up to 20%.

Requirements

• At least three years of experience in data analysis, research, or reporting work.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Ability to travel up to 20%.
• Experience working in or with social service programs.
• Knowledge of statistics, data-set analysis, querying, report writing, presenting findings, and record keeping, including procedures for handling, protecting, and distributing confidential data.
• Skill in developing data products or tools for internal and/or external users.
• Skill in compiling data from multiple sources, including querying databases and merging datasets, and identifying data strengths and limitations.
• Competency in conducting detailed data analyses.
• Skill in organizing and managing multiple projects, timelines, and priorities.
• Skill in soliciting and integrating feedback to develop and improve data products.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to creatively solve problems, access resources across areas and sources, and help executive leadership develop solutions.
• Ability to work timely and productively under minimal supervision.
• Ability to use initiative, motivation, and critical thinking; collaborate across teams; manage multiple projects; prioritize and document work; and communicate clearly.
• Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and, if applicable, a driver’s record check.

Nice To Haves

• Experience using Excel and/or other data analysis software.
• Experience as a data storyteller and with data visualization.
• Experience working in or with social service programs.

Responsibilities

• Use and interpret data to make appropriate inferences and recommendations.
• Collect data for analysis and identify the most relevant information for the intended audience.
• Connect data, processes, and anecdotal information to explain what is happening and why it matters.
• Ensure analyses adequately address the research or business question.
• Translate technical details for non-technical audiences and communicate requirements to technical teams.
• Ensure data products are accurate, consistent, and aligned with policies and program goals.
• Respond to stakeholders in a timely manner and provide information in an understandable, appropriately concise format.
• Prepare and present clear, concise written and verbal analyses and engaging data findings.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with executive and regional leadership.
• Identify concerns and present them constructively to encourage discussion of plans and strategies.
• Help clients develop strategies and plans based on their needs and strengths.
• Check in regularly with program leadership, regional teams, and data and research specialists to align on needs and priorities.
• Document processes, decisions, and best practices.
• Mentor and support colleagues developing data skills.
• Lead or manage special projects and may provide on-the-job training.
• Conduct detailed data analysis and research, provide results, and monitor and implement data quality.
• Perform related work as assigned.

Benefits

• 100% paid health insurance for the employee and 50% paid for eligible family members.
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus 401(k) and 457 savings plans.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance at rates described as lower than most private plans.
• Flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care.
• Employee discounts on gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment.
• Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior