RESEARCH DATA ANALYST I
State of California
IT, Data Science
United States
USD 4,469-6,922 / month
Posted on May 15, 2026
Job Posting: Research Data Analyst I/II
Department of Social Services
JC-516578
- Research Data Analyst I/II
RESEARCH DATA ANALYST I
RESEARCH DATA ANALYST I
$4,469.00 - $6,922.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 5/15/2026
Job Description and Duties
Under the direction of the Program Administration & Research Unit Manager (Supervisor I), the Research Data Analyst I/II (RDA I/II) independently performs complex research and analytical activities to support the CalWORKs and Family Resilience Branch. The incumbent advances data-driven decision-making and continuous quality improvement aligned with CalWORKs policy goals and Cal-OAR performance measures. Responsibilities include designing and conducting quantitative and qualitative analyses related to poverty interruption and family stabilization programs, including Cal-OAR, the CalWORKs Home Visiting Program, racial equity efforts, and outreach strategies.
The RDA I/II evaluates county performance on key indicators such as family stabilization, employment engagement, service access, and equity-focused outcomes, identifying trends and opportunities for program improvement. The RDA I/II develops research methodologies, statistical analyses, dashboards, and reports that translate complex findings into actionable insights for leadership and stakeholders. The incumbent collaborates with internal CDSS divisions, counties, and contractors to ensure data integrity and alignment with statewide performance monitoring efforts. At the RDA I level, the analyst supports complex assignments under general direction; at the RDA II level, the analyst independently leads major studies and serves as a technical expert in performance measurement and evaluation.
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You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
This position is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order N-22-25 and at the sole discretion of the Department of Social Services under California Government Code Section 14200. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be re-evaluated at any time. The incumbent will be expected to report for in office work and attend work related in-person events as deemed operationally necessary. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the CDSS policies.
Please note: Regular commute is not compensable.
For positions advertised in more than one location, headquarter location may be designated on the selected candidate's primary residence location, and/or the closest CDSS location in accordance with operational need and available space. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.
This job advertisement has also been listed in the following counties: Humboldt, Butte, Fresno, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Alameda, Orange, Riverside, Placer, San Mateo, San Diego, Santa Clara, Sonoma, San Joaquin
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.Additional Documents
Position Details
Job Code #:
JC-516578
Position #(s):
800-241-5729-910
Working Title:
Research Data Analyst I/II
Classification:
RESEARCH DATA ANALYST I
$4,469.00 - $5,079.00 A
$4,611.00 - $5,495.00 B
$5,529.00 - $6,922.00 C
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable. RESEARCH DATA ANALYST II
$6,647.00 - $8,325.00 A
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
United States
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of fellow Californians while achieving your career goals? Do you set high standards for yourself and enjoy a collaborative and challenging work environment? The mission of the California Department of Social Services is to serve, protect, and support the people of California experiencing need in ways that empower wellbeing and disrupt systemic inequities. The vision of the California Department of Social Services is to provide quality services with a commitment to an inclusive, diverse, and equitable California where all people can thrive.
To provide data evaluation, policy and instructions and oversight of the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program to all 58 county health and human agencies. The CalWORKs program provides cash assistance and supportive services to needy families as they work their way to self-sufficiency.
CDSS Guiding Principles
Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Accessibility. Belonging.
We ensure opportunities for everyone to participate in a meaningful way in fulfilling the mission and vision of CDSS.
Community Engagement
We prioritize the lived experiences of community members as a driving force behind the creation, implementation, desired impact, or change of programs and services.
Empowerment
We engage, operate, and advocate from the understanding that each community and person has desires and capabilities to lead in their own life.
Quality Services
We provide services that align intent and impact by ensuring that they are accessible, community driven, interconnected, and continuously improved.
Data Defined Outcomes
We equitably collect and analyze data, take data-driven action, and measure outcomes relevant to those we serve, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Special Requirements
Please Note: A Statement of Qualifications or Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted along with your application to be considered for this position. Applications submitted without an SOQ may be disqualified for this position.
Do not include any confidential information on any documents (i.e., application, resume, or transcripts) you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include but is not limited to: Social Security Number (SSN), birthday and/or age, photos, student/other ID number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, exam results, LEAP status, and marital status. Confidential information submitted via a CalCareer Account (electronic application) is automatically redacted upon submission.
Special Requirements:
A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) must be submitted with the state application to be considered for an interview. Resumes and letters of introduction do not meet the SOQ requirement. Clearly label the SOQ, re-state each question, and organize a detailed response directly under each numbered question. The SOQ should not exceed two pages, be single-spaced, in 12-point font, and address the questions below. Responses should be specific.
For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ Work4CA: How to Write a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)
1.) Please speak to your understanding the California Department of Social Services’ role in serving vulnerable Californians.
2.) Please describe how your experience, education, and training qualifies you to perform the duties of the position.
You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD 678). You may be disqualified from the hiring and selection process if the employment history is inaccurate or incomplete. Resumes will not take the place of employment history.
If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts for verification. If selected, you may be required to provide official transcripts at the time of hire.
Training and Development assignments may be considered based on the availability of eligible candidates and are subject to approval by the Hiring Authority prior to appointment. Training and Development assignments are temporary in nature and shall not exceed twenty-four (24) months.
Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview, but they must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment.
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 5/15/2026Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Attn: Classification & Pay Unit
P. O. Box 944243 - MS 8-15-58
Sacramento, CA 94244-2430
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Classification & Pay Unit
744 P Street, MS 8-15-58
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
- Statement of Qualifications - (SOQ) IS REQUIRED. Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission.
Desirable Qualifications
In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
We encourage applications regardless of whether you think you meet 100% of these skills below.
The CalWORKs and Family Resilience Branch is seeking an innovative, highly motivated, and self-directed individual with strong research, data programming, and statistical analysis skills to support data-driven decision-making in social policy. The ideal candidate is self-motivated, able to work both independently and collaboratively, and demonstrates initiative in managing complex assignments with minimal direction. A strong passion for continuous learning and professional growth, particularly in the areas of public policy, performance measurement, and data analytics is essential. The candidate should have knowledge of or experience with poverty interruption programs; such as, CalWORKs, CalFresh, and Housing Supports, and the ability to analyze, interpret, and clearly communicate complex data to both technical and non-technical audiences. Knowledge or experience in data and reporting tools including Microsoft Excel, Snowflake, SAS, and Tableau is highly desirable.
OR
- Experience in research design, data programming, and statistical analysis to support data-driven decision-making in social policy.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, exercising sound judgment and initiative while managing complex assignments with minimal direction.
- Strong commitment to continuous learning and professional development, particularly in public policy, performance measurement, and data analytics.
- Knowledge of or experience with poverty interruption and public assistance programs, including CalWORKs, CalFresh, and Housing Supports programs.
- Ability to analyze, interpret, and clearly communicate complex data findings to both technical and non-technical audiences, including executive leadership and stakeholders.
- Experience or knowledge using data management and reporting tools such as Microsoft Excel, Snowflake, SAS, and Tableau to extract, transform, analyze, and visualize data.
- Ability to translate policy and program requirements into data queries, reports, dashboards, and actionable insights.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and ensure accuracy and data integrity.
Benefits
There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California has a generous benefits package that includes medical coverage, CalPERS pension upon retirement, two weeks paid vacation per year, two weeks paid sick leave per year, two paid Professional Development Days, one paid Personal Holiday, pre-tax parking fee program.
TRANSPORTATION REIMBURSEMENT
• Public transit (mass transit) passes.
o 100 percent discount on public transit passes sold by state agencies, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
o 100 percent reimbursement on public transit passes purchased by state employees, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.
• Vanpool drivers and riders
o 100 percent reimbursement on the monthly fee, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.
Click here to view all the attractive benefits available to state employees!
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Ravenpreet Gill
ext:
ravenpreet.gill@dss.ca.gov
Ravenpreet Gill
ext:
ravenpreet.gill@dss.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:EEO Office
(916) 657-2326
EEOoffice@dss.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025
Salaries do not reflect reductions from the Personal Leave Program, please see the applicable Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for additional information on the length and percentage of reductions.
Examination Information
Those interested in obtaining employment with any state agency must apply and compete through the state hiring and recruitment process.
To apply for the examination for this position, click on the link below to search for the examination and follow the “How to Apply” instructions in the examination announcement:
Successful examination applicants are placed on an eligibility list. If you already have list eligibility for this classification, you do not need to retake the examination. Applicants should refer to their examination results or check their CalCareer account for specific list eligibility expiration dates and to re-take the examination when necessary. For questions regarding the examination process, please contact the Examination Unit at: Examinations@dss.ca.gov.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
