Data Analyst (Quality Assurance Specialist II)

SALARY RANGE:  $51,815.97 - $85,496.35 (Compensation negotiable within the salary range for fully qualified applicants. Salary rates are based on education, skill, and experience level as well as internal equity and market rates.) Catawba County Social Services mission is to strengthen, with dignity and respect, the well-being and quality of life for all citizens through supportive services and advocacy. In recruiting for this new Social Data Analyst position, we are seeking an experienced professional who shares our core values: Doing what’s right:  Use knowledge of data and business development strategies to help inform sound decision making, monitor adherence to performance measures/outcomes, and to develop and implement process improvements. Doing what matters most:  Interpret data, analyze results, and provide ongoing information and reports to county, state, federal and community partners/members in order to help ensure optimal service delivery and adherence to standards and county values. Doing it together:  Collaborate with internal and external partners to extract data figures, create reports based on findings, and spearhead efforts to monitor key performance indicators and outcomes. Doing it well: Strive for and encourage operational excellence by providing data and information that lends towards a culture of continuous quality improvement, while keeping our values and mission in focus. RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Gather, analyze, and report data relevant to DSS, its initiatives, and relevant community projects
• Implement and guide internal and external data gathering systems and methods, such as databases, surveys, focus groups, or other methods, to ensure agency data needs and requirements are met as effectively as possible
• Develop/monitor internal and external data systems and data resources to support program needs across all service areas
• Utilize data to assess program performance, determine needs, define target populations, inform development of interventions, and measure outcomes across service areas
• Prepare and publish reports, presentations, public-friendly materials and other communications related to internal and external data analysis and assessment
• Support development, publishing and presentation of the annual report to BOC and public as well as monthly data dashboard for the DSS Board
• Catalyze intentional organizational quality improvement through supporting the development of an annual QI plan in conjunction with program managers and in alignment with the agency's strategic plan
• Guide the implementation of continuous QI processes across service areas as outlined in the QI plan
• Assist Management Team and staff with developing systemic program measurement processes to support continuous program/performance measurement and reporting
• Develop systems to support staff accountability for ongoing monitoring of programs/ initiatives through routine reporting and discussion of goals, trends, and future vision for improvement
• Develop and implement systemic processes to gather, analyze, and monitor client and community satisfaction data to help inform program evaluation
• Continually evaluate and monitor Social Services data sources and capacities related to program data collection and reporting and make recommendations for improvement/development
• Develop a reporting system to recognize QI progress and achievement of QI goals for use with management team, award/grant applications, and reports to county management/Board of Commissioners, state leadership, funders, etc
• Coordinate, conceptualize and execute agency-wide special projects included but not limited to grant applications, surveys, and programmatic and agency award applications (including identifying opportunities, completing applications, document collection, award submission, and follow up)
• Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation, plans, and reports. Ensure standards and requirements through each are met through conducting quality assurance tests
• Researches grants and collaborates with parties for the purpose of securing funding to maintain and enhance DSS services and/or programs while coordinating all processes associated with the grant application and associated documents (reports, budgets, inquiries, etc.)
• Responsible for attending meetings/workshops/webinars, deadlines, eligibility for grant, etc
• Monitors and coordinates the administration of post-award grant funding to ensure that budgeting and administrative policies, procedures, and agency requirements are followed
• Manages administrative problems occurring during the awarded grant period
• Works with Operations Administrator regarding any budget changes during the awarded grant period
• Provides leadership to DSS Management and staff to develop relevant outcomes, determine effective measures, evaluate results, design reporting tools/methods, and identify strategic and tactical actions needed to improve or to continue to accomplish goals/outcomes. Provide year-end report and quarterly/annual updates

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in Social Work/Human Services, Public Administration, or Business Administration and 2 years of experience in quality assurance work or directly related work in the specific program area: OR
• Bachelor's degree in Social Work/Human Services, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related degree and 3 years of experience in quality assurance work or directly related work in the program area

  ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid Driver's license with a safe driving record required
• Ability to present information effectively verbally and in writing
• Ability to research and apply strong analytical and processing skills
• Knowledge of practical evaluation models and techniques
• Knowledge and ability to apply principles of continuous improvement, project management, conflict resolution, and change management
• Demonstrated organization, facilitation, communication, and presentation skills sufficient to understand, motivate, persuade, collaborate with, and lead others
• High-level computer skills including Word, Excel, Internet, and Data Bases
• Ability to effectively prioritize in a highly dynamic work environment, including working under pressure, meeting short times frames, and performing work with accuracy
• Ability to work collaboratively as a team as well strong initiative, ability to self-start, and excellent problem solving skills
• High degree of professionalism and discretion
• This is considered light work; lifting up to 20 pounds.