Data Analyst / Research Analysis Specialist Senior

Minnesota Department of Human Services; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 69,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Human Services is seeking a Data Analyst to advance the Office of Inspector General’s data strategy, promote program integrity, and support data‑driven decision‑making across DHS.

The role will create dashboards, visualizations, and reports to inform management decisions, respond to data requests with accuracy, and collaborate with cross‑functional partners to improve program outcomes and compliance.

Qualifications

• Three (3) years professional experience performing data analysis and reporting; statistical analysis; programming to extract, manipulate, and analyze data; and developing data visualizations.
• SQL queries and data visualization tools (Tableau or PowerBI)
• Experience with Python or R
• Data analysis, manipulation, transformation, interpretation, and data visualization to support decision making
• Development and implementation of statistical analytics that supports business functions
• Interact and collaborate with partners or clients
• Provide data insights and present data in ways meaningful to business partners

Responsibilities

• Implement the OIG’s data strategy to empower better decision‑making and program integrity.
• Create dashboards, visualizations, reports, and presentations of data analyses to inform management decisions.
• Respond to internal and external data requests with accuracy and timeliness while adhering to data governance standards.
• Provide technical consultation to management in data analyses, analytic modeling, and data systems.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to identify opportunities to leverage data for improved outcomes and risk mitigation.
• Support analytics projects that inform oversight, compliance, and policy decisions.

Skills

SQL queries

Tableau/PowerBI

Python/R

Data analysis

Statistics

Stakeholder comms

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Math/Stats

Master's degree in CS/Math/Stats

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

Alteryx

SAS

Databricks

Job description

Working Title: Data Analyst

Job Class: Research Analysis Specialist Senior

• Job ID: 97090
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/17/2026
• Closing Date: 09/30/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit: Department of Human Services (DHS) / Office of Inspector General (OIG)-DSA Analytics & Insights 2
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

• Job ID: 97090
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/17/2026
• Closing Date: 09/30/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit: Department of Human Services (DHS) / Office of Inspector General (OIG)-DSA Analytics & Insights 2
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The Department of Human Services (DHS) is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DHS does not participate in E-Verify.

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well‑being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

• This position is eligible for telework for applicants who reside in Minnesota or in a bordering state, with supervisory approval and satisfactory performance. If you live in a state bordering Minnesota, you must live within 50 miles or less from the primary work location to be eligible for telework. There is a required in office meeting once a month.

This position is responsible for advancing the data and analytic capabilities of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) to promote program integrity, accountability, fraud detection, and regulatory compliance; support data‑driven decision‑making; and enhance overall operational effectiveness. The incumbent will:

• Implement the Office of Inspector General’s data strategy and expand the use of data to empower better decision‑making, program compliance, and program integrity in partnership with OIG business partners.
• Create dashboards, visualizations, reports, and presentations of data analyses to inform management decision‑making and support strategic planning.
• Respond to internal and external requests for data and information related to OIG data assuring accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to data governance standards.
• Provide technical consultation to OIG management and staff in data analyses, analytic model development, payment methodologies, cost analyses, statistical and analytic techniques, research methodologies, survey design and evaluation, performance measurement, statistical analysis methodologies, data governance, and OIG data systems and tools.
• Collaborating with cross‑functional teams to identify opportunities to leverage data for improved program outcomes, operational efficiency, and risk mitigation.
• Supporting the design, implementation, and evaluation of analytics projects that inform oversight, compliance, and policy decisions.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.**

Three (3) years professional experience performing data analysis and reporting; conducting statistical analysis; programming to extract, manipulate, and analyze data; and developing data visualizations to present analytical findings.

AND

• Developing and executing Structured Query Language (SQL) queries;
• Data visualization (Tableau or PowerBI) and analytic tools/platforms (Alteryx, SAS, or Databricks);
• Experience with Python or R programming languages; I
• Data analysis, manipulation, transformation, interpretation, and data visualization to support decision‑making and insight generation;
• Development and implementation of statistical analytics that supports business functions;
• Interact and collaborate with partners or clients;
• Provide data insights and present data in ways that are meaningful to the business partners.

A Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Statistics or area of study related to data sciences and data mining, economics, finance or other analytical fields may substitute for one year of experience.

OR

A Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Statistics or area of study related to data sciences and data mining, economics, finance or other analytical fields may substitute for two years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience analyzing criminal justice data.
• Professional work experience analyzing medical claims data for fraud, waste and abuse.
• Network Analysis to identify relationships and connections in data (e.g. Neo4j, Python NetworkX).
• Development and implementation of machine learning or AI models that support statistical analysis to predict program integrity and/or compliance.
• Understanding of data privacy laws and rules such as the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)Advanced Alteryx and Tableau knowledge and experience.
• Demonstrated ability to implement, instrument‑based program monitoring, key indicator systems, differential monitoring, risk assessments, weighting systems, outcome‑based measurements, and fraud detection models in a large complex regulatory system.
• Advanced Alteryx and Tableau knowledge and experience.
• Data Warehouse experience.
• Expertise in data modeling.
• Experience with additional programming languages (SAS, Java, Scala).
• Identify and analyze problems, spot issues, investigate them, and determine information validity.
• Ability to design, develop, and validate descriptive, predictive, prescriptive, and applied analytics.
• Skilled at analytic and evaluative techniques, performance measurement, process improvement, and/or program evaluation principles and practices.
• Skilled in verbal and written communications to synthesize and organize large volumes of complex information and ideas and present them in a succinct, easily understandable fashion.
• Prior experience coding medical claims.
• Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

• Criminal background check
• Reference check
• Fingerprinting check (MNJIS/CJIS)

Complete the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Security Awareness training within 3‑business days from the start of employment; and successfully obtain/retain CJIS certification annually.

Contact

If you have questions about the position, contact Patrick Hoban at [e-mail].

About Human Services Dept

WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can achieve their highest potential.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax‑free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well‑being

Support to help you reach your career goals

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well‑being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran‑friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651‑259‑3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.