RESEARCH DATA ANALYST II

State of California; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

CalPERS pension

Two weeks paid vacation

Two weeks paid sick leave

Two professional development days

Personal holiday

Pre-tax parking

Job summary

California Department of Social Services (CDSS) seeks a Research Data Analyst II/I to join the Fiscal Forecasting Branch. The role focuses on building robust fiscal estimates for the Governor’s Budget, using strong math and statistical skills to inform policy decisions.

Ideal candidates will have a solid research background, ability to work independently, and experience mentoring junior staff. Hybrid work is possible; residency in California is required at appointment.

Qualifications

• Strong math skills and analytical abilities to develop fiscal estimates.
• Experience interpreting statutes/regulations and applying procedures.
• Ability to mentor junior staff and lead complex assignments.
• Background in data-driven research from academia or work experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop fiscal estimates for the State Budget across multiple variables.
• Collaborate with divisions to deliver robust analyses used by senior management.
• Mentor junior analysts and lead complex research projects.

Skills

Mathematics

Research skills

Analytical skills

Job description

Department of Social Services

JC-531991 -

JC-531991 - Research Data Analyst II/Research Data Analyst I RESEARCH DATA ANALYST II

$6,647.00 - $8,325.00 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: 9/24/2026

Application Methods: Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account) By Mail Drop-off

CDSS is looking for a highly motivated Research Data Analyst I/II (RDA I/II) with strong math skills, research abilities, and analytical experience to join the Fiscal Forecasting Branch (FFB). The FFB is comprised of three bureaus: Family Engagement and Equity Estimates Bureau (FEEEB), Children, Adult, and Housing Programs Estimates Bureau (CAHPEB), and the Child Care Estimates & Allocations Bureau. The FFB develops the annual Local Assistance Governor’s Budget and May Revision update for programs administered by Child Care and Development Agencies and the County Welfare Departments. In addition, the FFB is responsible in providing a fiscal analysis of proposed legislative bills that have a potential impact to the Department.

The RDA II’s are senior analysts that work with minimal direction. It is essential for the RDA I/II to possess a strong background in mathematics and statistics as well as analytical skills to conceptualize, develop, and create fiscal estimates that are robust and consider multiple variables (e.g., funding environment, political considerations, data integration). The work intersects with multiple branches across the department and the RDA I/II needs to develop strong working relationships to be successful. The work produced will be scrutinized closely by senior management, executive staff, and external stakeholders because it will have direct implications for the State Budget.

It is desirable that the RDA I/II have an understanding of social service programs’ policies and experience in interpreting and applying statutes, regulations, and procedures. Additionally, the RDA I/II must be able to work independently, reason logically, and possess strong analytical skills. The RDA I/II is expected to mentor junior staff members and take a lead role in complex assignments. For this RDA I/II position, it is essential the applicant has a strong research background from academia and/or from work experience in a data driven environment.

The Department of Social Services does not participate in E-Verify for employment authorization purposes. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship by the start date of employment.

Working Conditions

This work location is very convenient! The CDSS is located two blocks from the light rail and public transportation: within walking distance to the State Capitol, parks, restaurants, farmer’s markets and the Golden 1 Arena. Our building has easy access to I-5, Highway 50, and Highway 80.

This position may be eligible for Hybrid work. In-person attendance is required based on the operational needs of the position and in accordance with Executive Order N-22-25 the Statewide Hybrid Telework Policy, Government Code section 14200, and any applicable department telework requirements. The successful candidate must reside in California at the time of appointment. Proof of California residency may be required.

Please note: Regular commute is not compensable.

Minimum Requirements

• RESEARCH DATA ANALYST II
• RESEARCH DATA ANALYST I

Classification:

RESEARCH DATA ANALYST II $6,647.00 - $8,325.00 A New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Shall Consider:

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

# of Positions:

1

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.

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is dedicated to serving, aiding, and protecting children and adults in ways that strengthen and preserve families, encourage personal responsibility, and foster independence.

Do you have strong technical skills in research and data analysis? Are you interested in contributing in a meaningful way to assist California’s low-income families and individuals? Come join the Fiscal Forecasting Branch at the California Department of Social Services as a Research Data Analyst (RDA) II, also considering RDA I.

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.

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.

This position requires a “Statement of Qualifications” not to exceed two pages in length, size 12-point Arial font. The Statement of Qualifications must specifically addresses the following three questions: (Resumes do not take the place of the Statement of Qualifications.) A complete application package must include names and contact information for three most recent supervisors.

1) Describe a specific project(s) in which you have researched or evaluated a problem and assessed alternatives. Explain the process you used for analyzing the issue, the recommendation(s) you provided and the outcome.

2) Estimating the impact of various policies and program changes for various social services programs is a primary requirement of this job. What in your experience prepares you for this type of work?

3) Please describe your experience making oral and written presentations to inform important decision making.

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 not complete. 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.

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.

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:

The ideal candidate will have Three years of progressively responsible technical quantitative and qualitative data analysis, including but not limited to researching, identifying patterns and trends in historical data, as well as data model creation experience or a minimum of one year of data research, collection, analysis and reporting experience performing the duties of a class with a level of responsibility equivalent to Research Data Analyst I.

• Strong math, research, and analytical skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, and maintain cooperative relationships.
• Ability to plan and carry out research projects; analyze and make recommendations; prepare and present technical reports.
• Ability to establish workload priorities, organize materials, and work well under pressure.
• Ability to exercise initiative and flexibility.
• Knowledge of welfare programs, such as CalWORKs, CalWORKs Child Care, and CalFresh are desirable.

• 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.
  • 100 percent discount on public transit passes sold by state agencies, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
  • 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
  • 100 percent reimbursement on the monthly fee, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Hiring Unit Contact:
Mitchell Martinez
[phone]
[e-mail]

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
[phone]
[e-mail]

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

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: [e-mail] .

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.