Job Details

Research Data Specialist I

Are you ready to champion data that drives real change for California families? Join the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) as a Research Data Specialist I, where you'll work on projects that transform raw data into accurate, timely data products that influence policy decisions, support budget development, and inform how counties deliver critical services. Your work helps to ensure that the department's most essential datasets are complete, reliable, and ready to meet federal standards and state priorities.

What You'll Do

• Produce high quality data products that inform leaders across CDSS.
• Produce and analyze essential data for budgeting and forecasting, ensuring the accuracy of datasets that drive county allocations and feed directly into the Governor's Budget.
• Manage federal data submissions, coordinating with state and federal partners to resolve data issues and to maintain compliance with strict reporting requirements.
• Use your analytical and programming skills to create custom analyses and reports and to provide actionable insights to internal and external stakeholders.
• Champion data quality and consistency, ensuring all analytical products meet professional standards and support the department's larger data driven mission.
• Participate in large teams made up of analysts across the department to analyze and improve our social services programs.
• Improve your skills and confidence in SAS, R, Python and SQL.

Why This Role Matters

Your work ensures California's social service programs have trustworthy data at their fingertips; data that affects policy decisions, funding, and services for millions of children, families, and adults statewide. You'll be at the intersection of program expertise, research, and analytics, helping CDSS make smarter, more meaningful decisions.

Why Join Us?

• Play a key role in strengthening the statewide data ecosystem.
• Be a part of a team committed to accuracy, innovation, and public service.
• Influence high visibility reporting and analytical work across CDSS.
• Grow your analytical skills and impact vital social services programs in a collaborative, mission driven environment.

Ready to be a part of a team that powers data informed decision making across California? Step into a role where your contributions shape outcomes and your work truly makes a difference.