Data Analyst

Collects, monitors, analyzes, and reports information regarding housing and human services programs with special emphasis on affordable housing programs, policies, procedures, participant and community demographics and outcomes. Coordinates and manages data efforts on behalf of the division, optimizes data systems and supports open data and performance. 

*This current vacancy is in the Housing and Human Services Department (HHS) and will part of the team responsible for administering the City's upcoming Rent Registry for non-rent controlled rental housing units. Those successful in the application screening process will be referred to HHS for consideration.

Develops a comprehensive strategy to organize existing affordable housing program data into a usable infrastructure for analysis to improve service optimization, program design and resource allocation. 

Collects, monitors and analyzes data, establishes performance metrics, and offers recommendations for courses of action to improve service level delivery for a City department or division.

Provides guidance to department/division staff to increase staff capacity for data collection methods, database use and maintenance, data/statistical analysis, and service delivery through trainings, tools and partnerships, and manages database user accounts. 

Provides information and assistance to the public and staff on various City programs. May participate in professional organizations in specific program areas and make presentations to the public. 

Establishes and maintains relationships with external partners to access potential supplemental data sources (e.g., County, State, foundations, other municipalities, and academic and research institutions).

Analyzes data, draws conclusions and makes recommendations that demonstrate the value of data driven decision making for policy and program implementation.

Identifies the information to be gathered, develops data collection methods, prescribes data formatting requirements and specifies the data warehousing structure for future access. 

Identifies best practices in specific program or service areas and prepares reports with recommendations for courses of action.

Collaborates with the City’s Information Services Department to secure access to new databases and conduct testing of online review instruments. 

Serves as the primary point of contact for data and program performance management issues, including service providers and internal City staff.

Researches, evaluates and analyzes best practices and trends regarding program evaluation and data management at the local, state and national level.

Administers rental housing voucher program waitlist and develop policies to ensure compliance with all regulations.

Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Knowledge of:

Data management and optimization best practices

Principles of open data, open government and Government 2.0

Open data tools and Big Data technology infrastructure environments

Modelling techniques such as data modelling and/or predictive modelling

SPSS or similar statistical analysis packages

Data visualization software such as Tableau, Excel, R, or similar software

Federal voucher programs and waitlist requirements

Federal, state and county affordable housing regulations

Quantitative and management analysis techniques

Contract development and negotiations

SPSS or similar statistical analysis packages

Principles of report writing

Principles of program planning, implementation and evaluation

Effective customer service techniques

Ability to:

Plan, coordinate and oversee the activities of a project

Conduct research, analyze information, and make recommendations that advance the City’s and the Departments/Divisions priorities

Prepare analytical and financial reports that can be understood by technical and non-technical audiences

Analyze and manipulate complex, high-volume, multi-dimensional datasets from varying sources

Conduct rigorous analysis and reporting which drive strategy and business planning which recognizes specific technology-related client business needs and limitations.

Implement established guidelines to ensure high quality, reliable and consistent data publication that conforms to all applicable policies and laws/ordinances

Interpret and apply relevant affordable housing policies, laws, and regulations

Research and interpret complex technical information

Develop and implement policies and procedures

Demonstrate technical ability to effectively manage/interact with a variety of database applications and languages (SQL/ODBC/XML)

Navigate privacy and confidentiality restrictions on client-level data sharing agreements

Interpret and apply relevant, policies, laws, and regulations

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees, various businesses and agencies, and the general public

Prepare and present clear and concise oral and written reports and recommendations 

Skill in:

Project management

Data analysis and evaluation

System analysis and evaluation

Working effectively with persons from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds

Software administration

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in management information systems, computer science, public or business administration, social science, human services or a closely related field.

Experience: T

Two years of recent, paid progressively responsible work experience in data analytics, information technology, data system design and support. Experience in the public sector or a relevant academic or research institution is preferred. 

Licenses and Certificates:

Possession of a valid Class C driver’s license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

How to Apply:
 
Applicants must submit a completed on-line City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. If you do not submit your on-line application by the filing deadline, you will not be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.
 
If you would like for your education to be considered, you must attach a copy of your college level transcripts or diploma to your online application. Applicants who indicate receipt of college level coursework or degree from a foreign institution must provide United States credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcripts. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than the filing deadline. Failure to do so may result in your application being evaluated without the education being considered.
 
Selection Process:
 
All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding your work history and qualifications for the position. All applications will be reviewed and only those applicants determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

Testing may consist of a combination of any of the following and is subject to change as needs dictate:

Evaluation of Qualifications

Oral Interview.

If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority, in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position.

Note: Internal staff who submit transfer applications must notify the analyst in charge of the recruitment, via email, upon submission of their transfer application.

Background Investigation:
 
Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

Inclusion & Diversity Statement

The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally rich community.  As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact. 

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees.  Join us!

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities.  Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.