Application Dev Analyst-Advanced #W5057 (Mobile/Remote)

Title: Application Dev Analyst-Advanced #W5057 (Mobile/Remote)

State Role Title: Info Technology Specialist II

Hiring Range: $98,000 to $111,000 per year (salary commensurate with experience)

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of Social Services

Location: DSS HOME OFFICE

Agency Website: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

At the Virginia Department of Social Services, we put people at the center of everything we do. We believe that every Virginian can live a life of dignity and that all voices, ideas and experiences contribute greatly to our pursuit of excellence. Inspired by continuous improvement, we commit ourselves to listening, learning and cultivating environments of trust, respect and positive engagement. Together, we are mission-driven, eager to achieve, and passionate about bringing the best of who we are to those we serve.

We design and deliver high-quality human services that help Virginians achieve safety, independence and overall well-being. We are a $2 billion agency – one of the largest in the Commonwealth of Virginia – partnering with 120 local departments of social services and 31 community action agencies, along with faith-based and non-profit organizations, to promote the well-being of children, adults, and families statewide. We proudly serve alongside 1,650 (state) and 12,200 (local) human services professionals throughout the Social Services System, who ensure that thousands of Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens have easy access to the services and benefits available to them.

Application Dev Analyst-Advanced is responsible for leveraging advanced data analytics, including PowerBI, data science methodologies, and machine learning techniques, to provide high-quality information and research expertise that enhances the performance and service delivery of the Virginia Social Services System (VSSS). This role involves producing standard reports on a regular basis, as well as developing innovative metrics and reports using PowerBI to visualize and interpret complex datasets effectively. Additionally, the position responds to ad hoc requests for data analysis and interpretive insights, contributing to the VDSS's strategic planning initiatives with a focus on data-driven decision-making.

Application Dev Analyst-Advanced plays a critical role in maintaining and improving data quality, increasing its utilization across various platforms, and leveraging machine learning algorithms to uncover patterns and insights that inform strategy and operations. This includes generating federally mandated reports for child and adult programs. Serving as the data custodian for Family Services data, the position ensures the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data, while also exploring new ways to apply machine learning and data science to enhance program outcomes and better serve clients.

Application Dev Analyst-Advanced will provide direct support serve as a:
• Data custodian for Family Services data, the position ensures the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data.
• Developer for Research and Planning.

Minimum Qualifications

Application Dev Analyst-Advanced requires expertise in:
• Working with and managing data within large-scale institutional systems.
• Deep understanding of how to query and manipulate significant datasets, alongside a background in developing databases, managing data, and administering business intelligence systems in a large organizational setting.
• Well-versed in the theoretical foundations and practical principles related to data architecture, including the strategic management of data assets, enhancing business processes, conducting thorough data analyses, creating business intelligence reports, and optimizing performance management.
• Strong foundation in data science and machine learning, proficiency in SQL and relational databases, and the ability to use PowerBI for data visualization.
• Experience with statistical analysis using software like Stata, SPSS, or SAS, and be skilled in evaluating programs, analyzing performance metrics, and understanding their impacts.
• Capability to move data across different systems, create advanced tables and charts in Excel or Access, and have a basic understanding of social or human services programs, including the ability to explain their objectives and outcomes.
• Adept at managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced setting, estimating the time needed for tasks accurately, and working towards achieving program goals.
• The ability to provide prompt, precise responses to data requests and understand the intended use of data is essential.
• Experience in collaborative problem-solving and consensus-building on program-related issues is necessary, as is the ability to work effectively within a team to meet objectives.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills are critical, along with the ability to forge strong working relationships and gather essential information.
• A commitment to personal development, self-awareness of one's strengths and weaknesses, and a drive for lifelong learning are important.
• Leadership skills and the ability to guide team members in completing tasks are also required.

Additional Considerations

Not Applicable

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Selected candidate(s) must successfully pass a fingerprint-based criminal history background check. A record of criminal history does not automatically bar an applicant from consideration. Employment verification will be conducted to include current/previous supervisory employment reference checks.

VDSS will record information from each new employee’s Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) into the Federal E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

To be considered for this position, you must submit a Commonwealth of Virginia application or resume through the on-line “Virginia Jobs” (PageUp) employment site no later than 11:55 p.m. on the closing date listed. Each application is reviewed for documentation that shows the applicant meets the minimum and additional considerations as stated in the job announcement. The decision to interview an applicant is based on the information provided. Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment within 90 days of the closing date.

In addition to a rewarding work experience, VDSS offers excellent health and life insurance benefits, pre-tax spending accounts, state funded Short and Long Term Disability, paid holidays, vacation, tuition assistance, free wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching – Employee Benefits.

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity within its workforce.

VDSS does not provide sponsorship.

VDSS is an official certified state agency that values the service and experience of our Veterans. As such, Veterans are encouraged to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni also are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants, if requested, during the application and/or interview process.

If you have been affected by Policy 1.30 Layoff as a state employee and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Card (Blue Card), you must submit this document through the “Virginia Jobs” (PageUp) employment site when you apply.

Contact Information

Name: VDSS – Division of Human Resources

Phone: dssrecruitment@dss.virginia.gov

Email: dssrecruitment@dss.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.