This is advanced level research and information management work conducting analytical studies aimed at identifying the needs of the client population services based on sociologic, economic and demographic factors. Additional analysis is also conducted of services offered by the City in order to determine the effectiveness of services rendered based on the identified needs of the clientele. The employee in this class functions as a lead worker within a specialized area providing team leadership to lower level analysts. Additional distinguishing factors between this and then ext lower level position include the number, size and complexity of assignments, the degree of independence from supervision, the ability to coordinate the work of others, and the level of interaction with program management and provider agency administrators. Employees in this class utilize microcomputer, minicomputer and mainframe systems, and non-procedural language applications for management analysis and required reporting. Work involves responsibility for the design of moderate scale information systems which includes systems research, planning, design and analysis which is necessary to evaluate and assess the effectiveness of ongoing programs. Work is performed under the supervision of a technical superior.

• Designs complex research and information systems projects; may act as project leader assuming such tasks as identifying resource needs, assigning and reviewing the work of lower level analysts, and setting time frames for the completion of project phases; conducts research utilizing selected data collection methods; designs and constructs computer files, load procedures, analytical processes, and output reports.
• Performs evaluation and analysis of data using standard statistical and ethnographic methods; prepares reports documenting results of findings; may participate in formal presentations of research findings.
• Analyzes current data collection systems in order to identify office needs by conferring with departmental representatives and reviewing current operations and forms used.
• Designs new or modifies current systems and programs based on assessed needs, using a non-procedural language; performs related duties which include modifying computer data bases designing source and output documents, developing schedules for the input of data, and testing new programs; provides training for other staff members or provider agency personnel in conjunction with changes.
• Develops procedures for the reporting of service information by providers; designs verification procedures to ensure that information received is complete and accurate; designs and implements procedures and programs to update information.
• Provides technical assistance, consultation, training and direct support to provider agency administrators and staff on research, evaluation and information management activities.
• Attends conferences and reviews current literature in the field to learn of and investigate new techniques and developments in program analysis and evaluation.
• Designs and maintains summary reports for staff use or for state reporting purposes; designs programs to elicit special statistical or analytical reports upon request; evaluates such requests for appropriateness of purpose, methodology and desired outcome.
• Develops grant proposals and supporting data for research, evaluation and information management projects.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• social science research and investigation methodology, its application to a variety of problems, and the methods employed in the presentation of results.
• the standard sources and uses of information in the social sciences.
• data collection techniques.
• the principles and practices of utilizing computers for management reporting and analysis.
• the current uses and programming principles of non-procedural languages, such as RAMIS or SPSS, as they relate to social science research.
• the current uses and capabilities of electronic data processing equipment, with particular emphasis on microcomputer, minicomputer and mainframe applications.
• computer system resources needed to design computerized data entry procedures, necessary disc storage, and computer data transfers.

ABILITY TO:

• conduct research projects, and to determine appropriate research methods utilizing current research techniques.
• apply current non-procedural languages and minicomputer, microcomputer and mainframe systems to improve agency operations.
• load, store, process and analyze data using non-procedural data base and statistical languages.
• lead and coordinate the work of lower level analysts.
• present ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Completion of a master's degree at an accredited college or university with major coursework in psychology, sociology, anthropology, public health or a related field.
• Two years of experience conducting social science research studies which has included utilizing non-procedural computer applications for information reporting and analysis, one year of which has been at the full performance level.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

PAY RANGE: EP21
Class Established: 4/1987

CO/sb/sb