This is full performance research and information management work conducting analytical studies aimed at identifying the needs of the client population based on sociologic, economic and demographic factors. Additional analysis is also conducted of services offered by the agency in order to determine the effectiveness of services rendered, based on the identified needs of the clientele. Employees in this class utilize microcomputer, minicomputer and mainframe systems, and non-procedural language applications for management analysis and reports. Responsibility for the design, implementation and maintenance of computer based management information systems necessary for the evaluation and analysis of ongoing programs is an important aspect of the work. Work is performed under the supervision of a technical superior.

• Designs research questions and projects; constructs research instruments; conducts research using bibliographic and various other data collection methods; interviews selected participants; makes field observations; designs and constructs computer files, load procedures and analytical processes, and output reports for research projects.
• Performs evaluation and analysis of data using standard statistical and ethnographic methods; prepares reports documenting results of findings; may participate in formal or informal presentation of research findings.
• Analyzes current data collection systems in order to identify office needs; confers with departmental representatives; reviews forms used, and current procedures; 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; may provide training for staff members and providers when new procedures are implemented or old procedures revised.
• Develops procedures for the reporting of service information by providers; institutes methods of monitoring information received in regard to timeliness, completeness and accuracy; designs and implements procedures and programs to update information.
• Provides technical assistance and training to provider agency staff on research, evaluation and information systems activities.
• 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.
• Participates in developing grant proposals for research evaluation, and information systems projects.
• Attends conferences, and reviews literature in the field to learn of, and investigate new techniques in program analysis and evaluation.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• social science research and investigative 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.
• standard statistical procedures and their application to research.
• research oriented data collection techniques.
• 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.

ABILITY TO:

• conduct research projects and to determine appropriate research methods utilizing current research techniques.
• apply current non-procedural computer languages and microcomputer systems to improve agency operations.
• 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.
• One year of experience conducting social science research studies, which has included utilizing a non- procedural computer application for information reporting and analysis.

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: EP19
Class Established: 4/1987

CO/vp/sb