Data Scientist

Who We Are

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) supports Ohioans and their families through the following programs:

• Public Assistance
• Workforce Development
• Unemployment Insurance
• Adult Protective Services
• Child Support

Public service is an honorable way to serve the community in a hands-on dedicated way. You can make a difference in someone’s world!

Agency Mission

To improve the well-being of Ohio's workforce and families by promoting economic self-sufficiency and ensuring the safety of Ohio's most vulnerable citizens.

Our Vision

To be the nation's leading workforce development and family support system.

Our Values

Accountability, Innovation, Teamwork, Integrity, and Compassion.

What You’ll Do

This position is located in the Office of the Chief Data and Analytics Officer (OCDAO) which is responsible for maximizing the strategic use of data across the agency’s health and human services, unemployment, and workforce development programs. In this role, you will work with program area colleagues to create analytic solutions contributing to continual program improvement, deeper understandings of agency customers and their needs, clearer views of trends and environmental factors impacting programs and customers, actionable insights for senior agency executives, and approachable data translations for state government leaders, legislators, and the general public. You will also be responsible for data analytics, data literacy, and data tools education efforts through our Community of Practice and other formal and informal learning initiatives. This is a unique opportunity to be part of an experienced analytics team that thrives on solving business problems, welcomes all ideas and perspectives, prides itself on high quality work, and is dedicated to public service. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Providing informed policy analysis that supports agency leadership
• Assisting with ensuring policies & guidelines align with long-term goals & strategies
• Applying advanced statistical analysis & visualization techniques to identify data trends & relationships
• Collecting & interpreting data through various means such as analyzing business results or by setting up & managing new studies
• Utilizing analytics techniques (e.g. regression, correlation, cluster analysis, data quality, classification, data mining, machine learning, data visualization) to discover, confirm, & document associations, predictive models, & algorithms
• Conducting research & assisting with resolution of complex data issues
• Recommending and/or building predictive models and machine-learning algorithms
• Creating actionable insights for senior agency executives
• Assisting in the design, development, & maintenance of data analytics repositories
• Identifying augmented analytic opportunities and assisting in transition through automations
• Using advanced visualizations to present information and analyses

Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.

Travel: Travel required, as needed. Must provide own transportation or, in order to operate a state vehicle, you must have a valid driver license.

PN(s): 20101632.

The ideal candidate, at minimum, must have the following:

OPTION 1:

• 72 mos. exp. or trg. in data analytics, statistical analysis, or research methods.

• Or Option 2:

• 12 mos. exp. as a Senior Data Analytics Specialist, 66932.

• Or Option 3:

• Completion of undergraduate core program in data analytics, computer science, information systems, computer engineering,
  applied mathematics, statistics, industrial/systems engineering, or related field and 48 mos. exp. or trg. in data analytics, statistical analysis,
  or research methods.

• Or Option 4:

• Completion of graduate core program in data analytics, computer science, information systems, computer engineering,
  applied mathematics, statistics, industrial/systems engineering, or related field and 36 mos. exp. or trg. in data analytics, statistical
  analysis, or research methods.

• Or Option 5:

• Completion of associate core program in data analytics, computer science, information systems, computer engineering,
  applied mathematics, statistics, industrial/systems engineering, or related field and 54 mos. exp. or trg. in data analytics, statistical
  analysis, or research methods.

• Or Option 6:

• Equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.

Technical & Professional Skills Utilized: The ideal candidate will have strong technical skills in Tableau, SQL, Python, or R and predictive analytics as well as knowledge and proficiency in mathematics and analytics processes and procedures. Machine learning experience is preferred but those who are willing to develop proficiency in machine learning after employment will be considered. Solid communications aptitude is required so as to effectively interact with program area data staff, non-technical agency personnel and agency leadership. You should have a strong track record performing all aspects of analytics projects and preparing impactful data reports and visualizations for a wide variety of audience. This position is currently remote with occasional opportunities to meet in person with colleagues, supervisors, and leaders. Remote work is a privilege and selectee could be expected to report to the office on a full time basis at any time for any reason.

Tips For Your Application

When completing the different sections of this application, be sure to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications outlined in this job posting. We cannot give you credit for your Work Experience and Education & Certifications if you do not provide that information in your online application. Information in attached resumes or cover letters must be entered into your application in the appropriate Work Experience or Education & Certification sections to be considered.

Pay Information

This position is in the State of Ohio’s E1 Pay Schedule, Pay Range 14. Unless required by legislation or union contract, starting salary will be the minimum salary of that pay range (step 1, currently $35.74 per hour). These ranges provide a standardized pathway for pay increases. With continued employment, new hires move to the next step in the range after 6 months and annually thereafter. Cost of Living Adjustments increase wages in these ranges each fiscal year. The current step progression wages are in the table below.

What’s In It For You

We offer our employees a sustainable lifestyle that includes a flexible work life balance making our agency a great place to work!

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website. Our benefits package includes:

Medical Coverage

• Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the Ohio Med PPO plan. For more information, check out the 2023-24 MyBenefits Guide Online flipbook or PDF copy and see pages 8-9 for costs.

Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance

• BU: Dental, vision and basic life insurance premiums are free after one year of continuous service.
• Exempt: Dental, vision and basic life insurance premiums free starting the first of the month following start date.

Time Away from Work and Work/Life Balance

• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Paid Childbirth/Adoption leave

Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

• OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees. The employee contributes 10% of their salary towards their retirement. The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee’s salary. Visit the OPERS website for more information.

Deferred Compensation

• The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan. As a new employee, you will be automatically enrolled into Ohio Deferred Compensation unless you opt-out within 90 days of hire date. Visit the Ohio Deferred Compensation website for more information.

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

Supplemental Information

EEO Statement

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a Model Employer of Individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws. To request an ADA reasonable accommodation, please email ADA_Public@jfs.ohio.gov.

Telework Policy

ODJFS may require occasional in-person meetings for training or other operational needs. You will have access to ODJFS shared workspaces, if needed. Employees are required to sign a teleworking agreement upon their first day. Schedules are subject to change based on the agency’s operational needs and telework status. Telework is considered a privilege and agreements can be rescinded at any time for any reason.

The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Some positions may require drug testing and/or fingerprinting. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal conviction(s) will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

The State of Ohio is a drug-free Workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, positions may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.

Status of Your Submitted Application

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