Data Analyst - Foster Care & Billing Systems

LOCATION: Syosset, NY

REPORTS TO: QI Director Family & Residential

DEPARTMENT: PQI

SCHEDULE: Full Time / Hybrid

Agency Background

MercyFirst is a not-for-profit human and social service agency that has been serving children and families in need since we were founded by the Sisters of Mercy/Hermanas de las Misericordia in 1894. Today our agency continues to address the emotional and physical needs of children and families in Brooklyn, Queens and across Long Island through innovative treatments and life-changing interventions. We provide community-based prevention and family foster care services, group homes in the community for struggling children and families within the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, and short-term residential services for unaccompanied migrant children. Each year, MercyFirst serves more than 3,000 children, teenagers and families overcome enormous obstacles, re-imagine their futures and develop their full potential.

Program Background

The Performance and Quality Improvement Department is responsible for the agency’s information, program and operational quality, compliance, program data tracking, reporting and quality/performance improvement processes across MercyFirst. PQI ensures MercyFirst meets all regulatory and contractual program performance and facility requirements across the agency. Led by the Chief Quality Officer, PQI staff support programs for the above areas along with conducting continuous quality improvement activities such as case record reviews, utilization reviews, stakeholder surveys, KPIs and outcome measures.

Position Summary

The Data Analyst demonstrates experience in performance compliance, billing systems (especially Medicaid/29i), and technology tools, including SQL, to strengthen our data-driven strategies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in data science, Statistics, Public Policy, Social Work, or related field
• Proficiency in SQL for data querying and database management
• Familiarity with Medicaid billing systems (e.g., 29i, eMedNY, OCFS Connections)
• Experience in performance or outcomes reporting in foster care, social services, or healthcare
• Skilled in data visualization tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or advanced Excel
• Strong analytical skills and dedication to data integrity
• Excellent communication ability - translating data into clear insights for non-technical audiences
  
  

Preferred

• Prior experience with low-code/no-code tools or managing internal data systems Teal.
• Background working at NYC foster care agencies or public sector nonprofits like ACS.
• Familiarity with OCFS, PSYCKES, or other city/state foster care support systems.
  
  

Responsibilities

• Data Collection & Systems Management
• Source data from internal foster care tracking, billing, and Medicaid systems including OCFS, eMedNY, and related databases.
• Ensure data integrity and streamline workflows through SQL-based ETL processes or similar tools.
• Performance Monitoring & Program Evaluation
• Develop and refine performance indicators aligned with foster care outcomes - safety, permanency, timeliness, billing accuracy.
• Conduct provider-level and case-level evaluations to identify trends and support compliance.
• Medicaid & Billing Systems Oversight
• Manage Medicaid billing (29i) workflows - claims documentation, eligibility checks, reporting accuracy, and audit support.
• Interface with state billing systems and act as liaison for system support.
• Reporting & Dashboard Development
• Build interactive dashboards and reports (Tableau, Power BI, Excel) to visualize metrics across internal teams.
• Maintain and update scorecards, reporting schedules, and performance summaries for leadership.
• Ad Hoc & Strategic Analysis
• Support time-sensitive analysis requests, program planning, forecasting, and policy-related research.
• Collaborate with stakeholders—program leadership, billing, IT, PQI - to translate findings into strategic choices.
• Stakeholder Training & Documentation
• Prepare documentation (data dictionaries, query templates, SOPs), and train staff in accessing and interpreting system-generated data
  

Benefits/Perks

• A comprehensive health insurance package including medical, dental and vision plans for you and your family
• 403B retirement benefits
• Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Generous paid time off (vacation, personal, sick, 12 paid holidays)
• Free employee assistance program through National EAP
• Insurance discounts for our staff and their families
• Trainings to support professional and personal development
• Employee wellness program
• Employee recognition activities
  
  

Salary Range

$65,000 - $70,000.00 (35 hours/week)

MercyFirst is an inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization and an Equal Opportunity Employer who welcomes prospective employees from diverse backgrounds for all levels at the agency. We strive for a workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve, and do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, religion or creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, age (18 and over), military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, marital status, partnership status, care giver status, pregnancy, genetic information or predisposition or genetic characteristic, unemployment status, status as a victim or witness of domestic violence, sex offenses or stalking, consumer credit history, or any other status protected by federal, state, and/or city law. This includes, but is not limited to, employment actions against and treatment of employees and applicants for employment.