Job Posting: Research Data Specialist

Department of Social Services

JC-518720
-
Research Data Specialist
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I

$6,955.00 - $8,706.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 5/28/2026

Job Description and Duties

Join the Frontier of Data Automation: Fighting Homelessness through Technology

Are you a technical professional who thrives at the intersection of data engineering and social impact? The California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Housing and Homelessness Division (HHD), is looking for a motivated Research Data Specialist (RDS) I to join our Data Automation and Innovation Unit. We are not just looking for a researcher; we are looking for a Data Enabler. This is a unique opportunity to apply your technical expertise to the "plumbing" of social services—building the automated systems and pipelines that empower our division to fight homelessness across California with precision and speed.

The Mission: Moving Beyond Manual Entry

In the Data Automation and Innovation Unit, our goal is to modernize how the state handles housing data. Historically, social service data has often been siloed in spreadsheets or legacy systems, requiring significant manual effort to track and report. Our team is changing that. We are currently leading the technical modernization of housing data, migrating from legacy formats to a cloud-based Enterprise Data Platform. As an RDS I in this unit, you will be a key contributor to this transformation, helping us build the infrastructure that turns raw data into actionable insights for vulnerable Californians.

If you would like to share how you learned about this career opportunity, please take a moment to complete our brief Recruitment Survey.
Need help with applying for positions, taking an examination, or preparing for interviews? Our team is here to support you, reach out anytime at Recruiter@dss.ca.gov. For guidance on applying for a state job, visit Three Steps to a State Job  

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You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

This position can be filled in the following locations:

ALAMEDA, BUTTE, FRESNO, HUMBOLDT, LOS ANGELES, MONTEREY, ORANGE, PLACER, RIVERSIDE, SACRAMENTO, SAN DIEGO, SAN MATEO, SANTA BARBARA, SANTA CLARA, SONOMA, VENTURA

This position is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order N-22-25 and at the sole discretion of the Department of Social Services under California Government Code Section 14200. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be re-evaluated at any time. The incumbent will be expected to report for in office work and attend work related in-person events as deemed operationally necessary. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the CDSS policies. For positions advertised in more than one location, headquarter location may be designated on the selected candidate's primary residence location, and/or the closest CDSS location in accordance with operational need and available space. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.

Please note: Regular commute is not compensable.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-518720
Position #(s):
800-472-5742-912
Working Title:
Research Data Specialist
Classification:
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST I
$6,955.00 - $8,706.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
RESEARCH DATA ANALYST II
$6,647.00 - $8,325.00 A
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
United States
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of fellow Californians while achieving your career goals? Do you set high standards for yourself and enjoy a collaborative and challenging work environment? The mission of the California Department of Social Services is to serve, protect, and support the people of California experiencing need in ways that empower wellbeing and disrupt systemic inequities. The vision of the California Department of Social Services is to provide quality services with a commitment to an inclusive, diverse, and equitable California where all people can thrive.

The vision of the California Department of Social Services, Housing and Homelessness Division is to empower communities to end homelessness and promote housing stability for all Californians. The Division currently oversees seven Housing and Homelessness programs serving children and families, older adults, and adults with disabilities.

Our mission is to work with stakeholders to:

• Integrate social services with housing support services
• Share best practices and creative solutions
• Increase access to benefits and client-centered services
• Ensure any instance of homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring.


CDSS Guiding Principles

Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Accessibility. Belonging.
We ensure opportunities for everyone to participate in a meaningful way in fulfilling the mission and vision of CDSS.

Community Engagement
We prioritize the lived experiences of community members as a driving force behind the creation, implementation, desired impact, or change of programs and services.

Empowerment
We engage, operate, and advocate from the understanding that each community and person have desires and capabilities to lead in their own life.

Quality Services
We provide services that align intent and impact by ensuring that they are accessible, community driven, interconnected, and continuously improved.

Data Defined Outcomes
We equitably collect and analyze data, take data-driven action, and measure outcomes relevant to those we serve, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Special Requirements

Please Note: A Statement of Qualifications or Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted along with your application to be considered for this position. Applications submitted without an SOQ may be disqualified for this position.

Do not include any confidential information in any documents (i.e., application, resume, or transcripts) you submit for this job vacancy. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents include but is not limited to: Social Security Number (SSN), birthday and/or age, photos, student/other ID number, driver’s license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, exam results, LEAP status, and marital status. Confidential information submitted via a CalCareer Account (electronic application) is automatically redacted upon submission. 

An SOQ containing no more than 1,000 words highlighting your experience must accompany the application. Applications without SOQs will not be considered. Your SOQ must specifically address the following questions:

1. Describe your understanding of how data and automation can support programs that serve vulnerable Californians, including efforts related to housing stability and homelessness.

2. Describe your experience building, maintaining, or improving data pipelines, automated workflows, reports, or data integrations. Include the types of data you worked with and the tools you used, such as SQL, Python, Snowflake, Azure, or similar technologies.

3. Describe a time you solved a technical or data quality problem. What was the issue, how did you resolve it, and how did you communicate the outcome to technical or non-technical stakeholders?

You are required to complete employment history on the application form (STD 678). You may be disqualified from the hiring and selection process if the employment history is inaccurate or incomplete. Resumes will not take the place of employment history.

If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts for verification. If selected, you may be required to provide official transcripts at the time of hire.

Training and Development assignments may be considered based on the availability of eligible candidates and are subject to approval by the Hiring Authority prior to the appointment. Training and Development assignments are temporary in nature and shall not exceed twenty-four (24) months.

Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview, but they must provide proof of residence in California prior to being eligible for appointment.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 5/28/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Attn: Classification & Pay Unit
P. O. Box 944243 - MS 8-15-58
Sacramento, CA 94244-2430

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Social Services
California Department of Social Services
Classification & Pay Unit
744 P Street, MS 8-15-58
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
  • Statement of Qualifications - (SOQ) Please see the Special Requirements section of this job advertisement for detailed instructions for the SOQ submission.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

The ideal candidate for this position is a technical problem-solver who enjoys building the infrastructure that powers social change. We are seeking a hybrid professional who possesses a foundational understanding of data engineering and automation, complemented by strong analytical and visualization skills.

Technical Infrastructure & Automation
Experience or proficiency in SQL and Python (or similar languages) for data manipulation and the development of automated workflows.
Familiarity with data extraction methods and integration solutions used to support transactional data ingestion from external systems.
Experience working within cloud-based data environments, to maintain and monitor data pipelines.
A demonstrated ability to troubleshoot technical obstacles related to data quality and system integration.

Analytics & Visualization
Familiarity with data visualization software such as Tableau to extract reports and present outcomes to diverse stakeholders.
The ability to perform quantitative and qualitative analysis on complex datasets to identify programmatic trends and performance improvements.
Experience in "joining" disparate datasets—such as cross-agency or tribal data—to create a unified view for analytical purposes.

Domain Knowledge & Programmatic Interest
A working knowledge of, or a strong desire to learn about, California’s Housing and Homelessness programs and the role of HMIS data in tracking homelessness outcomes.
An understanding of the mission of the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and how technical innovation supports the delivery of services to vulnerable populations.

Project Management & Communication
Experience identifying and implementing improvements to data-related processes to reduce manual burdens and increase data collection efficiencies.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts and infrastructure needs into actionable information for non-technical management and program staff.
Excellence in technical documentation, ensuring that automated scripts, pipeline architectures, and system integration configurations are well documented for team-wide sustainability.

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California has a generous benefits package that includes medical coverage, CalPERS pension upon retirement, two weeks paid vacation per year, two weeks paid sick leave per year, two paid Professional Development Days, one paid Personal Holiday, pre-tax parking fee program.

TRANSPORTATION REIMBURSEMENT

• Public transit (mass transit) passes.
o 100 percent discount on public transit passes sold by state agencies, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
o 100 percent reimbursement on public transit passes purchased by state employees, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.
• Vanpool drivers and riders
o 100 percent reimbursement on the monthly fee, up to the monthly exclusion amount provided by the IRS.

Click here to view all the attractive benefits available to state employees!


Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Hiring Unit Contact:
Nicole Johnson
(916) 247-4721
Nicole.Johnson@dss.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
EEO Office
(916) 657-2326
EEOoffice@dss.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025

Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025 - Salaries do not reflect reductions from the Personal Leave Program, please see the applicable Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for additional information on the length and percentage of reductions.

Examination Information

Those interested in obtaining employment with any state agency must apply and compete through the state hiring and recruitment process.
To apply for the examination for this position, click on the link below to search for the examination and follow the “How to Apply” instructions in the examination announcement: CalCareers Exam/Assessment Search

Successful examination applicants are placed on an eligibility list. If you already have list eligibility for this classification, you do not need to retake the examination. Applicants should refer to their examination results or check their CalCareer account for specific list eligibility expiration dates and to re-take the examination when necessary. For questions regarding the examination process, please contact the Examination Unit at: Examinations@dss.ca.gov.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job