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Texas Health and Human Services Commission

Applied Research Lead

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Applied Research Lead

Date: Nov 5, 2025

Location: AUSTIN, TX

WHY WORK FOR DFPS?

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the unprotected — children, elderly, and people with disabilities — from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. DFPS accomplishes this responsibility by employing over 12,000 workers who live up to the agency's Mission, Vision, & Values in service to the citizens of Texas. DFPS is not only a qualifying organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program but also offers excellent health benefits, special discounts on many products and services through the Discount Purchase Program, longevity pay, generous paid leave, access to the Wellness program, lifetime retirement annuity, Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas.

Functional Title: Applied Research Lead
Job Title: Data Analyst IV
Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc
Department: FFPSA Admin Support
Posting Number: 10873
Closing Date: 11/19/2025
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Computer and Mathematical
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24
Salary Range: $6,000.00 - $8,886.16
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Shift: Day
Additional Shift:
Telework: Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 10%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 4900 N LAMAR BLVD
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 0231,0239,0271,0291,2652,2659,6046,6049,8051,8825,8846,8850,14N,14NX,15AX,16KX,181X,182X,183X,1D7X1
1N0X1,1N1X1,1N4X1,1N7X1,255A,25B,26B,350F,350G,351L,351M,352N,35F,35G,35L,35M,514A,514B,5I0,5I1A
65FX,65WX,681X,682X,683X,781X,782X,783X,86P0,8K000,CT,CTR,CTT,CYB10,CYB11,CYB12,CYB13,CYB14,IS,ISM
ISS,IT,ITS,SEI15,SEI23

Brief Job Description:

The Data Analyst IV will be part of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Office of Data and Systems Improvement (ODSI). The position will be in the Analytics for Change Enhancement (ACE) division. ODSI works to build a preeminent system for protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect and exploitation by partnering with DFPS leadership to continuously and proactively improve the agency’s processes, practices, and functioning to ensure optimal outcomes for the people the agency serves.

The ACE division works with leadership to strategically use data to identify what parts of the system are working well and areas to target for improvement. The team then works with the multiple divisions to explore the different aspects of a system (the people, policy, and processes) to find out why particular areas are performing well or need improvement. Working with leadership and, when appropriate, external stakeholders, the team brainstorms what to do, helps implement plans, and tracks and reports on progress.

The Data Analyst IV is responsible for delivering ACE’s components of both Texas State and federal government evaluation and reporting requirements associated with the Family First Prevention Services Act. They work under supervision of the Applied Research team manager with latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. They provide technical guidance to other data analysts, oversee projects, and build the capacity of team members to deliver high quality evaluations.

We’re looking for someone who wants to dedicate their talents and abilities to serving and protecting the most vulnerable Texans. Someone who is excited to be a part of an established team of highly skilled, capable, and motivated individuals. We want someone who is intellectually curious, wanting to understand not just what is happening but why, and who’s not afraid to think outside the box for innovative and new ways of doing things. We need someone who can engage a variety of people across the agency as well as with external stakeholders, building strong relationships and support for the work of our division.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

The specific job functions focus primarily on the FFPSA initiatives and include:

Support external researchers in identifying fidelity criteria for nine FFPSA modalities

Provide analytical expertise to external researchers, including determining best comparative approach for the evaluated FFSA interventions

Review interview guides and consent forms developed by external researchers.

Lead communications between the evaluation teams at DFPS and contracted evaluators.

Ensure data collection and analytics meet criteria outlined in FFPSA plan.

Facilitate data exchange to external researchers (IMPACT data and data from service providers).

Technical review of evaluation products (frameworks and reports)

Liaison between researchers and relevant department staff

Dissemination of findings and integration of findings into process (CQI)

Support their team’s manager in reviewing work products of other team members.

Support the team through mentorship and coaching – reinforcing strengths and helping bolster areas where research specialists may need improvement.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

Evaluation concepts and methods including measurement, testing, random sampling, research methods, principles, techniques, and philosophies

FFPSA evaluation and CQI requirements

CQI approaches and data collection systems in child welfare agencies

Skill in:

Qualitative research including conducting interviews and discussion groups, and thematic analysis of qualitative data.

Quantitative analysis - ability to conduct data analysis and interpret findings including both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques.

Implementing CQI principles in social welfare settings

Customer service with demonstrated experience in team building and collaboration - helping management stay focused on outcomes to be achieved but being flexible and deferring to management with respect to how to best accomplish objectives

Ability to:

Creatively problem solve, including accessing needed resources from multiple areas and sources and helping management think outside the box in developing solutions

Manage projects - specifically being able to keep plans on track

Give constructive feedback and guidance on work products to others on the team

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university at a minimum. Master’s degree or higher preferred.

Experience working within DFPS or the child welfare field.

Experience in quantitative data analysis and use of Excel, at a minimum. Experience with Tableau, SQL and/or analytics tools such as SAS, STATA, SPSS, R or Python preferred

Experience in qualitative data analysis using qualitative data analysis software such as NVivo, ATLAS.ti or similar preferred.

Additional Information:

N/A

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions. You may also contact the DFPS Military Liaison at dfpsmilvets@dfps.texas.gov with additional questions.

Applicants selected for hire must pass a background check and if applicable a driver’s record check.

State of Texas employees are required to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure as defined in Section 117.001(2), State of Texas Business and Commerce Code. Applicants selected for hire comply with this code by completing related training and abiding by agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies.

As a state agency, DFPS is required by Texas Administrative Code (TAC 206 and 213) to ensure all Electronic Information Resources (EIR) follow accessibility standards. The staff must be familiar with the WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content including but not limited to; Microsoft Office documents, Adobe PDFs, webpages, software, training guides, video, and audio files.

DFPS uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Employees must provide documentation to DFPS to show their identity and authorization to work in the US. Please review the following link for authorized documents: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents .

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS/DFPS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS/DFPS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Nearest Major Market: Austin

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