Data Analyst (Research & Stat Officer 3)

Department: Community Services

Location: HALIFAX

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 02-Dec-24 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

At the Department of Community Services (DCS), we are a large and diverse department providing a broad portfolio of programs and services including Child and Family Wellbeing (CFW), Employment Support Services (ESS), Income Assistance (IA), Homelessness and Supportive Housing, and Disability Support Program (DSP).

Through our services, we advocate and help vulnerable Nova Scotians be independent, self-reliant, and secure. We work collaboratively across the province with a strong dedicated network of supports and staff to achieve desired and shared outcomes for all.

About Our Opportunity

Are you passionate about leveraging data to drive strategic decisions and policy development?

We're seeking an expert Data Analyst to join our team. In this role, you'll lead specialized and complex statistical research and program analysis, craft outcome evaluation frameworks, and identify policy and program options. Your work will be integral in ensuring DCS has reliable and relevant data, research, and evaluation information to inform strategic objectives effectively.

If you're ready to make a tangible impact through data-driven insights, we'd love to hear from you.

Primary Accountabilities

In this role, you'll have the opportunity to leverage your expertise in data analysis to drive informed decision-making and contribute to the achievement of our strategic objectives. You will:

• Support policy and program review through data analysis as well as ensure accurate collection and retrieval of data across various databases.
• Support the design of performance and system outcome measures, accountability reports, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track departmental progress effectively.
• Transform data from multiple sources into interactive dashboards and other visual outputs with graphic representations to provide key insights.
• Conduct skilled Business Intelligence (BI) analysis to identify trends, patterns, and insights from complex datasets.
• Design and lead data collection efforts for program evaluations and outcomes research, including developing new data collection instruments and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders and data sources as necessary.

Qualifications and Experience

You have a bachelor’s degree and five (5) years of related experience in policy, program, and research; or a master’s degree and three (3) years of related experience.

Expertise and experience in the following is required:

• database manipulation, programming languages, and reporting
• SQL
• Microsoft Office Suite

As the ideal candidate, you must have strong research and organizational skills. You are analytical and can identify opportunities, determine program requirements, evaluate alternatives, and provide sound recommendations based on evidence gathered. You must be able to work and participate as a member of a multi-disciplinary team. This role also requires the ability to work independently with minimal supervision, be self-motivated, and be able to follow up proactively and address issues as they arise. You must have excellent written and oral communication skills and presentation skills along with excellent interpersonal, organizational, and project management skills.

Python familiarity would be considered an asset.

LEADS

The Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework. During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviors and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains include Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions, and Systems Transformation.

Please follow LEADS for more information.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Equivalency

We recognize equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience, providing opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to contribute their skills and expertise. Equivalencies include, but are not limited to:

• A completed Master’s degree along with three (3) years of related experience;
• A related 2-year diploma and seven (7) years of related experience.

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

Most of your time is spent in a comfortable office setting. Your normal work week is 35 hours/week, 7 hours/day.

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace: our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless career paths.
• Department specific flexible working schedules.

Pay Grade: PR 13

Salary Range: $2,556.10 - $3,107.16 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement:

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.

This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:

Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.

External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.