JPD - Data Analyst

Job Title:    Data Analyst Grade:         19 Step 353 Non-Union: Salary:        $81,118

Job Summary The Data Analyst supports the Department's efforts to strengthen organizational performance, accountability, and data-informed decision-making. The position is responsible for collecting, organizing, validating, analyzing, and interpreting operational and program data to identify trends, monitor performance, evaluate outcomes, and provide meaningful information to Department leadership and other stakeholders. The Data Analyst transforms complex and varied data into clear, actionable information through reports, data visualizations, performance measures, and written analysis. The position works collaboratively across operational divisions to improve data quality, establish consistent performance measures, support evaluation of Department initiatives, and strengthen the Department's capacity to use data for continuous improvement. The position also assists in developing and improving data collection, reporting, and performance measurement processes as the Department's data infrastructure and analytical capabilities continue to evolve. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Data Analysis & Reporting• Collects, extracts, cleans, organizes, merges, validates, and analyzes data from Department case management systems, spreadsheets, reports, and other available data sources.

• Conducts descriptive and comparative analyses to identify trends, patterns, variations, and areas requiring further examination.
• Develops recurring and ad hoc reports to support operational management, strategic planning, program evaluation, quality improvement, and executive decision-making.
• Translates quantitative information into clear tables, charts, visualizations, summaries, and written narratives appropriate for a variety of audiences.
• Responds to data requests from Department leadership and assists in determining appropriate data sources, measures, and analytical approaches.

Performance Measurement • Assists in developing and maintaining performance measures, indicators, benchmarks, and reporting processes to monitor Department operations, service delivery, and youth outcomes.

• Monitors organizational and program performance and identifies significant trends, changes, or inconsistencies requiring further review.
• Partners with Department leadership and operational staff define meaningful measures of performance, efficiency, quality, and outcomes.
• Supports evaluation of Department programs, initiatives, policies, and implementation efforts.
• Assists leadership in interpreting performance information and identifying opportunities for organizational improvement.

Data Quality & Integrity • Evaluates the accuracy, completeness, consistency, and reliability of data entered into Department information systems and other data sources.

• Identifies data quality concerns and works collaboratively with operational staff to understand and address inconsistencies.
• Assists in establishing standardized data definitions, documentation, validation processes, and reporting practices.
• Develops and maintains data dictionaries, reporting documentation, and other resources that promote consistent interpretation and use of Department data.
• Recommend improvements to data collection and reporting processes to strengthen data reliability and usability.

Organizational Performance & Collaboration • Collaborates with identified staff and operational leadership to analyze information related to organizational performance and improvement priorities.

• Provides data and analytical support for quality improvement activities, strategic initiatives, evidence-based practice implementation, and other Department priorities.
• Participates in cross-functional projects and workgroups requiring data analysis, performance measurement, or evaluation support.
• Assists in identifying data needed to evaluate whether organizational initiatives are achieving intended results.
• Supports development of a data-informed organizational culture by helping staff and leaders understand and appropriately use performance information.

Data Systems & Continuous Improvement• Develops and maintains spreadsheets, databases, reporting tools, templates, and other mechanisms necessary to support Department data analysis and reporting.

• Identifies opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of data collection, analysis, visualization, and reporting.
• Assists with the implementation and effective use of new data visualization, reporting, and analytical tools as Department capabilities evolve.
• Maintains current knowledge of emerging practices in data analysis, performance measurement, visualization, and public-sector performance management.

Other Duties• Maintains confidentiality and safeguards sensitive youth, employee, court, and organizational information.

• Participates in professional development and other organizational learning activities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities• Knowledge of quantitative analysis, descriptive statistics, data quality, performance measurement, and basic program evaluation principles.

• Advanced skill in Microsoft Excel, including organizing and analyzing large datasets, formulas, pivot tables, data validation, and data visualization.
• Skill in collecting, cleaning, merging, validating, analyzing, and interpreting data from multiple sources.
• Ability to identify patterns, inconsistencies, and trends and translate analytical findings into meaningful recommendations.
• Ability to communicate data clearly through reports, tables, charts, visualizations, presentations, and plain-language narrative.
• Ability to understand operational questions and determine appropriate data and analytical approaches to help answer them.
• Strong critical-thinking, problem-solving, organizational, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and communicate effectively with technical and nontechnical audiences.

Minimum Qualifications• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

• One (1) year of professional experience involving data analysis, performance measurement, research, program evaluation, reporting, or other related analytical work.
• An equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and professional experience may be considered.
• Primary residence in the State of Illinois within 90 days of the date of hire.
• Pass a pre-employment medical exam, drug screen, and background check (LEADs and CANTS).
• A negative result from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services child abuse registry.

Preferred Qualifications• Bachelor’s degree in statistics, mathematics, data analytics, economics, social sciences, public policy, public administration, or another quantitative or research-oriented field.

• Experience analyzing administrative, programmatic, operational, or performance data and translating findings into useful information for decision-makers.
• Experience developing reports, dashboards, performance measures, data visualizations, or other tools used to communicate trends and findings.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel and other data analysis, reporting, visualization, or statistical software.
• Experience with data cleaning, validation, quality assurance, and integrating information from multiple data sources.
• Experience working with data in government, courts, human services, juvenile justice, or another complex organizational environment.
• Experience working with data in environments where information is maintained across multiple systems, spreadsheets, or other decentralized data sources.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements• Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment with regular use of computers and standard office equipment.

• Requires prolonged periods of computer-based data analysis and review.
• Requires interaction and collaboration with staff and leadership across multiple organizational divisions.
• May require attendance at meetings or activities at various Department or County locations.
• Requires management of multiple assignments and responsiveness to time-sensitive data and reporting requests.
• Requires the handling and safeguarding of confidential and sensitive information.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required. Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities as needed to meet operational needs. A writing and/or skills assessment may be required during the selection process.

This position requires a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check. Applicants are advised that as a Drug Free Workplace, use of medical or recreational marijuana is prohibited and will disqualify a candidate from employment. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all required screening criteria.

Information concerning the benefits for this position can be found at the Circuit Court of Cook County Employment Opportunities Page Please apply by filling out the application at:  https://illinoiscircuitcourtofcookcounty.applytojob.com/apply

THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER It is the policy of the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment. No person is to be discriminated against in employment because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.