Statewide Systems Improvement Specialist

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals.

What You Get Beyond Your Paycheck

When you join the State of Texas, your monthly paycheck is just one part of your real income. Our benefits provide extra value that many private employers simply don’t match - often adding hundreds of dollars each month to what you take home or save.

Here’s what you get as a full-time employee:

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members - saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for)
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance - at rates much lower than most private plans
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

You also might qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, which could help you pay off federal student loans faster.

You can see all the details here: ERS recruitment brochure

Functional Title: Statewide Systems Improvement Specialist Job Title: Research Specialist V Agency: Dept of Family & Protectve Svc Department: ANALYTICS FOR CHANGE ENHAN/RSI Posting Number: 23194 Closing Date: 11/24/2026 Posting Audience: Internal and External Occupational Category: Computer and Mathematical Salary Range: $5,425.33 - $8,886.16 Pay Frequency: Monthly Salary Group: TEXAS-B-24 Shift: Day Additional Shift: Days (First) Telework: Eligible for Telework Travel: Up to 20% Regular/Temporary: Regular Full Time/Part Time: Full time FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt

Facility Location:

Job Location City: SAN ANTONIO Job Location Address: 10223 NACOGDOCHES RD

Other Locations:

MOS Codes: No military equivalent

Brief Job Description:

We’re looking for a Research Specialist V who will serve as a Statewide Systems Improvement Specialist who’s passionate about solving complex problems, excels in strategic planning, is comfortable preparing and presenting data findings and stories, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and enjoys working with data and people to build tools that make a real impact. In this role, you’ll lead and support development and improvement of data-driven analyses and other products that support decision-making at both state and regional levels primarily for Child Care Investigation (CCI) as well as serving executive leadership needs for Child Protective Services (CPS) and Child Protective Investigations (CPI).

You’ll work within and across teams - from data analysts and developers to program staff and executive leadership employing strategic planning based on what the data shows about how a system is functioning, business process analysis, and improvement to discover and promote systems-level process remedies to improve system performance. Work involves conducting detailed analysis of and extensive research on data, providing results, and monitoring and implementing data quality. You may provide guidance to others, especially in the context of leading and managing special projects and or on the job training via performance standard assessment. This position works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

This position is within the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Office of Data and Systems Improvement (ODSI). ODSI ensures effective coordination, communication and consistency throughout the agency around data reporting and how data is used to understand and improve performance and outcomes. This is a great opportunity if you’re excited about the intersection of data, technology, and public service and you want to work on products that truly help our leadership solve problems, tell data stories and make better decisions.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Data Analysis and soft skills that are required of the position consist of but are not limited to the following:

• Use and interpret data to make appropriate inferences and recommendations.
• Collect all the data that is needed for an analysis but then narrow it to what is most relevant when presenting the information to the appropriate audiences.
• Use data to connect the dots between processes and anecdotal information to tell a story of what is happening and why it is important to the audience.
• Follow instructions and ensure the data provided adequately answers the overall research or other question at hand.
• Translate technical details for non-technical audiences and make sure technical teams have what they need to build the right thing.
• Make sure data products are accurate, consistent, and aligned with policies and program goals.
• Respond to stakeholders in a timely manner.
• Provide information in a way that is easy to understand and not overwhelming to the client.
• Provide written and verbal analyses in a clear concise and informative manner.
• Present information in an engaging, meaningful and understandable manner.
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with primary clients executive and regional leadership.
• Identify any areas of concern and present them to clients in such a way that is not accusatory but rather starts conversations about plans and strategies to address them.
• Help clients to build strategies and plans based on their needs and strengths.
• Regularly check-in with program leadership, regional teams, and data/research specialists to stay aligned on needs and priorities.
• Document processes, decisions, and best practices to keep work clear and repeatable.
• Mentor and support others on the team who are growing their skills in data.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Who You Are:

• A problem-solver who loves to organize, research, analyze and clarify complex information.
• Comfortable working with data - not necessarily a data scientist, but you know how to ask the right questions and use insights to guide decisions.
• Able to demonstrate initiative, motivation and critical thinking skills.
• Great at collaborating across teams, especially when different people speak different “languages” (technical, policy, program, etc.).
• Able to juggle multiple projects without losing sight of the big picture.
• Able to prioritize and keep work organized and documented in a timely manner.
• A strong communicator: you know how to keep everyone in the loop and on the same page.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of statistics and analyzing data sets; running queries, report writing, and presenting findings; and record keeping, including security procedures for handling, protecting, and distributing confidential data.

Skill in:

• Skill in developing data products or tools that serve internal and/or external users.
• Skill compiling data from multiple sources, including querying databases and merging datasets, and identifying the strengths and limitations of the data.
• Competency in conducting detailed data analyses. Skill in organizing and managing multiple projects, timelines, and priorities.
• Skill in soliciting and integrating feedback to develop and improve data products.

Ability to:

• Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to creatively problem solve, including accessing needed resources from multiple areas and sources and helping executive leadership think outside the box in developing solutions.
• Ability to work timely and productively under minimal supervision.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

N/A

Initial Screening Criteria:

• At least three years of experience in data analysis, research, or reporting work.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Ability to travel (up to 20%)
• Experience working in or with social service programs.
• Preferred: Experienced using Excel and/or other data analysis software user
• Preferred: Experienced data storyteller, and with data visualization
• Preferred: Experience working in or with social service programs.

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.