Salary: $109,512.00 – $126,396.00 Annually
Location : Multiple Locations – Western Washington, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2023-09312
Department: Dept. of Corrections
Division: BSTA – Research & Data Analytics
Opening Date: 07/20/2023
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
BIOS Manager (Principal Research Statistician)
WMS Band 3
Full Time | Permanent
Location: Tumwater, WA
Salary Range: $109,512 – $126,396 Annually
This is a telework/hybrid position. The candidate of choice must be able to work in the headquarters office one or more days per week.
Are you a seasoned data science manager with proven ability to develop data insights to inform operational change and executive decision making? Are you innovative in your approach to solving data and analysis problems? Do you have experience using modern data science tools, such as Python, Apache Spark, or Databricks? If so, the Department of Corrections (DOC) may have your next career move as the BIOS Manager (Principal Research Statistician) within the Research and Data Analytics team!
The BIOS Manager directly contributes to staff, incarcerated individual and public safety through the development and administration of practices that conceptualize, design and implement data science analyses and rigorous research studies for the department. In this role, you will be accountable for providing subject matter expertise, guidance, consultation, and advice in quantitative methods and statistics as well as in the application of data science principles and techniques. You will also be a key player as the agency develops cloud-computing capabilities.
You will also work with the Chief Data Officer and other department leadership to identify and prioritize business intelligence and research needs and present findings to a variety of program and policy audiences including department leadership, DOC field staff, policymakers, academics, and practitioners across the nation. The candidate of choice will assess current information system data and recommend modifications to these systems or the collection of new data to better meet the business/operational needs.
If you are interested and excited to provide consultation and senior-level analytical support within the RDA team, we encourage you to apply!
A completed application packet will include:
- A detailed resume
- A cover letter regarding your interest for this position with our agency
- Three professional references
Duties
We are looking for teammates who share our vision of public service, committed to an equitable and inclusive culture that fosters and inspires excellence, while promoting innovation, engagement, and safety, leading to better outcomes for our incarcerated population, our agency, and our community.
As the BIOS Manager (Principal Research Statistician), some of your duties will include:
- Leading, supervising, mentoring, and training Business Intelligence & Operational Surveillance (BIOS) staff, providing subject matter expertise, and leading process improvement initiatives
- Designing and leading the implementation of rigorous advanced-level research studies, business intelligence, and data science approaches to assess the impact of policies and practices on staff, incarcerated persons, and public safety and inform operations and programming efforts
- Ensuring the application of appropriately sound methods and statistics are used to assess the impact of policies and practices for research and analyses conducted internally and externally
- Providing data collection recommendations for new initiatives to support rigorous research, evaluation, and business intelligence activities
- Conducting advanced, in-depth data analyses, producing reports, fact sheets and presentations on a variety of topics of interest to department operations and agency mission
- Representing DOC in presenting BIOS activities and findings to a variety of stakeholders at professional meetings and conferences, including program and policy audiences, such as department leadership, field staff, policymakers, academics, and practitioners across the nation
- Consulting and collaborating with department leadership and other staff to identify and prioritize business intelligence, operational surveillance, and research needs and review research and program opportunities that meet those needs
- Developing parameters/metrics for prioritizing BIOS/research/data analytic projects, including topic area and estimated impact on staff resources, budget, and public safety
- Serving as subject matter expert to senior leadership and policymakers regarding the impact of changes or potential changes to policy, legislation, and program operations using research and data analysis findings
Qualifications
What we need (required qualifications):
- PhD in criminal justice or other social or behavioral science from a higher education institution accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation
AND
- A minimum of two years’ experience conducting policy-relevant data analysis in a public sector setting
AND
- Ability to define measurable problems/research questions, analyze information, formulate logical and objective conclusions, and translate findings to policy recommendations and presentations for a variety of audiences
- Demonstrated expertise in SAS, R, SPSS or other advanced statistical analysis software
- Advanced training in multivariate statistical methods, quantitative research methods, and research evaluation methods
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication and public speaking skills
- Ability to present complex ideas and information with detail appropriate to the target audience
- At least two years of supervisory experience
- Ability to supervise, coach and mentor staff in research methods and analyses, fostering an environment of supportive learning
Supplemental Information
Vision: Working together for safer communities.
Mission: Improving public safety by positively changing lives.
Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington.
DOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, honorably discharged veteran, veteran status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates.
**Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references. - A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position.
- Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.
- We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration.
- Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
- Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.
- Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.
Telework Details
This position may be allocated for telework. Work may be performed from your home or another offsite location within the state of Washington using a reliable internet or cellular hotspot service at that time. Employees are expected to perform assigned duties in a safe manner, to take proper care all state-issued equipment, and maintain confidentiality of all information in possession while working offsite. Employees will be required to commute to a Department of Corrections facility or field office as business requires, to potentially include components of the onboarding process. Some offices will have a “drop in” area available, however, a dedicated workspace within a DOC facility will not be provided.
What We Offer:
As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:
- Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)
- Up to 25 paid vacations days a year
- 8 hours of paid sick leave per month
- 12 paid holidays a year
- Generous retirement plan
- Flex Spending Accounts
- Dependent Care Assistance
- Deferred Compensation and so much more!
For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email mackenzie.conley@doc1.wa.gov or call us at 509-630-9160. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems’ web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
Are you a current DOC employee?
- Yes
- No
02
Do you have a PhD in criminal justice or other social or behavioral science from a higher education institution accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation?
- Yes
- No
03
How many years of experience do you have conducting policy-relevant data analysis in a public sector setting?
- I do not have this experience
- I have one year of this experience
- I have two+ years of this experience
04
Please indicate all knowledge, skills and/or abilities in which you possess:
- Ability to define measurable problems/research questions, analyze information, formulate logical and objective conclusions, and translate findings to policy recommendations and presentations for a variety of audiences
- Demonstrated expertise in SAS, R, SPSS or other advanced statistical analysis software
- Advanced training in multivariate statistical methods, quantitative research methods, and research evaluation methods
- Ability to present complex ideas and information with detail appropriate to the target audience
- At least two years of supervisory experience
- I do not have any of the above knowledge, skills and/or abilities
Required Question