Information Systems Programmer and Analyst II - County of Contra Costa : Job Details

Bargaining Unit: Local 21 - Supervisory Management

Why join Contra Costa County?

Contra Costa County is recruiting to fill three (3) Information Systems Programmer and Analyst II vacancies in the Employment and Human Services Department. The eligible list from this recruitment may also be used for other vacancies countywide.

Why join the Contra Costa County Employment and Human Services Department?

Contra Costa County's Employment and Human Services Department works diligently to provide the community with resources that support, protect, and empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency. The department is committed to hiring candidates that share our core values of delivering an exceptional customer service experience, encouraging open communication, embracing change, practicing ethical behavior, and embracing diversity.

Policy and Planning (P&P) is a Division within the Information and Systems Bureau. P&P supports EHSD in data, legislation, and through other various administrative supports. Our goal is to create a rich picture and a shared vision of who EHSD's customers are, how we are serving them, and how we can enhance our services in the future. The Data Unit is a multi-functional unit within P&P that supports numerous EHSD data needs. Key projects of the Data Unit include the EHSD Public Information Sharing Tools, facilitation of EHSD's Data Council, and providing data analysis and visualization to key EHSD functions.

The Data Unit is looking to add three (3) Information Systems Programmer/Analyst II (ISPA II) positions to our team. These roles will help build a robust data infrastructure for EHSD, conduct data analysis and visualization, and strengthen data integrity within the organization.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Strong in technical data skills and stays up to date with Oracle SQL, Tableau, Power BI, and Python. Experience working with social services systems and databases is preferred.
• A team player with experience working in cross-functional environments that include both technical and non-technical staff.
• Able to thrive in dynamic work environments, embracing a mix of ongoing projects and ad-hoc tasks that require frequent collaboration and reprioritization.
• Business-savvy, with the ability to understand the social services organizational context and the purpose behind data analysis work.
• An effective communicator who can engage with people from diverse backgrounds and convey information clearly across various mediums.
• Skilled in task management, tracking progress on deliverables, meeting project milestones, and identifying potential issues proactively.

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Writing, editing, maintaining, and optimizing Oracle SQL and Python scripts to extract data and structure from various social services databases and other data sources.
• Utilizing Tableau Prep for data cleaning and automating data workflows.
• Creating static data visualizations and interactive dashboards using Tableau and Power BI, while collaborating with end-users to improve products.
• Managing data pipelines that support various visualizations and dashboards.
• Writing and maintaining technical procedure manuals and desk guides for data extraction, analysis, and visualization projects.
• Researching and extracting data from sources like the Census and Bureau of Labor Statistics to provide contextual insights for data analysis products.
• Evaluating data analysis requests for feasibility based on data availability and software capabilities, and recommending alternative approaches to the Research and Evaluation Manager.
• Participating in the organization's data governance body by attending meetings, contributing to discussions, and presenting data products.

A few reasons you might love this job:

• The Data Unit develops interesting, impactful, and highly visible data products that enhance organizational efficiency and support better decision-making.
• Policy and Planning is a diverse and collaborative group with team members from a wide range of personal and professional backgrounds, including technical staff, program experts, and policy specialists.
• The Employment and Human Services Department serves 25% of Contra Costa County residents with services that span all stages of life. Your work will directly contribute to supporting your local community.

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• The Data Unit is a small but growing team still in the process of building and refining its processes and technologies, which may involve some ambiguity.
• Many of the government legacy systems used by the Data Unit are not fully integrated and have complex data structures.
• Policy and Planning operates in a dynamic environment with emerging organizational needs and competing priorities, requiring adaptability and flexibility.

Competencies Required:

• Analyzing & Interpreting Data: Drawing meaning and conclusions from quantitative or qualitative data.
• Delivering Results: Meeting organizational goals and customer expectations and making decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks.
• Innovative Problem Solving: Identifying and analyzing problems in order to propose new ways to do business.
• Reading Comprehension: Understanding and using written information.
• Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job.
• Displaying Ownership and Accountability: Holding self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results.
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue.
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing.
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships.
• Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers.
• Involving Others (Engaging Teams): Engaging others for input, contribution, and shared responsibility for outcomes.
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals.

Education:Possession of an Associate of Arts degree from an accredited college with a major in computer science or information processing; OR Completion of 24 college semester units or 36 quarter units in computer science or information systems or closely related field.

Experience:Two (2) years of full-time or its equivalent experience performing software applications programming or systems analysis.

Substitution for Education:Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis, up to a maximum of two years.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience creating and supporting complex SharePoint sites.
• Experience with maintaining software and building computer images for a public use environment, such as a school lab or library.

Application Filing: All applicants must apply online at and submit the information as indicated on the job announcement by the final filing date.

Training and Experience Evaluation: Consists of an evaluation of each candidate's relevant education, training and/or experience as presented on the application and supplemental questionnaire. (Weighted 100%)

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Matthew Damm at [email protected]. For any technical issues, please contact the Government Jobs' applicant support team for assistance at +1 855-###-####.

CONVICTION HISTORYAfter you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERAll Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITYIt is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.