BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Date of Study: November 18, 2024 – November 20, 2024
Collective Bargaining Identification: U10
Job Analysis Conducted By: Dominique Kirby, Examination and Selection Analyst, Talent Acquisition, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Number of Incumbents: There are 2 incumbents in the Research Specialist 3 (Various Studies) classification per the State Controller’s Office Filled/Vacant Position Report dated November 2024.
EDITED TASK LISTING
NOTE: Each position within this classification may perform some or all of these tasks.
Task Statements:
1. Designs complex, in-depth, sensitive and/or technical research methods and techniques to conduct major research projects and/or studies of department programs to improve their efficiency and performance using raw data, data bases, department policies, State law, etc.) as directed by the Office of Research management.
2. Applies complex, in-depth, sensitive and/or technical research methods and techniques to major research projects and/or studies of departmental programs to improve their efficiency and performance using raw data, data bases, computer software, State law, etc. as directed by the Office of Research management.
3. Manages complex, in-depth, sensitive and/or technical research projects using project management skills, timelines, project scope sheets, etc. to produce a timely, organized, and thorough report, on a daily basis
4. Provides recommendations based on research findings and conclusions to the Office of Research Management to improve department programs’ efficiency and performance using technical reports, briefing documents and presentations on a daily basis.
5. Designs methodology and performs data collection and analysis of the most difficult or sensitive assignments to support program evaluation, produce statistical reports, assist in bill analysis, population projections and estimates, program impact estimates, etc. using computer software programs, databases, professional/personal knowledge, systematic critical scientific methodology, etc. as needed.
6. Conducts analyses of the most difficult or sensitive legislative bills, ballot propositions, policies and programs, court decisions, etc. to provide information/data about potential impact on the Department, options, and/or recommendations using professional knowledge, Departmental policies and procedures, etc., as needed.
7. Reviews statistical reports, population projections and estimates, bill analyses, ballot proposition analyses, court decisions, etc. to verify reliability, accuracy and timeliness of the information/data using professional/personal knowledge, Departmental policies and procedures, manuals, etc., upon request.
8. Develops an ongoing program evaluation system based on program outputs, outcomes, evidence-based standards, and best practices to increase program accountability and quality to comply with the department’s strategic plan using a collaborative approach, as needed.
9. Implements an ongoing program evaluation system based on program outputs, outcomes, evidence-based standards, and best practices to increase program accountability and quality to comply with the department’s strategic plan using a collaborative approach as needed.
10. Serves as research liaison to the department’s programs to coordinate research programs and policies and to develop research products and services based on current issues and problems facing the department using a structured decision making process on a daily basis.
11. Presents information and data to management, control agencies, and staff to provide information/data, recommendations, and/or options, etc. using various presentation methods, upon request.
12. Represents the Department in informal/formal settings to obtain and report information/data and/or represent the interest of the Department, etc. using effective communication and interpersonal skills, professionalism, professional knowledge, personal expertise, etc. upon request.
13. Develop policies and procedures to produce statistical reports, population projections and estimates, bill analyses, ballot proposition analyses, court decisions, etc. using professional/personal knowledge and experience, Departmental policies and procedures, manuals, etc., as needed and/or upon request.
14. Writes policies and procedures to produce statistical reports, population projections and estimates, bill analyses, ballot proposition analyses, court decisions, etc. using professional/personal knowledge and experience, Departmental policies and procedures, manuals, etc., as needed and/or upon request.
15. Develops and provides consultation on the development of the most difficult or sensitive evaluation plans to assess the performance of programs, etc. using literature and data, systematic critical scientific methodology, etc. as needed and/or upon request.
16. Remains up-to-date with scientific methodologies by attending and actively participating in trainings (e.g., professional organizations, in-house and external classes, conferences, etc.) to perform essential functions, on a regular basis.
17. Prepares complex, in-depth, sensitive and/or technical written documents to provide and/or request information using computer software, etc. as requested by the Office of Research Management.
18. Prepares informal/formal presentations of research progress, barriers, and findings from research projects for management and staff to make recommendations based on research results using interpersonal skills and statistical software, as needed.
19. Communicates in a professional and effective manner with others using tact, interpersonal and conflict management skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships on a daily basis.
20. Trains staff to improve their skills and knowledge using classroom, on the job, mentoring etc. as required for the performance of their job, on a daily basis.
21. Delivers informal/formal oral presentations to management and staff to make recommendations based on research results using presentation methods, as needed.
22. Oversees the preparation and timely completion of reports to satisfy objectives of Legislatively mandated or CDCR-directed research that are the responsibilities of the Office of Research using project management techniques, knowledge and experience as needed.
23. Provides guidance to staff in their work assignments to confirm proper and efficient use of resources using equipment, aids and/or processes (e.g., knowledge, manuals, procedures etc.), as needed and/or upon request.
24. Implements existing Departmental policies and procedures to effectively train and direct staff in the performance of their duties using professional/personal knowledge, Departmental policies and procedures, manuals, etc., as needed and/or upon request.
25. Oversees staff in the design methodology and performance of data collection and analysis to support program evaluation, produce statistical reports, assist in bill analysis, population projections and estimates, etc. using computer software programs, databases, systematic critical scientific methodology, etc. as needed.
26. Oversees staff in conducting analyses of legislative bills, ballot propositions, policies and programs, court decisions, etc. to provide information/data about potential impact on the Department, options, and/or recommendations using professional knowledge, Departmental policies and procedures, etc., as needed.
27. Consults with others to provide information and data, develop adult institution and adult parole projections and estimates, verify the products help to meet overall departmental goals, resolve issues, provide options and/or recommendations to management using professional/personal knowledge, interpersonal communication skills, data analysis/statistical skills upon request.
28. Provides consultation on program design and assessment of the most difficult or sensitive assignments to certify programs, conform to evidence based principles, etc. using professional/personal knowledge, systematic critical scientific methodology, etc. upon request.
29. Oversees staff in the development and/or providing consultation on the evaluation plans to assess the performance of programs, etc. using professional/personal knowledge, systematic critical scientific methodology, etc. upon request.
30. Responds to special request from management to provide information/data on prison and parole populations or samples, etc. using research literature, procedure manuals, databases, mainframe and personal computers, etc. as directed by management.
31. Directs a research program to provide quality evaluation, research, analysis, synthesis, and application to implement evidence-based programs and practices to comply with the department’s strategic plan using a collaborative approach on a daily basis.
32. Organizes a research program to provide quality evaluation, research, analysis, synthesis, and application to implement evidence-based programs and practices to comply with the department’s strategic plan using a collaborative approach on a daily basis.
33. Plans a research program to provide quality evaluation, research, analysis, synthesis, and application to implement evidence-based programs and practices to comply with the department’s strategic plan using a collaborative approach on a daily basis.
34. Conducts presentations to the Governor’s Office, legislature, CDCR Secretary, Executive Management Team, Research management, and/or stakeholders, etc., using equipment, methods and/or techniques (e.g. Power Point, handouts, websites, conferences, meetings, etc.), to report research progress and findings, as directed.
35. Provides research expertise and support to the CDCR Leadership in creating research policy essential to the department’s mission, in developing and prioritizing the department research agenda, and keeping a current inventory of all research and evaluation projects within the department using knowledge and experience, as needed.
36. Serves as principal advisor on the development of scopes of service, Request for Offers and Proposals, procurement, contracts, etc., to verify compliance using department and other governmental approved procedures, as needed.
37. Serves as principal advisor on established and proposed research designs and governmental research policies regarding matters such as program evaluation, interagency data sharing, and human subject protections in compliance with standards of research, Department Operations Manual (DOM) and Federal and State laws using approved protocols and procedures as needed.
38. Provides research-based recommendations to the CDCR Leadership to aid in the formulation and implementation of department-wide policies regarding the State’s correctional services delivery system using current science-to-service research, as needed.
39. Provides research methodology expertise regarding public and media inquiries, including speeches and press releases for the CDCR Leadership relating to research studies conducted and/or administered by the department using knowledge and experience, as needed.
40. Provides research ethics and protection of human subjects expertise regarding public and media inquiries, including speeches and press releases for the CDCR Leadership relating to research studies conducted and/or administered by the department using knowledge and experience, as needed.
41. Provides research expertise to CDCR Leadership with regard to studies, related budget issues, and proposed legislation including the analysis of legislation and development of testimony, as needed.
42. Collaborates with other state agency research executives and academic researchers in the use of research study results to frame policy-making discussions, guide policy development and decisions, as directed by Office of Research Management.
43. Performs supervisory responsibilities following department-wide mandates concerning Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO), American with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other personnel practices as defined by regulatory agencies and established guidelines/polices, as needed.
44. Facilitates the hiring process by conducting interviews, evaluating and selecting candidates to fill identified vacant position(s) using effective supervision skills, interpersonal communication skills, laws, rules, and regulations, as needed.
45. Initiates and/or participates in the Progressive Disciplinary process to correct/improve employee performance/behavior or address issues of substandard performance in accordance with California Human Resources (CalHR) regulations and departmental policy, as needed.
46. Approves statistical reports, population projections and estimates, bill analyses, ballot proposition analyses, court decisions, etc. to effectively train and direct staff in the performance of their duties using professional/personal knowledge, Departmental policies and procedures, manuals, etc., as needed.
47. Reviews recommendations to CDCR Leadership on revised and existing Departmental policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulations, conformance with evidence based principles, accuracy, fidelity, and completeness of programs and procedures using professional/personal knowledge, Departmental policies and procedures, manuals, etc., as needed.
48. Makes recommendations to CDCR Leadership on revised and existing Departmental policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulations, conformance with evidence based principles, accuracy, fidelity, and completeness of programs and procedures using professional/personal knowledge, Departmental policies and procedures, manuals, etc., as needed.
49. Serves as research liaison to the criminal justice research community to coordinate research programs and policies and to develop research products and services based on current issues and problems facing the State, as directed by the Office of Research Management.
50. Implements policies and procedures to properly administer programs, incorporate the Department’s vision, mission, and values, comply with legal mandates, laws, rules, regulations, etc. using professional/personal knowledge and experience, delegation to staff, manuals, etc. as needed.
51. Reviews written documents to effectively communicate with others, request positions, submit information and data to management, etc. using effective communication skills, databases, research, etc., as required.
52. Approves written documents to effectively communicate with others, request positions, submit information and data to management, etc. using effective communication skills, databases, research, etc., as required.
53. Acts as a consultant to external entities to provide guidance, data, and analysis, understanding and technical support using data bases, computer software, State law, department manuals, as directed by Office of Research Management.
54. Oversees staff in providing consultation on program design and assessment to certify programs conform to evidence based principles, etc. using professional/personal knowledge, systematic critical scientific methodology, etc. as needed and/or upon request.
55. Coordinate with staff in monitoring the office’s budget and contracts to obtain approval and secure funding for necessary equipment, staffing services, and effectively manage the daily operations, ensure fiscal responsibility, etc. using budget reports, Departmental policies and procedures, etc. upon request
Tasks highlighted in bold text are not currently on the SPB classification specification
EDITED KSAPC LISTING
NOTE: Each position within this classification may perform some or all of these KSAPCs.
Research and Evaluation
Knowledge of:
1. Advanced knowledge of social research methods and techniques to conduct major research projects and statistical studies of criminal justice issues.
2. Advanced knowledge of evaluation and research methods, techniques including but not limited to sampling, reliability and validity, and inferential statistics to collect and analyze data to make certain that the mission and goals of the Office of Research are accomplished.
3. Advanced knowledge of research methods/techniques to access information and resources, collect and analyze data for statistical reports, bill analyses, and population projections.
4. Comprehensive knowledge of governmental functions, Legislative process, and organization at the State and local level as they affect departmental research functions in order to manage the daily operations.
5. Comprehensive knowledge of the purpose, mission, and goals of the Department to ensure that the progress and completion of work assignments and tasks conform to the overall objectives of the department, etc.
6. Comprehensive knowledge of the criminal justice and correctional system to successfully direct, organize, plan, and implement the department’s evaluation and research program.
7. Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and concepts of psychological and sociological theories of human behavior in Correctional settings.
8. Comprehensive knowledge of the techniques and methodologies for measuring psychological or sociological dimensions.
9. Advanced knowledge of research ethics and protection of human subjects in the specialized areas of incarcerated persons and women to satisfy the requirements of state and federal law.
10. Advanced knowledge of descriptive statistics methods/techniques to collect and analyze data for statistical reports, bill analyses, and population projections.
11. Comprehensive knowledge of data and publications to establish a foundation for future evaluation and research projects.
12. Advanced knowledge of survey methods, data exploration, manipulation, and statistical analyses (i.e. descriptive and inferential) to assist in the development of reports.
13. Comprehensive knowledge of research methods to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SME)s for various divisions.
14. Basic knowledge of a manager’s role in the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) program and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the processes available to meet their objectives as it relates to the management of the Office of Research.
15. Basic knowledge of government functions and organization, and legislative process to successfully direct, organize, plan and implement the department’s evaluation and research program.
16. Basic knowledge of strategic and long range planning to support the department in setting forth the goals, benchmarks, and performance criteria necessary to support the success of the department’s programs.
17. Advanced knowledge of practices and principles of project management to successfully deliver the department’s evaluation and research program..
KSAPCs highlighted in bold text are not currently on the SPB classification specification
Ability to:
1. In collaboration with CDCR Leadership evaluates the relative importance of various areas of research.
2. Manage a complex research, evaluation and/or projection function using available resources to maintain operational efficiency and effectiveness of the unit/office.
3. Reason logically and creatively and use a variety of analytical and research techniques (e.g., descriptive, inferential statistics and sampling methodologies, etc.) to solve complex problems, to assess the validity and quality of the products, and guide the operations of the unit/office.
4. Effectively communicate (written and verbal) to provide information and direction, prepare correspondence, train staff, establish, promote and maintain confident and cooperative relationships with others, meet the department’s vision, values, mission, goals and objectives, to promote collaborative participation, enhance morale and productivity, etc.
5. Prepare, review and edit written products (e.g., records, statistical reports, memorandums, bill analyses, etc.) produced by the unit/office to safeguard accuracy and completeness of the specific assignment, and to assure critical information/data is available for litigation, historical data/past practice, managerial resources, etc.
6. Coordinate and/or lead inter-disciplinary teams/task forces in the conduct of projects and studies related to the functions of the unit/office.
7. Plan and organize the administrative support functions to function within budgetary constraints.
8. Train staff to create a knowledgeable work force, to enable staff to produce quality work and to enhance and/or provide upward mobility opportunities.
9. Analyze situations accurately to draw logical conclusions and implement an effective course of action.
10. Contribute to the Department’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and American Disabilities Act objectives (e.g., sexual harassment prevention, discrimination prevention, etc.) to maintain a fair, equitable and harassment free work place environment.
11. Implement administrative support functions to function within budgetary constraints.
KSAPCs highlighted in bold text are not currently on the SPB classification specification