Business Analyst

Description
JOB SUMMARY
To evaluate organizational systems for effectiveness, and plan or design improvements in operations; bring into effect change through project management; perform related work. Position will support countywide operations by researching and providing information to management on which to base policy, operational and strategic decisions.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Program Analysis:

• Evaluate program operations and services;
• Recommend and plan actions to bring about compliance with regulations and program goals;
• Collaborate with managers across agency levels to formulate long-range objectives, short-term operational goals and implementation plans;
• Assist agency management by monitoring and tracking program and operational activities and improvements;
• Lead on committees to gather information or plan studies to evaluate performance data;
• Recommend refinement and development of operating procedures based on results of study;
• Facilitate the development of performance measures;
• Integrate performance measures and their use into business processes;
• Test, audit and validate system improvements to implement performance measures;
• Track and monitor operational results from measurements;
• Train staff on methods of developing performance measures and the collection and use of performance data;
• Lead research studies that evaluate compliance with state and federal performance measurements;
• Prepare findings and recommend actions to managers; and
• Recommend training based on performance measures and new regulation.

System Improvement:

• Consult with and/or facilitate discussions with agency staff and managers about system efficiency or support for operational, program or administrative needs;
• Study the feasibility and compare costs and benefits of modifications;
• Recommend acceptance of new system development or enhancements to existing systems;
• Collaborate with information technology staff, program staff and outside contractors to evaluate existing systems and plan enhancements;
• Create solutions in alignment with operational, policy and program goals and objectives
• Identify data requirements;
• Collaborate with identified subject matter experts to design system enhancements or system specifications based on evaluation; and
• Maintain system related documentation and provide training and/or technical documentation for others to train staff in use of existing or new systems.

Process Improvement:

• Use a systematic approach to design, modify or adapt a major program or operation to optimize performance outcomes and achieve more efficient results;
• Serve as the process expert for all information related to the process;
• Establish, modify or use existing process performance metrics to evaluate and quantify the process's capability to meet the product specifications and overall process objectives;
• Design process performance objectives to ensure alignment to business plans;
• Create, update and approve documents (procedures, workflow, protocols) to support the process;
• Make changes in the process and manage the entire process improvement cycle to ensure performance effectiveness;
• Periodically analyze the process performance data and use it to visualize the process's capability to operate within control limits over time (performance trends);
• Compare actual performance against performance targets, identify performance issues and necessary solutions; and
• Create improvement actions to address the performance issues that are identified during analysis of the process performance data.

Project Management:

• Plan operational improvement projects;
• Identify project scope, required training and resources;
• Recommend project budget and spending plan;
• Identify potential risks and difficulties, and design strategies to mitigate or avoid them;
• Collaborate with stakeholders and follow contracting guidelines to develop contractor statement of work;
• Obtain bids from contractors;
• Manage project steps to cause participation of project team members and other stakeholders;
• Monitor and track project budget, schedule and performance;
• Coordinate project activities with internal units;
• Recommend changes to project plan in response to unforeseen changes or unexpected results;
• Obtain approvals to proposed changes in project scope, quality, budget, or schedule;
• Verify quality of project deliverables; and
• Administer project contracts and monitor and evaluate contractor performance.

Minimum Requirements
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK

• Working knowledge of: project management; organizational/business analysis and evaluation; process improvement methodology;
• Bachelor's Degree in related fields or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and
• Valid driver's license.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of automated information systems and reporting platforms.
• Working knowledge of relational databases and the SQL query language with the ability to pull data from multiple systems and create reports using various reporting solutions.
• The ability to understand and configure complex computerized ERP systems.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to think critically and generate solutions.
• Customer-service oriented with the ability to translate user requirements into a deliverable product independently with minimal technical supervision.
• Motivated, independent, and a self-starter with a proactive, future-focused orientation.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment that requires adaptation to changing goals, priorities and needs.
• Ability to organize and communicate effectively.
• Ability to maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with others.
• Skilled in use of computer programs, i.e. word processing programs, email and accounting software.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, reach and manipulate objects, tools and/or controls. The position requires mobility. Duties may involve moving materials weighing up to 10 pounds on a regular basis. Manual dexterity and coordination are required over 50% of the work period while operating equipment, such as computer keyboard, mouse, calculator and similar machines.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Most work is performed in a well-lighted, modern office setting with centrally controlled heating and air conditioning or outside in conditions which may include heat, cold, rain, or other inclement weather during field work assignments throughout the calendar year.
BENEFITS
Full time benefits include medical, prescription, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, optional USAble, paid holidays, paid sick days, paid vacation, EAP, retirement planning, pension, employee clinic, employee discounts, and more.