Data Analyst (Community Services)

The Role

Administers internal and external databases and datasets for program areas within the Community Services Department (e.g., social assistance, child care, housing, scheduling, employment).

Program area assignments include day-to-day support with HIFIS (Homeless Individuals and Families Information System), and broad support to other program areas and the Community Services Department as a whole.

Analyses data, designs and implements data visualization tools, templates, reports, and models, and develops/adapts datasets to capture key metrics and insights to support program planning, projects, and requirements.

Applies skills in report writing, business analytics tools (e.g., Power BI), programming languages (e.g., R, SQL), and advanced data science methods to support program planning, forecasting, and evaluation, including machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), predictive modeling, and statistical simulations.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Ensures data integrity and accuracy in data and datasets.
• Designs, extracts, modifies, compiles, automates, and maintains datasets, interactive dashboards, and data visualization tools (e.g., data dictionaries, visualizations, indicators).
• Develops data models and analysis methods to organize and extract information from varied databases, including application of clustering, predictive modeling, and machine learning algorithms to identify trends and generate actionable insights. Assists teams and management to interpret results as required.
• Presents data in effective, engaging, understandable formats using a variety of software, analytical tools, and data. Maintains data on the employee intranet and corporate website.
• Prepares reports for programs, provincial and federal funding agencies, and Council/Committees of Council. Monitors KPIs and reports to management as appropriate, incorporating predictive analytics to forecast trends and highlight emerging risks.
• Responds to and supports data requests from management, planners, staff, and external partners and. Catalogues reports.
• Leads the design and implementation of new and updated datasets for projects, initiatives, and other program and departmental needs. Provides analytical and technical support to program areas regarding their data and system needs, including advanced statistical analysis, AI-driven solutions, and bias-detection methods to ensure equitable outcomes .
• Collaborates with staff and management regarding policy and directives, program monitoring, and administration. Facilitates changes in systems and technology. Develops templates, designs fields and process flows to meet compliance and reporting requirements. Provides expertise on data quality standards and input on operational protocols that service providers must follow.
• Provides day-to-day technical support to HIFIS users. Monitors system use data and reporting by service providers as part of agreements. Troubleshoots and resolves issues. Coordinates with staff regarding system monitoring and reporting, to fix errors, and/or facilitate supports (e.g., training).
• Leads/coordinates changes to data reporting requirements and system use with service providers and other stakeholders such as corporate ITS, federal and provincial contacts, and departmental program analysts and social planning associates based on scope and scale of change. Develops project plans for implementation within timelines/deadlines.
• Acts as the system administrator for various databases (e.g., HIFIS), including providing user access, monitoring user accounts, and access control. Maintains data sharing and user agreements.
• Creates and maintains issue tracking documents, and compiles resolutions as appropriate. Maintains documentation for support processes, business continuity, technical installations, and system management (e.g., data dictionaries).
• Develops and maintains training resources for system users and provides training. Chairs technology and training working group meetings with system users. Provides ongoing technical assistance, guidance, training, and support to service providers using the system. Periodically directs and coordinates with system users regarding system changes and requirements for implementation.

Additional Duties/Responsibilities

• Provides expertise in database/data model design, development, and maintenance. Analyses system capabilities, including integration with other systems and best practices for data collection, management, and reporting.
• Expands traditional data models with machine learning pipelines, forecasting techniques, AI-enhanced simulations, and automated workflows to improve reproducibility, scalability, and transparency of analysis.
• Has contact with other municipalities, Ministry staff, consultants, vendors, service partners, and corporate partners (e.g., ITS, public health, information and privacy) to exchange information and support data and system requirements. Leads/participates in internal and external advisory and working groups.
• Maintains effective, collaborative relationships with corporate ITS staff, consultants, vendors, and others to assist with system performance, maintenance, data integrity, and report development.
• Works with management to ensure departmental compliance with corporate data governance policies and to develop the Department’s data strategy and priorities.
• Collaborates on training, documentation, and manuals related to datasets, systems, and procedures for processing data.
• Refers complex issues to management, including major system changes that require significant resource commitments.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and skills are acquired through a 3-year college diploma in a related field plus 3 years of related experience. A 4-year degree in a related field plus 2 years of related experience is considered equivalent.
• Knowledge and skills in data management, data analysis, business intelligence and visualization software, and programming languages (e.g., SQL), with experience integrating these with Python/R workflows for machine learning and AI applications.
• Demonstrated skill and experience working with Excel, data visualization software, and large datasets, including writing and troubleshooting complex queries in SQL, and presenting machine learning or predictive modeling results in clear, accessible formats.
• Skill and experience in mapping, data cleaning, and preparation for ArcGIS and similar GIS tools.
• Knowledge of advanced analytics, including machine learning algorithms (clustering, regression, classification, neural networks, deep learning architectures), natural language processing (NLP), predictive modeling techniques, and statistical simulations using Python/R.
• Familiarity with cloud-based data platforms, AI/ML libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn), and modern collaboration tools, including MLOps practices for deploying, monitoring, and scaling AI models to support reproducible and ethical AI.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, legislation (e.g., security, encryption, data protection and privacy, information, accessibility, housing), and industry standards.
• Knowledge of program area client service and administrative systems, and data analysis software and systems, including those used in other areas of the corporation. Ability to keep knowledge current related to technologies, programs, and applications.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills to identify gaps in data processes and practices, troubleshoot and resolve issues, and develop technical solutions and continuous improvements, including AI-driven approaches such as anomaly detection, forecasting, and optimization models.
• Ability to design and implement forecasting models, AI-supported dashboards, automated machine learning pipelines, bias detection methods, and simulation tools for scenario analysis to ensure equitable, effective service delivery.
• Organization and project management skills to plan project tasks and timelines, monitor results, work independently, and balance competing requests and priorities. Ability to keep knowledge and skills current.
• Communication and interpersonal skills to work with internal and external partners to support their data needs; describe system and data requirements and analysis to varied audiences; provide training and explain data management practices/requirements; respond to questions from and present to staff, management, and external partners. Ability to participate as an effective team member.
• Ability to write correspondence, resource/training materials, communications, reports, project plans, and manuals/instructions for technical and non-technical audiences, and draft policies and protocols related to data management and administration for management review.
• Computer skills with ability to use Microsoft Office Suite, systems/databases (e.g., HIFIS), relational databases, and data analytics/tools (e.g. Power BI), integrated with Python/R workflows to develop end-to-end AI/ML solutions. Ability to prepare database forms, queries, reports, tables, and dashboards.
• Ability to travel within Waterloo Region.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.