JOB TITLE: STATISTICAL ASSISTANT

JOB CODE: 05410

DEFINITION: This is statistical support work in collecting, processing, reviewing, and compiling quantified data and statistics.

An employee in this job participates in the collection, processing, review, and compilation of quantified data and statistics concerning activities of citizens, companies, governments, and other entities of the commonwealth. Work involves communicating with reporting agencies to clarify or complete missing, questionable, or atypical information; editing summaries, compilations, and source documents; reviewing completed data summaries for accuracy, consistency, and completeness; coding data; and compiling and formatting data to prepare it for interpretation and analysis, publication, or inclusion in reports. Work may involve assisting in developing data reporting procedures and the definition of terms in subject areas to ensure the uniformity, relevance, and reliability of data collected and processed. Work is assigned in the form of detailed instructions on new assignments and reviewed for accuracy and conformance to procedures and instructions.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.):

• Reviews compilations, summaries, and source documents to identify errors, bias, deficiencies, or significant deviations from normal or anticipated parameters.

• Compares questionable data to other sources to determine correct information or identify basic reasons for variations; makes basic corrections or refers more advanced issues to higher level staff for resolution; and documents findings by assigning comment codes.

• Contacts reporting entities or other information sources to determine possible explanations for atypical, incomplete, or seemingly inaccurate data and documents findings.

• Communicates with delinquent reporters to collect nonrespondent data.

• Reviews unpublished sources of data to detect any data issues before publication.

• Extracts source data from systems for inclusion in reports and publications.

• Assigns codes to reporting entities for purposes of data classification.

• Applies computational formulas in accordance with detailed instructions.

• Writes basic macros to automate calculations.

• Provides guidance and instruction to other personnel in reporting procedures, standards, and definitions.

• Maintains files according to security and confidentiality requirements.

• Prepares surveys for mailing and inputs data into database upon receipt of completed surveys.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of standard procedures for the collection, review, and compilation of quantified data.

• Knowledge of basic mathematical methods.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of standard computer software including spreadsheet programs.

• Ability to recognize deficiencies and inconsistencies in reported and tabulated data, including deviations from standard or anticipated forms.

• Ability to read and interpret numerical information.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities):

• Two years of clerical experience involving numerical tabulations and computations, including one year in the collection, compilation, and review of quantified data for purposes of reporting, publication, or statistical analysis;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.