The Congressional Research Service (CRS) seeks an Analyst in Social Policy to join its Domestic Social Policy Division (DSP). Applicants should have knowledge and experience in conducting analysis of social policies and programs. Strong research, writing, and presentation skills and the ability to work as part of a collaborative team and to be responsive under time pressure are essential for success in this position.
Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision. • Knowledge of social policies and analytical approaches for examining social policies ** • Ability to analyze public policy issues** • Ability to write in a public policy context** • Ability to design and utilize research and analytical methods and techniques** • Ability to convey analysis and information orally through briefings, consultations and other presentations • Ability to exercise objectivity in all phases of analysis and consultation • Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing
The ideal candidate will have substantive knowledge of public policy issues related to social policy, and considerable skill in working with data, programming, and the development of analytical tools and models. The ability to use quantitative analysis software for the analysis of varied types of data is an important element of this job. The ability to critically examine the efficacy of public policies and to contribute to research that will simulate the effects of changes to the design of programs and benefits are also important elements of this position. The work often requires rapid response to emerging policy issues during all phases of the legislative process. Given the breadth of social policy issues DSP covers for Congress, analysts must be capable of working on a range of issues in a policy portfolio that will likely evolve over time. Analyst duties include preparing objective, non-partisan analytical studies and descriptive background reports on issues of national significance; providing personal consultation and assistance to congressional committees, Members, and staff on public policy issues throughout the legislative process; and participating in team research projects and seminars. The employee is also expected to develop over time the skills necessary to provide public policy and legislative analysis and consultation to congressional committees, Members, and staff at increasingly sophisticated levels. CRS works exclusively for the United States Congress, providing policy and legal analysis to committees and Members of both the House and Senate, regardless of party affiliation. As a legislative branch agency within the Library of Congress, CRS has been a valued and respected resource on Capitol Hill for more than a century. CRS is well known for analysis that is authoritative, confidential, objective, and nonpartisan. Its highest priority is to ensure that Congress has immediate access to the nation’s best thinking on public policy issues of interest to its Members and committees. DUTIES Prepares a variety of analytical reports, memoranda, and written materials on public policy issues and subjects within the employee’s area of professional knowledge to support congressional decision-making. Prepares a variety of descriptive and background reports, memoranda, and written materials on public policy issues and subjects within the employee’s area of professional knowledge to support congressional understanding of policy issues. Through personal consultation, assists committees, Members, and staff with consideration of legislative issues by providing information and analysis, and applying professional subject-area knowledge. Participates in CRS seminars, workshops, and/or outreach programs for committees, Members, and staff. Locates and provides information requested by Members and committees of Congress or their staff.