Database Analyst

Job Title: Database Analyst

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Employee Status: Classified

License Required: No

Reports to: Director of Administrative Technology

Summary

The Database Analyst is responsible for the use, accuracy, efficiency, security, maintenance, and development of the Powhatan County Public Schools database systems. The Database Analyst shall work with all departments to identify ways the school division can use its various database systems to effectively support decision-making and student achievement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.

• Manage database systems, such as Student Information System, PowerSchool, Parent Portals, SchoolMessenger, Educational Information Management System, and others.
• Work with vendors on data conversion and other ongoing projects.
• Prepare and schedule training timelines for all users of PowerSchool.
• Keep abreast of updates and changes for all database systems.
• Attend webinars and maintain a relationship with the Virginia Department of Education regarding state reporting requirements.
• Maintain and input data related to the state reports and meet deadlines for submissions.
• Extract data from the SIS and prepare SRI uploads to assist with State testing.
• Training and ongoing assistance for staff related to data input.
• Train and assist staff, parents and students on the use of SchoolMessenger and Parent Portal systems.
• Assist, manage and train, and troubleshoot problems with attendance secretaries and registrars.
• Provide training for staff on discipline data entry for SBAR (Student Behavior and Academic Response) record-keeping and reporting.
• Knowledge of CTE requirements and data entry into PowerSchool.
• Assist transportation and food service departments to coordinate the transfer of data between databases.
• Manual data entry on a daily basis.
• Generate and maintain passwords needed for various systems.
• Assist and train EIMS (Pearson) users.

• Maintain the security and confidentiality of all student data and ensure compliance with governing standards and regulations.

• Load student images into PowerSchool.
• Attend/arrange quarterly meetings for the PowerSchool Users Group (VAPSUG).
• Assist in decision-making regarding purchase of new database software

• Assist in the coordination and monitoring of the design, development, modification and implementation of database applications within the division. Provide technical support and training for the range of systems and products.
• Review and analyze the effectiveness and efficiency of existing database systems and develop strategies for improving or further leveraging these systems across the division.
• Create custom queries and reports as necessary to meet the decision-making needs of the division management.
• Assist staff with database exports and imports for reporting purposes and minimize manual input.
• Participate in special projects as defined by the changing needs of the division.
• Ensure the accuracy and security of the student information system by creating user accounts, enforcing database access permissions, and working with Technology Department staff to ensure that reliable database backups occur nightly.
• Establish guidelines for database users.
• Generate reports required by state and federal regulations.
• Assist with preparation and printing of computer-generated report cards.
• Identify database-related training needs and conduct training as needed.
• Manage parent portal component of student information system. Work with school staff and parents to ensure maximum use of the portal.
• Monitor and enforce database consistency among all schools and central office departments.
• Assist with PCPS website management and train others in how to update their sites
• Perform any other duties that may be assigned by the superintendent or designee.

Qualifications

Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Ability to work independently or in a group.

Possess working knowledge of appropriate technology and terminology.

Communicate effectively.

Thorough knowledge of computers and database systems.

Knowledge of attendance laws.

Education and/or Experience

High school diploma or GED. Associate's degree, six to twelve months of related experience and/or training preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Strong working knowledge of Excel spreadsheets required.

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents such as operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence and share verbally on occasion. Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee frequently is required to stand, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit, climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to the risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Evaluation

Performance on this job will be evaluated in accordance with School Board policy and administrative regulations for evaluation of classified personnel.