As a research analyst for the Missouri Department of Social Services, Kim McKane provides routine and special reports for the Children's Division.
When the division changed its data system, she worked "tirelessly" to learn the new system and determine how to extract data from it, so there would not be an extended period without management reports, said Meliny Staysa, who nominated McKane for the State Employee of the Month award.
"She has continued to hone her programming skills and works with other staff in the office when they experience difficulties with customer data requests," Staysa said.
Recently, McKane created a reporting system which shows outcomes for unit level and individual worker performances.
"The reports already have helped staff achieve improved outcomes for more than one area of practice," Staysa said.
The Research and Evaluation Unit within the Children's Services has seen increased demands, particularly meeting compliance with a new federal database system, said Freddie Spraggs, who also nominated McKane.
"In this case, the wheel really did need to be re-invented," Spraggs said.
Although reporting functions may not be "exciting," Spraggs said work like McKane's helps keep children safe by providing the information workers and managers need to do their jobs.
"Kim continues to offer her knowledge and assistance not only when working within the department but when providing data to assist the Children's Division staff when working with universities, contractors or other departments," Spraggs said.
Staysa added, "Kim is a real asset to the Research and Evaluation Team. Her problem-solving skills and fortitude to get a job completed to the customer's satisfaction sets an example of excellence."