PEI Prog Spec VI

Job Description:
Under the direction of the Division Administrator of Research and Evaluation within the Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) Division, this position performs highly advanced (senior-level) research and data analysis work designed to promote and exemplify the mission and vision of PEI. This position will serve on the PEI Research and Evaluation team to support internal and external continuous quality improvement, use of the PEI database and reporting systems, and ongoing work during PEI’s transition to Health and Human Services.

This position is primarily responsible for tracking, measuring, and recording performance reports and other data on child abuse and neglect prevention programs being offered or developed by the division. This position will lead the development of research and data protocols, the compilation of data, and the development and testing of theories and hypotheses to record and document the overall progress of evidence-based and promising practice programs.

This position will perform research in the areas of prevention of abuse and neglect, educational programs, behavioral science or social science. The position gathers, organizes and statistically analyzes data that demonstrates the progress of the Division programs and initiatives. The position determines data requirements, designs data collection tools, constructs databases, conducts statistical analysis of said data and publishes reports containing descriptive verbiage, graphs, tables and/or charts in a professional format for Division leadership, legislators, and the general public.

The Research and Data Program Specialist VI will coordinate and consult with Management Reporting Statistics (MRS) office, IT, other state or federal agencies and community partners to develop internal policies and procedures for research and data collection and reporting; develop training programs for community partners that ensures data is recorded and reported accurately and researching and reporting on emerging trends and best practices in the field of evidence-based practices.

Trains, leads, assigns and/or prioritizes the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment
Essential Job Functions:
Oversees the performance of a variety of technical research projects, database training presentations, and program assessments for the division.

• Oversees the collection, analysis, implementation, and documentation of program data.

• Oversees the collection, organization, analysis, and preparation of materials in response to requests for program data information requests and data reports.

• Oversees the completion of required administrative and performance reports, studies, and specialized projects and provides statistical trends and projections as required.

• Oversees studies and analyses of operations and problems and the preparation of reports of findings and recommendations.

• Oversees others who collect, organize, analyze, prepare materials, and conducts training in response to requests for information and reports.

• Co-ordinates technical support to various program areas.

• Designs surveys and questionnaires for data collection.

• Uses outside data sources as required.

• Trains and supervises staff in retrieval of data.

• Develops Data Request Intake Tracking System (DRITS) queries for data

• Evaluates and reviews the scope and methodologies of research projects and areas to be evaluated.

• Support PEI leadership in making and sustaining needed cultural, process, organizational, policy.

• Explain data and analysis in a way that is understandable to those with limited data knowledge or experience.

• Use quantitative data, focus groups, surveys, and structured interviews to track regional implementation progress and outcomes and help regions make needed adjustments.

• Prepares and provides presentations for the Legislature, the Commissioner, professional organizations, government entities and the general public.

• Prepares reports in written and graphic form. Responsible for developing formats, maintaining data accuracy of reports and their timely distribution.

• Responsible for preparation and distribution of departmental statistical reports on a regular and ad hoc basis.

• Identifies and anticipates data needs of program areas through up-to-date knowledge of departmental programs and activities.

• Trains, leads, assigns, and/or prioritizes the work of others.

• Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of statistical concepts and methods and their application to research analyses; of measurement, testing, random sampling, evaluation, and of research methods, principles; techniques and philosophies.

General knowledge of the child welfare system and how the system works.

Skill in conducting qualitative and quantitative research and in using statistical analysis programs, tools, and databases.

Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance

Have the ability to communicate information orally and in writing in a way that is understandable for multiple different audiences, including taking complicated information and making it simple and understandable.

Ability to creatively solve problems, including accessing needed resources from multiple areas and sources and helping management think outside the box in developing solutions.

Have the ability to understand and conduct basic data analysis, use descriptive statistics and use qualitative methods (focus groups, surveys, etc).

Ability to develop reports to compile and analyze data, including both qualitative and quantitative data.

Ability to plan, organize, and oversee research projects; to evaluate research data; to ensure the development of measuring instruments with respect to reliability, relevance, and validity; to interpret and publish research finding; to communicate effectively; and to plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.

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