Research Specialist V

Job Description:
Research Specialist V performs highly advanced (senior-level) research work by overseeing the development, implementation, and monitoring of mixed methods data analysis projects for the Division for Community Health Improvement (CHI) with a primary focus in Title V Maternal and Child Health (MCH) programs. Reports to the Epidemiology Branch Manager. Serves as a program needs assessment and evaluation methodology specialist within the Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology (MCH Epi) Unit, with minimal supervision and extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Work involves overseeing, planning, and conducting needs assessments and evaluation studies, statistical analyses, research studies, and other projects, and interpreting research findings to gauge the effectiveness of CHI programs, projects, and initiatives. Work also involves directing and conducting qualitative data collection efforts including focus groups, key informant interviews, and other qualitative research efforts. Consults with research professionals, including staff both within and external to MCH Epi, to define and solve specific problems and to assure quality control for statistical analyses and research designs. Prepares reports, scientific papers/articles, and presentations for distribution and/or publication, including writing reports for federal and state partners. Performs scientific literature searches and reviews publications, research proposals, legislation, and state and federal policies to inform policy and practice related to CHI and public health. Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates the impact of legislation, regulations, and policies affecting CHI programs. Provides data-related consultation and technical assistance to CHI program areas on needs assessment, health impact, research methods, survey development, and program evaluation/assessment of CHI practices, programs, and issues. Participates in cross-functional training and provides technical advice within MCH Epi and beyond. Represents MCH Epi and CHI on committees, workgroups, and projects to meet research and data analysis needs. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. Essential Job Functions:
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with the agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

(30%) Serves as program needs assessment and evaluation coordinator within the Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology (MCH Epi) Unit, with minimal supervision and extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Work involves overseeing, planning, and conducting needs assessments and evaluation studies, statistical analyses, research studies, and other projects, and interpreting research findings to gauge the effectiveness of CHI programs, projects, and initiatives. Work also involves directing and conducting qualitative data collection efforts including focus groups, key informant interviews, and other qualitative research efforts.

(25%) Consults with stakeholders, including research and program staff both within and external to MCH Epi, to define and solve specific problems and to assure quality control for statistical analyses and research designs. Prepares reports, scientific papers/articles, and presentations for distribution and/or publication, including writing reports for federal and state partners.

(15%) Performs scientific literature searches and reviews publications, research proposals, legislation, and state and federal policies to inform policy and practice related to CHI and public health. Reviews, analyzes, and evaluates the impact of legislation, regulations, and policies affecting CHI programs.

(15%) Provides data-related consultation and technical assistance to CHI program areas on needs assessment, health impact, research methods, survey development, and program evaluation/assessment of CHI practices, programs, and issues. Participates in cross-functional training and provides technical advice within MCH Epi and beyond.

(10%) Represents MCH Epi and CHI on committees, workgroups, and projects to meet research and data analysis needs.

(5%) Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery of Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternative shift pattern assignment and/or location. Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of the array of research planning, needs assessment, and evaluation methods; mixed methods research approaches including quantitative (statistical analysis) and qualitative (including focus groups, interviews, and other methodologies) data collection and analysis.

Knowledge of scientific research methods, survey studies, statistical concepts and methods and their application to research studies and data analysis.

Knowledge of computer software applications, especially SAS and/or SASViya, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), and geographical information systems software (e.g., ArcGIS and/or Tableau).

Skills in good coordination, communication, and writing.

Skills in developing procedures to monitor and evaluate progress in achieving project objectives, including feedback to policy makers to provide input into the ongoing research process.

Skills in the development of technical standard operating procedures and data management plans.

Skills in project management to organize major project activities into a logical sequence with a reasonable and achievable set of deadlines.

Skills in strong technical writing, reporting, and interpretation of data to clearly and succinctly communicate project/research information for correspondence with state and federal agencies, grant applications and plans, state rules, and planning procedures.

Ability to work independently.

Ability to facilitate meeting agendas to achieve planned outcomes and to convey planning alternatives or recommendations to a variety of audiences including DSHS staff, the public, and decision makers.

Ability to gather information from a variety of sources and to synthesize and translate detailed information into simpler terms; to express ideas clearly and concisely orally and in writing.

Ability to develop and effectively deliver training and technical assistance about research/data methods, procedures, or DSHS policies.

Ability to assess the reliability, validity, and appropriateness of proposed data collection methods and designs.

Ability to plan, organize, and conduct assigned phases of complex research projects.

Ability to interpret complex statistical analysis, charts, and tables; to develop and analyze measuring instruments with respect to reliability, relevance, and validity.

Ability to formulate reasonable hypotheses and structure research designs to account for variables.

Ability to communicate effectively; to establish and maintain effective working relationships and to work with others as part of a team.

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