Child Welfare Research Associate II

The Research Associate II (RA II) conducts data analysis supporting complex research and evaluation projects or complex projects with research and evaluation components. The RA II supports and may manage Research Assistants and Research Associate I staff and works alongside Research Associate III and Senior Research Associate staff  in conducting statistical tasks (e.g.,  sampling, weighting, statistical analysis) and developing reports and presentations. Proactively, the Research Associate II identifies implementation issues and assists in developing and implementing mitigation  solutions. With a continued commitment to excellence, the Research Associate II works with the research and evaluation team to sustain and cultivate relationships with existing clients/partners. The RA II is responsible for collaborating with senior staff on continued project, Center, and business needs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Conducts literature reviews and synthesizes information

• Contributes to and participates in evaluation / analytic / methodological approaches and activities (e.g., applying sampling strategies)

• Contributes to the design of data collection protocols including surveys, qualitative interviews, data abstraction tools, quality assessment tools

• Develops / programs data collection databases or oversees their development (e.g., survey administration through Alchemer) including programming logic and validation 

• Administers data collection protocols (e.g., leads interviews, distributes surveys) and monitors data collection progress

• Prepares data for analysis; implements data cleaning protocols to assess, and assist in addressing, data quality

• Analyzes data with supervision
  • Quantitatively: Harmonizes and merges cleaned datasets, creates variables, conducts descriptive and inferential statistical analysis (using SPSS, SAS, R, Stata, Python), develops data visualizations
  • Applies advanced sampling weights 
  • Qualitatively: Contributes to codebook development, codes and analyzes qualitative data (using ATLAS. Ti, Dedoose, or other qualitative software), develops data visualizations

• Contributes to and drafts the preparation of client-ready written materials including, reports, PowerPoint presentations, issue briefs, and case studies that include data visualizations such as charts, tables, and infographics to convey findings and communicate information in a manner tailored to the intended audience

• Implements tasks and develops deliverables for contract compliance

• Assists in the development of deliverables for contract compliance

• May assist in business development activities

CHILD WELFARE PROJECT-SPECIFIC JOB FUNCTIONS

•  Implements procedures to ensure the inclusion of disproportionality and disparity data and goals in capacities to complete readiness assessment, root cause analysis, and data capture and analysis

• Assists in the development of, and implements, procedures to include family and youth centered practices in data collection and review, and state and federal processes

• Assists in activities specific to a jurisdiction’s selection and use of risk and safety assessment tools and protocols 

• Participates in, and assists with, the development and implementation of quality assurance and continuous quality improvement (CQI) protocols and activities including but not limited to:
  1. Overseeing a jurisdiction’s data collection process and tools
  2. Overseeing the development and support of a jurisdiction’s CQI self-assessment process, project management plans, and teaming structures in preparation for federal review
  3. Linking quality-relevant findings with data collection process improvement 
  4. Developing a jurisdiction’s performance improvement plan based on review findings
  5. Supporting the implementation of improved data collection processes based upon performance improvement plans and federal review findings

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

• Master’s Degree and 6 years of experience comprising of 3 years of focus experience required (focus experience may vary based upon assignment). 

Software Proficiency: 

• Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Smartsheet, Jira, Monday.com or other project management software
• ATLAS.ti or other qualitative software 
• SPSS, SAS, R, Python or other statistical packages or languages

Skills:

• Strong problem-solving and communication skills

• Excellent organizational and time management skills

• Ability to work as part of a team
•  Understands and can implement data wrangling procedures with supervision

• Ability to conduct descriptive and inferential statistical analyses with supervision

• Ability to draft copy with attention to detail and target audiences

Language:

• English fluency (oral and written)

LOCATION:

•  Remote or hybrid if within 50 miles of North Bethesda or San Mateo office

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk or computer workstation. 
• Regularly uses a computer, keyboard, and mouse. 
• Normal or corrected vision to read documents, view computer screens, and perform tasks that require visual accuracy.  
• Ability to hear and understand spoken information in person and over the phone. 
• Minimal lifting and carrying may be required, typically light office supplies or documents.
• Ability to move within the office environment to access equipment, files, and interact with colleagues.   
• Ability to handle occasional stress related to deadlines, workloads, or challenging tasks.

PREFERRED JOB REQUIREMENTS:

 Skills:

• Ability to harmonize and merge datasets with supervision
• Ability to work with jurisdictions (project specific)

Software Proficiency

• SQL, Python for data analyses

 Knowledge:

• Quality assurance and CQI (project specific)
• Child welfare state systems and laws (project specific)
• Child welfare risk and safety assessment tools (project specific)
• Family and youth centered practices (project specific)

  SECURITY and OTHER CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: 

☒Public Trust Clearance

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position, nor will it be the sole basis for any subsequent employee evaluations. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required by their supervisor.

This position is subject to availability of funds and to any and all restrictions contained in the contract or contracts that provide funding for this position.

APPLICATION INFORMATION:
 If you meet the minimum requirements for this position, please click on the "Apply" link posted below and complete the application. Please include a cover letter, resume, and at least three (3) professional references. 

Our company is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Applicants can learn more about the company's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the federal "EEO is the Law" poster at EEOPost.pdf. 

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.