Research and Evaluation Specialist

Research and Evaluation Specialist

The University of Pittsburgh’s Mechanicsburg Child Welfare Resource Center is seeking a Research and Evaluation Specialist to:

– Initiate, develop, and manage applied research and program evaluation projects – Provide research, evaluation and data-related support to internal and external partners – Develop and implement evaluation activities including collecting, managing, and analyzing data – Communicate findings through reports and presentations to inform partners’ processes and decisions and contribute to the field of child welfare through journal publications and conference presentations – Work with the Research Team and other collaborators to pursue funding opportunities

The Research and Evaluation Specialist will carry out their job duties in a variety of potential focus areas including:

– Training and development of the child welfare workforce – Organizational effectiveness/continuous quality improvement strategies – Families involved with child welfare – Implementation of federal/state legislation related to child welfare – Initiatives that arise from Pennsylvania’s participation in the federal Child and Family Services Review

A Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s preferred in Psychology, Public Health, Public Administration, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Social Work, or a closely related field. This position requires a minimum of three years of experience in Program Evaluation, five years preferred. Child welfare and/or another related human service field experience preferred. In addition:

Candidates must have competency in program evaluation and basic research methodology including evaluation and research designs. Candidates must have experience working with databases and Microsoft products. Experience with SPSS and Tableau preferred Knowledge, skills and experience related to evaluating the effectiveness of training and transfer of learning, evidence-based practices, interventions for older youth and families, and/or the workforce development strategies preferred Knowledge of public child welfare practice is preferred The Child Welfare Resource Center operates in a hybrid work approach where work can be completed remotely, in the Mechanicsburg office, and in the field as necessary and appropriate. Time for this position is estimated as 90% remote work, 5% in the Mechanicsburg office, and 5% in the field. Must be able to travel infrequently statewide throughout the Commonwealth and nationally, depending on projects. A valid driver’s license is required. Experience working with ethnically and culturally diverse populations preferred. A commitment to achieving equity and inclusion in the child welfare system is a must.

Candidates who desire consideration for this position MUST apply online.

Candidates must attach a cover letter, resume, and writing sample. Writing sample can be a full document or excerpt of a document, must be relevant to the position, should not exceed 5 years old, and should be limited to no more than five pages. PA Child Abuse History Clearance, PA State Police Criminal Record Check, and FBI Criminal Record Check will be required as a condition of employment.

Please review the Posting Deadline at www.pacwrc.pitt.edu/HumanResources.html and for more information about the Resource Center, visit us at www.pacwrc.pitt.edu

The University offers a robust retirement savings plan option, including:

– 100% University match on employee contribution of 3-8% of base pay – 150% University match on employee contribution of 3-8% of base pay after vesting. – Enhanced University match for those nearing retirement – 11 Paid Holidays – Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Days – Additional Paid Time Off (Winter Recess) during the period between Christmas and the New Year – Paid Parental Leave – Above-average Employer Contribution toward Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, and LTD insurance plans – Flexible Work Schedules – Staff, Spouses, Domestic Partners, and Dependents Education Benefits

Job Summary Manages all aspects of one or more projects for a research program and oversees all aspects of the project lifecycle. Provides leadership, technical direction, coordination, and expertise across projects. Analyzes progress and/or performance and prepares reports. Ensures compliance with budget, scope, timeline, and regulations. Assists with external communications.

Essential Functions Must be able to operate computers and other office equipment; communicate effectively with management contacts as well as internal and external contacts; perform under pressure of numerous deadlines; perform multiple job tasks and projects. A valid driver’s license or the ability to travel to perform the essential functions is required.

Physical Effort Typical travel required will be statewide throughout the Commonwealth and nationally, depending on projects, on an infrequent basis, lift up to 30 pounds, set up and prepare audiovisual equipment for meetings and presentations

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.

Assignment Category: Full-time regular

Job Classification: Staff.Research Project Manager

Job Family: Research

Job Sub Family: Research Program Support

Campus: Mechanicsburg

Minimum Education Level Required: Bachelor’s Degree

Minimum Years of Experience Required: 3

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience: Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Work Arrangement: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Hiring Range: TBD Based Upon Qualifications

Relocation_Offered: No

Visa Sponsorship Provided: No

Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check

Child Protection Clearances: The following PA Act 153 clearances and background checks are required prior to commencement of employment and as a condition of continued employment: PA State Police Criminal Record Check, FBI Criminal Record Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance.

Required Documents: Resume, Cover Letter, Writing Sample

Optional Documents: Not Applicable

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