APS Research Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Austin, TX

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) works to build on strengths of families and communities to keep children and vulnerable adults safe, so they thrive. We do this through investigations, services, and referrals.

The position performs highly advanced (senior-level) research work. The position is responsible for coordinating and conducting research and evaluation studies on behalf of Adult Protective Services (APS). The position oversees external data and research requests, cooperative agreements, and monitors the implementation of external studies, while conducting major internal studies and providing consultation services to APS staff on applied research and evaluation. The position works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for independent judgment, initiative, and leadership to shape research activities in and on behalf of APS. The position may supervise the work of others. The position reports to the Program Support Manager for Adult Protective Services (APS).

Requirements

• Advanced knowledge of social research principles, methods, and techniques applied to research, evaluation, and measurement in real-world health and human services settings.
• Knowledge in the coordination of external research proposal review, approval, and study oversight.
• Knowledge of parameters for research policies and procedures for conducting and administering research activities.
• Extensive knowledge in the use of administrative data and the ability to enable administrative data to be accessed and used in applied research to advance science and practice.
• Knowledge of APS case management data is particularly helpful.
• Knowledge of requirements for the protection of sensitive data to ensure that APS data are used in compliance with laws, rules, policy, and best practices.
• Advanced knowledge and skills in conducting quantitative and qualitative research techniques, including data management and statistical techniques needed to describe and analyze patterns in program and research data.
• Knowledge in project management and relationship management to ensure that studies secure necessary resources, participation, and support.
• Skilled in methods and resources used to conduct and utilize evidence collected from literature reviews.
• Highly advanced writing, report design, presentation, training, and facilitation skills to effectively communicate research information and demonstrate its application.
• Skilled in extracting, organizing, quality checking, and managing datasets.
• Advanced skills with survey design, survey data analysis and reporting with the capability to apply rigorous, informal, and mixed approaches to meet varying needs.
• Ability to apply knowledge of formal and informal social research to ensure studies are of high quality and produce information that advances the science and practice of adult protective services.
• Ability to develop and facilitate approval of grant applications and letters of support and commitment for grant applications.
• Ability to develop memoranda of agreement, data use agreements, and contracts for research and evaluation that will comply with agency policy, best practices, and approved research proposals.
• Ability to select methodologies to plan, design, implement, and manage research and evaluation projects from inception to conclusion; report and present on results to a variety of audiences; and make or facilitate the development of recommendations for policy and program improvement.
• Ability to ensure the development of measuring instruments with respect to reliability, relevance, and validity.
• Ability to effectively use computer applications and other tools to collect and analyze data.
• Ability to effectively interpret research and communicate comprehensive research findings.
• Ability to a variety of writing styles for reporting, including technical data reports and other reporting styles for a variety of audiences,
• Ability to evaluate the impact of legislation, rules, and policies on research and evaluation activities; and to conduct research to support legislative initiatives.
• Ability to serve as a reliable liaison with internal and external stakeholders including academic research teams and institutions.
• The ability to manage multiple tasks and projects effectively.
• The ability to operate basic office equipment including a personal computer.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an advanced degree in a field relevant to social research and evaluation and/or health and human services programs, such as adult or child protective services. Education must include major coursework in research and evaluation methods, program management and policy topics.
• Two (2) years experience with research projects.
• Experience with project management.
• Experience with research agreements, such as Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU), Data Use Agreements (DUA), or contracts.
• Experience with creating surveys and analyzing survey results.

Nice To Haves

• Project management certification is desirable.
• Job experience must include work in health or human services, preferentially adult or child protective services. Experience must include work with substantial responsibility for applied research and evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• Coordinates research projects
• Oversees the handling of external research and data requests, proposal approval, and monitors studies.
• Develops and administers policies for research and evaluation.
• Formulates long-range research objectives, programs, and priorities.
• Advises on future informational needs and requirements.
• Defines research objectives
• Determines scientific and programmatic needs for research.
• Reviews and synthesizes relevant literature and statistical information.
• Defines research questions linked to program information needs.
• Obtains essential stakeholder input to research priorities.
• Plans research
• Determines scope, purpose, and objectives of a research project.
• Determines appropriate research methodologies, data collection and analysis methods, and reporting techniques.
• Identifies project deliverables needed to apply research findings.
• Identifies resources needed to conduct research.
• Develops project plans and frameworks for monitoring progress and evaluating performance.
• Conducts research
• Oversees implementation of the research plan.
• Develops and tests research instruments and processes.
• Collects and analyzes data, adhering to research protocols.
• Interprets results in context of research questions, research literature, and program application.
• Monitors and corrects project performance.
• Secures confidential research information and data.
• Prepares reports of research findings
• Designs reports to meet information needs of critical audiences.
• Summarizes project background, objectives, and implementation.
• Communicates complex results in a way that is easy to understand.
• Synthesizes key findings and answers to research questions.
• Obtains stakeholder review and input to the report.
• Reports results
• Provides status reports and interim findings.
• Delivers report products and presentations to reach critical audiences.
• Generates recommendations in discussion with stakeholders.
• Organizes and secures comprehensive project files.
• Retains and disposes of project files in compliance with retention requirements and ensuring timely disposal of confidential data.
• Program service
• Provides consultation and technical advice on research issues, methods, and application of research evidence.
• Trains staff in skills related to conducting and using results of research.
• Participates in project and program planning.
• Evaluates impact of pertinent legislation, rules, or policies.

Benefits

• 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members—saving you hundreds every month in out-of-pocket medical costs
• Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service, plus options to save even more with 401(k) and 457 plans
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave so you can recharge and take care of life outside work (that’s time off you’re actually paid for)
• Optional dental, vision, and life insurance—at rates much lower than most private plans
• Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
• Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level