Policy and Research Analyst

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Job Description - Policy and Research Analyst (260000WE)

Policy and Research Analyst - ( 260000WE )

The Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) is an independent executive branch agency with oversight and ombudsperson responsibilities, established by the Massachusetts Legislature in 2008. The OCA's mission is to ensure that children receive appropriate, timely, and quality state services, with a particular focus on ensuring that the Commonwealth's most vulnerable and at‑risk children can thrive. Through collaboration with public and private stakeholders, the OCA identifies gaps in state services and recommends improvements in policy, practice, regulation and/or law.

The OCA also serves as a resource for families who are receiving, or are eligible to receive, services from the Commonwealth.

The Policy and Implementation Team at the OCA works to identify and make recommendations to address systems‑level gaps and challenges in the delivery of state services for children and improve outcomes. The team accomplishes this work by conducting comprehensive, mixed methods policy analysis; managing the work of various OCA‑chaired task forces and working groups; and developing policy reports and briefs. Additionally, the team collaborates with various partners to pilot innovative programs and services designed to improve the quality of state services for children and youth by supporting pilot program design, implementation, and evaluation.

The Policy and Implementation Team also manages legislative relations, communications, and external affairs for the OCA.

The PRA supports the work of the Policy & Implementation Team by conducting mixed methods research – primarily literature reviews, stakeholder interviews and thematic analysis, basic numerical analysis using Excel, and survey design and analysis – and contributing to the development of key deliverables, such as slide decks, internal memos, and policy briefs and reports. The PRA hired for this role will primarily support the OCA’s work chairing the Childhood Trauma Task Force and co‑chairing the Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Advisory Council.

The PRA will also provide research support related to the work of the OCA’s Center on Child Wellbeing & Trauma, and other topics as assigned.

Has interest and at least some experience in using mixed‑methods research to inform policy recommendations. Understands how to use a variety of sources of information – from qualitative interviews to academic literature to statistical analysis to the voices of individuals with lived experience – to develop a deeper and more nuanced understanding of public policy problems and analyze potential solutions. Is a critical thinker, a strong writer, and is open to listening and learning from a range of perspectives.

Is detail oriented and able to work independently, while also working collaboratively on projects with peers, managers, and OCA leadership to advance projects. Is flexible and can work quickly and efficiently on multiple projects. Has a demonstrated commitment to fostering inclusion and addressing disparities in state services and systems. Most of all, has a passion for improving the lives of the children and youth of the Commonwealth and wants to be part of an innovative, growing team of public servants who share that passion.

• Conducts research, collecting and synthesizing information from a variety of sources, including literature reviews, legal and policy reviews, internet searches, surveys, and interviews with experts and stakeholders. Assists in the development and implementation of surveys and other qualitative research tools.
• Drafts data requests. Conducts basic data analysis in Excel to draw conclusions and make recommendations based on the results. Develops data visualizations.
• Assists with policy analysis. Proposes policy findings and recommendations for specific projects based on research findings, including needed policy changes, legislation, and program development.
• Drafts and contributes to policy research…