Research Specialist

This position leads advanced level analytical work in the research, evaluation and forecasting for several State-level programs that utilize federal funds to place health care providers throughout the state. This position will conduct extensive evaluation projects and assist with the development of federally required performance measures, evaluation plans and tracking systems to ensure compliance with four (4) federal grants and expand opportunities to procure additional funds.

This position develops plans, evaluates and implements complex statewide rural health programs through program administrators in:
Health Professions Recruitment Program, State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP), Recruitment and Retention Communities Project (RRCP), National Health Service Corps (NHSC), J-1 Visa Waiver Program, Shortage Designation Program, Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program (SHIP) and the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program (FLEX).

The position is responsible for:

• Developing standards and procedures for the monitoring and evaluation of complex systems of multi-program operations.
• Informing Division directors of technical area, program or services deficiencies and recommending improvements.
• Analyzes and evaluates state and local programs and provides technical support of evaluation methodologies.
• Edits statistical data for accuracy, completeness and consistency.
• Assists with the development of reporting measures.
• Prepare tables, charts and written research reports of evaluation results.
• Writes reports for publication.
• Conducts literature reviews and writes summaries of empirical research to provide a context for research and evaluation studies.
• Engages in data management practices and prepares data for analysis.
• Participates in cross-state opportunities with peers.
• Develops relationships with partners, university peers and others to enhance engagement.

Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in mathematics, statistics, sociology, psychology, political science, evaluation research, behavioral science, criminology, or related social science.

One year of full-time or part-time equivalent paid experience in research work to include evaluation designs, statistical analysis, preparing written research and/or technical reports, and use of statistical software programs.

Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the above disciplines and six semester hours of completed graduate level coursework in research methods, statistics, or advanced mathematics from a regionally accredited college or university may substitute for the required training and experience.

Any Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with at least three (3) semester hours of statistics and/or research coursework may substitute for the required training.