Senior Research Associate- Implementation and Technical Assistance

** 29437 *
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* Job Title:

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* Senior Research Associate
- Implementation and Technical Assistance

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* Location:

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* MD - Bethesda

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* Job Description:

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* Westat is a leader in research, data collection and analysis, technical assistance, evaluation, and communications. Our evidence-based findings help clients in government and the private sector accelerate advancements in health, education, transportation, and social and economic policy. Our dedication to improving lives through research and our approach to projects grounded in investigative curiosity, statistical and data rigor, adaptive methods, and advanced technology are why clients find exceptional value in our work.

** Job Summary*
* Westat is seeking a Senior Research Associate with expertise in technical assistance and implementation/operations to lead tasks supporting the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' alternative payment models. Senior Research Associates work collaboratively with others in multidisciplinary teams and may serve as task leads, project managers, or task contributors. Demonstrated experience working on health services research projects for Federal agencies such as the Innovation Center within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS);

the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ); and the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is highly desirable.

This position requires working onsite at our Bethesda, Maryland office 2 days per week and 3 days per week from your home office.

** Job Responsibilities*
* -    Facilitating virtual events, including webinars and office hours

-    Delivering customized technical assistance resources and support

-    Designing and leading research projects or tasks using qualitative and/or quantitative methods

-    Working in multidisciplinary teams and serving as a mentor to staff

-    Interacting closely with clients and being responsive to client needs

-    Manage a team by making assignments, monitoring timelines, identifying next steps, and conducting quality assurance

-    Developing and executing processes for tracking operational needs using Excel or Smartsheet and reporting on status regularly

-    Establishing protocols, standard operating procedures, specifications, and other process and quality assurance documentation

-    Coordinating with subcontractors and other contractors, as needed

-    Working on multiple projects and tasks simultaneously

-    Presenting research findings to a variety of audiences

-    Drafting memos, reports, tipsheets, tools, and other resources or deliverables

-    Writing technical proposals for government clients and working on business development activities

Please include a cover letter when submitting your application.

** Basic Qualifications*
* -    A master's degree in social sciences, public health, public policy, or a related field with at least 6 years of relevant experience in technical assistance, process-oriented implementation or technical support, and qualitative or quantitative data collection and analysis; or a Ph.D. in social sciences, public health, public policy or a related field with 2 or more years of relevant experience in technical assistance, process-oriented implementation or technical support, and qualitative or quantitative data collection and analysis

-    Experience designing, leading, or facilitating activities related to technical assistance, outreach, and operational processes

- Experience with implementation/operations, technical assistance, technical support, or education and outreach to support federal government health programs through federal government contracts

** Preferred Qualifications*
* -    Experience working with the Innovation Center within CMS, on implementation, technical assistance, technical support, or education and outreach activities

- Experience with Medicare or Medicaid policy, such as value-based care, payment reform, or care delivery improvement

-    Experience leading contracts funded by Federal, State, or local health agencies

-    Experience translating CMS Innovation Center model policies, model participant needs, and operational needs into requirements for Innovation Center IT systems.

-    Demonstrated communication skills and ability to translate complex technical information into plain language for various audiences

-    Demonstrated ability mentoring more junior staff and working collaboratively with more senior staff

-    Excellent attention to detail and quality assurance

Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:

+ Employee Stock Ownership Plan

+ 401(k) Retirement Plan

+ Paid Parental Leave

+ Vacation Leave (15 days per year)

+ Sick Leave (9 days per year)

+ Holiday Leave (7 Government Holidays and 2 Floating Holidays)

+ Professional Development

+ Health Advocate

+ Employee Assistance Program

+ Travel Accident Insurance

+ Medical Insurance

+ Dental Insurance

+ Vision Insurance

+ Short…