Senior Research Associate- Implementation and Technical Assistance

** 29453 *
* *
* Job Title:

*
* Senior Research Associate
- Implementation and Technical Assistance

*
* Location:

*
* MD - Bethesda

*
* Job Description:

*
* 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 within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI). Senior Research Associates work collaboratively with others in multidisciplinary teams and may serve as project managers, task leads, or task contributors. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience working on health services research projects for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

We value regular in-person collaboration and preference will be given to candidates who can work 1-2 days per week at our Bethesda, Maryland office or at one of our other Westat office locations. Candidates must be based in Eastern or Central U.S. time zones to be considered for fully remote work arrangement.

** Job Responsibilities*
* -    Creating content for and facilitating virtual events, including webinars and office hours

-    Developing and delivering customized technical assistance resources and support

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

-    Supporting Help Desk operations

-    Developing and executing processes for tracking payment model operations using Excel or Smartsheet and regularly reporting on model status

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

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

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

-    Interacting closely with clients and being responsive to client needs

-    Coordinating with subcontractors and other contractors, as needed

-    Working on multiple projects and tasks simultaneously

-    Presenting research findings to a variety of audiences

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

-    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, 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, and qualitative or quantitative data collection and analysis

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

-    Experience working on Federal government contracts for CMS

-    Experience designing, leading, and implementing technical assistance, participant outreach, and Help Desk operations

- Experience with payment model implementation and operations to support federal government health programs.

** Preferred Qualifications*
* -    Experience working on CMMI models

-    Experience leading contracts funded by the Federal government

-    Experience translating CMMI model policies, participant needs, and operational needs into requirements for CMMI model 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 Term Disability Insurance

+ Long Term Disability Insurance

+ Life and AD&D…