Research and Evaluation Specialist

Mechanicsburg Child Welfare Training Programs – Pennsylvania-Mechanicsburg – (22009957)

The University of Pittsburgh’s Mechanicsburg Child Welfare Resource Center (Resource Center) is seeking a Research and Evaluation Specialist. The Resource Center provides a continuum of services designed to facilitate and sustain positive change in the child welfare system. The Research and Evaluation team collaborates with internal and external partners to assess, inform, and improve child welfare processes, products, and practice, incorporating a race equity lens in all aspects. We contribute to the field by conducting applied research, engaging in innovative approaches to linking research and practice, promoting greater use of evidence-informed decision-making, and supporting the child welfare workforce in order to better serve children and families.

The Research and Evaluation Specialist will:

• Initiate, develop, and manage applied research and program evaluation projects
• Provide research, evaluation and data-related support to internal and external stakeholders
• Develop and implement evaluation-related activities including collecting, managing, and analyzing data
• Communicate findings through reports and presentations meant to inform stakeholders’ processes and decisions and contribute to the field of child welfare through journal publications and presentations at professional conferences
• Work with the Research Team and other stakeholders to pursue grant and other funding opportunities
• Conduct reviews of relevant literature

The Research and Evaluation Specialist will carry out their job duties in a variety of potential focus areas including:

• Training, including foundational training of new caseworkers and supervisors
• Title IV-E education programs
• Organizational effectiveness/continuous quality improvement strategies
• Family and youth engagement strategies
• Older youth involved with child welfare
• County and statewide workforce development efforts
• County and statewide use of evidence-based programs
• County and statewide implementation of federal/state legislation (e.g., Family First Prevention Services Act)
• Initiatives that arise from Pennsylvania’s participation in the federal Child and Family Services Review (CFSR)

A Master’s degree in Psychology, Public Health, Public Administration, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Social Work, or a closely related field is required and coursework in evaluation is preferred. This position requires a minimum of five years of experience in a Program Evaluation role. Child welfare and/or another related human service field experience preferred. In addition:

• Candidates must have competency in program evaluation and basic research methodology including evaluation and research designs.
• Candidates must have experience working with databases and Microsoft products. Experience with SPSS is preferred.
• Knowledge, skills and experience related to evaluating the effectiveness of training and transfer of learning, evidence-based practices, interventions for older youth and families, and/or the workforce development strategies are preferred.
• Knowledge of public child welfare practice is preferred.
• Candidates must have excellent interpersonal, writing, collaboration, problem-solving, planning/organizing, and facilitation skills.

The Child Welfare Resource Center operates in a hybrid work approach where work can be completed remotely, in the Mechanicsburg office, and in the field as necessary and appropriate. Time for this position is estimated as 90% remote work, 5% in the Mechanicsburg office, and 5% in the field. Typical field travel required will be statewide throughout the Commonwealth. Must be able to travel long distances on a frequent basis, lift up to 30 pounds, set up and prepare audiovisual equipment for meetings and presentations, stand for up to 3 hours, and be able to climb stairs. A valid driver’s license is required. Experience working with ethnically and culturally diverse populations preferred. A commitment to achieving equity and inclusion in the child welfare system is a must. The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity, and diversity. EOE, including disability/veterans. Candidates who desire consideration for this position MUST apply online.

Candidates must also attach a cover letter, resume, and writing sample. Writing sample can be a full document or excerpt of a document, must be relevant to the position, should not exceed 5 years old, and should be limited to no more than five pages. PA Child Abuse History Clearance, PA State Police Criminal Record Check, and FBI Criminal Record Check will be required as a condition of employment. Please review the Posting Deadline at http://www.pacwrc.pitt.edu/HumanResources.html and for more information about the Resource Center, visit us at http://www.pacwrc.pitt.edu.

A Master’s degree in Psychology, Public Health, Public Administration, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Social Work or closely related field is required and coursework in evaluation is preferred. This position requires a minimum of five years of experience in a Program Evaluation role. Child welfare and/or another related human service field experience preferred. In addition:

• Candidates must have competency in program evaluation and basic research methodology including evaluation and research designs.
• Candidates must have experience working with databases and Microsoft products. Experience with SPSS is preferred.
• Knowledge, skills and experience related to evaluating the effectiveness of training and transfer of learning, evidence-based practices, interventions for older youth and families, and/or the workforce development strategies are preferred.
• Knowledge of public child welfare practice is preferred.
• Candidates must have excellent interpersonal, writing, collaboration, problem-solving, planning/organizing, and facilitation skills.

A combination of equivalent experience and education will be considered for University guidelines. A valid driver’s license is required.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.

The University of Pittsburgh requires all Pitt constituents (employees and students) on all campuses to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved exemption. Visit coronavirus.pitt.edu to learn more about this requirement.

Department Details The University offers: • A robust retirement savings plan option, including • 100% University match on employee contribution of 3-8% of base pay • 150% University match on employee contribution of 3-8% of base pay after vesting. • Enhanced University match for those nearing retirement • 11 Paid Holidays • Paid Vacation, Sick, and Personal Days • Additional Paid Time Off (Winter Recess) during the period between Christmas and the New Year • Paid Parental Leave • Above-average Employer Contribution toward Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, and LTD insurance plans • Flexible Work Schedules
Assignment Category Full-time regular
Job Classification Staff.Instructional Development.II
Campus Mechanicsburg
Minimum Education Level Required Master’s
Minimum Experience Level Required 5-6 years experience
Work Schedule Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Work Arrangement Remote: Teams working from different locations (off-campus).
Hiring Range TBD Based Upon Qualifications
Relocation Offered No
Visa Sponsorship Provided No
Background Check For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check
Child Protection Clearances The following PA Act 153 clearances and background checks are required prior to commencement of employment and as a condition of continued employment: PA State Police Criminal Record Check, FBI Criminal Record Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance.
Required Documents Resume, Cover Letter, Writing Sample
Optional Documents Not Applicable

Apply Here

PI199607420