Research Scientist 1 (Posting #177-24)

Research Scientist 1(Posting #177-24)

The NJ Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Applied Research and Evaluation (OARE) seeks an experienced Research Scientist to fill a position that independently initiates and coordinates research or developed program in a specified professional field; may supervise lower levels of Research Scientists and other technical staff, manages high level technical projects and reports results to designated officials for inter- and intra-agency response.

Conducts research projects or participates in functional programs in a specified professional field; assumes appropriate administrative and scientific duties as delegated; heads complex projects and makes recommendations to the supervisor; does related work.

This position is located in Trenton, NJ and may be eligible to work remotely for up to two days in a calendar week.

RESPONSIBILITIES This position leads the development of tools and methodologies to monitor the quality and fidelity of service delivery among DCF’s contracted service providers. Anticipated tasks of this position include

• Manage a team of research staff in designing, implementing, and maintaining a system to monitor quality and fidelity of contracted service providers in partnership with DCF’s Office of Monitoring.* Design valid and reliable monitoring tools, including case record review, site visit, participant interview and referent interview tools. * Work closely with the leadership team in the Office of Monitoring and Office of Data Management and Reporting to develop monitoring processes and procedures and perform related project management duties.* Co-lead workgroups with internal project partners and external service providers.* Work with program partners to understand the service models, contract requirements and existing data collection for programs that will be monitored.* Review relevant academic and national literature related to monitoring quality of services to identify best practices and provide scientific advice.* Participate in the design and build out of systems for collection and reporting of monitoring data.* Assist with developing and delivering training on use of the monitoring tools for Office of Monitoring staff.* Provide technical input on the production of provider scorecards with data collected by the Office of Monitoring.* Interpret analyses and communicate results to senior leadership and program partners, as appropriate.* Provide direct supervision to research staff.

REQUIREMENTSEDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree Public Health, Social Work, Psychology, Data Science or other Social Science field; PhD is preferred.

EXPERIENCE: Four (4) years of full-time experience in a field appropriate to the position.

NOTE: A Doctorate in a discipline appropriate to the position may be substituted for two (2) years of experience indicated above.

SPECIAL NOTE: Successful candidates will have the ability to think of both the big picture and operational details simultaneously. Ability to multitask with ease, prioritizing appropriately. Proven track record of delivering accurate, comprehensive results within tight deadlines. Staff management experience. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to work independently while balancing the needs of multiple parties. Excellent problem-solving and superior interpersonal and collaboration skills.

RESUME NOTE:Eligibility determinations will be based upon information presented on the resume only. Applicants who possess a degree from a college or university outside the United States must provide an evaluation of one’s transcripts from a recognized evaluation service at the time of submission. Failure to do so may result in your ineligibility.

SALARY: $90,643.87 - $129,354.76

TO APPLY: You must submit a cover letter and resume as a single PDF document, saving the file by your Last Name, First Name.

Please indicate in your cover letter the Posting # and where you found this job opportunity. Send the file to:

Job.Posting@dcf.nj.gov

The Department of Children and Families is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive work environment which reflects the diversity of the state we serve.

LICENSE: Appointee will be required to possess a driver’s license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS: As a prospective employee of the State of New Jersey, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at StudentAid.gov/PSLF.

VETERANS PREFERENCE: Are you a veteran? If so, proof of your NJ Veterans Preference is required at application. Please provide a copy of your New Jersey Civil Service Commission NOTIFICATION OF VETERANS STATUS along with your cover letter and resume. For information on how to apply for Veterans Preference in the State of NJ, please visit the Civil Service Commission's website at http://www.state.nj.us/csc/seekers/veterans.

SAME APPLICANTS: If you are applying under the NJ “SAME” program, your supporting documents (Schedule A or B letter), must be submitted along with your resume by the closing date indicated above. For more information on the SAME Program visit their Website at: https://nj.gov/csc/same/overview/index.shtml, email: CSC-SAME@csc.nj.gov, or call CSC at (609) 292-4144, option 3.

RESIDENCY LAW: Please refer to the New Jersey Department of Children and Families’ website at: https://www.nj.gov/dcf/about/employment/dcf/.