Social Research Scientist/Public Health Evaluator – APDE
- Summary
Assessment, Policy Development, and Evaluation Unit at Public Health Seattle & King County is seeking a Social Research Scientist / Public Health Evaluator who is highly skilled at partnering with racially/ethnically diverse communities to conduct participatory evaluations that draws from community-based participatory research methods. We are seeking a Social Research Scientist who will bring their lived experiences as well as their technical competencies to work on evaluation projects that work to improve the health of King County residents by promoting juvenile justice and gun violence prevention. We seek to operationalize and embed equity in all our work.
This posting will remain open until filled, with the first review of applications to take place on July 13, 2022.
This position will work closely with the King County Zero Youth Detention initiative, the Violence and Injury Prevention Program, and the Assessment, Policy Development, and Evaluation Unit. A primary role is to lead evaluations of local violence prevention efforts using a range of qualitative and quantitative methods in practice and community settings.
The PH Evaluator may also be asked to support data and evaluation efforts across a range of public health projects. Collaborations occur across program managers, community and academic partners, epidemiologists, and other King County agencies. Individuals who have experience working with evaluation of juvenile legal systems and who want to support communities via their technical skills are encouraged to apply.About the Department:
This position is based in the Assessment, Policy Development, and Evaluation (APDE) unit of Public Health – Seattle and King County. APDE is a nationally recognized leader in community health assessment, providing health assessment data and analysis to inform planning, policies, and actions, and develop innovative interventions to improve the health of King County residents. More information about the work of the APDE unit can be found at: http://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/data.aspx.
As the only jurisdiction in the world named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most influential civil rights leaders in our nation's history, King County is a vibrant international community with residents that represent countries from around the world. It is a region with increasing diversity that cherishes the traditions of many cultures.
We have a deep commitment to equity and social justice and advancing practices, strategies, and policies that promote fairness, justice, and opportunity for all – in our workplaces and our communities. With this commitment, King County has adopted a pro-equity agenda to advance regional change and ensure that residents from vulnerable communities are incorporated into our emergency planning and public outreach efforts.
Applicants should be committed to working with diverse populations throughout King County to provide excellent customer service to a broad range of cultures, in accordance with the King County Equity and Social Justice Ordinance and the King County Strategic Plan.Who May Apply:This full-time position is open to all qualified applicants.
Work Schedule:This position works Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and will, from time to time, require evening or weekend meetings.
The work associated with this position will be performed predominantly by teleworking; complemented with onsite work and meetings as needed. Employees will have access to shared workspaces at various King County facilities. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.
Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection (access may be supplemented in some situations) where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours. Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required, including the wearing of masks in some situations. King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint.
King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will be joining an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment.Please read the “Application Process” section under “Supplemental Information: carefully, as there are specific attachments that are required in order for your application to be considered complete.- Job Duties
- Co-design and implement evaluations with community and government partners using culturally responsive, equity-driven, and trauma-informed evaluation approaches.
- Build consensus and manage expectations regarding evaluation priorities among diverse stakeholders.
- Implement mixed-methods evaluations, including conducting and analyzing data from focus groups, key informant interviews, surveys, and other methods.
- Provide training and technical assistance to community partners in data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
- Manage external evaluations conducted with community partners.
- Share preliminary and final results in community settings to facilitate learning.
- Disseminate results in a style suitable for a wide variety of audiences, including parents, youth, school staff and leadership, elected officials, research scientists, and funders.
- Manage projects efficiently in an environment of shifting priorities with time and budget constraints, and with multiple stakeholders.
- Write grants to secure funding for research/evaluation projects.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
- Master’s degree or higher in a social or health science, e.g. public health, anthropology, sociology, psychology or a closely related public health field.
- Demonstrated experience in evaluation of juvenile legal systems, criminal justice, gun violence, or trauma-informed youth programs.
- Deep knowledge of equity and social justice principles and practices; lived experience with and understanding of the effects of place-, race-, and policy and systems-based inequities on communities of color.
- Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing qualitative research methods and techniques; designing and managing an evaluation or research project; identifying and implementing appropriate evaluation methods and techniques and ensuring compliance with human subject (IRB) protocols.
- Demonstrated ability to write and present information in multiple formats for multiple audiences, including data, findings and conclusions into clear and concise reports, presentations, infographics, etc. for general and technical audiences.
- Demonstrated knowledge of program evaluation, advanced qualitative analytical and interpretative skills, quantitative analysis principles and methods, and team dynamics to ensure successful team interaction.
- Demonstrated ability to work and successfully collaborate with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds to conduct community-led or community-informed evaluations.
- Demonstrated skill in collaborating and maintaining effective working relationships with a variety of individuals, including community members, agency representatives and partners.
- Ability to manage highly visible and politically sensitive projects with multiple tasks requiring attention to detail and coordination of effort with elected officials, other government, and community-based agencies.
- Skill and demonstrated proficiency in: Microsoft Office including PowerPoint, database creation and maintenance, project management, and software for qualitative analysis (such as Atlas-ti, NVivo, Dedoose, or a comparable software; REDCap, SurveyMonkey or comparable software for administering web-surveys).
- Valid Washington State Driver’s License or the ability to travel around the county in a timely manner.
Desired Qualifications:- 5+ years progressively responsible experience in applied research (design, data collection, analysis, reporting).
- Background and experience in public health, juvenile or criminal justice, epidemiology, biostatistics, health services, health economics, or public policy.
- Experience with grant writing.
- Supplemental Information
- Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement:
King County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer letter.
As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to:- submit proof of vaccination, or
- have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.
People are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after receiving the final dose of a vaccination approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Executive Branch includes employees in the Executive branch, the Assessor's Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff's Office, and the Executive Office.King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply:
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact your recruiter listed on this job announcement.
Application process:
Applications will be reviewed after the job posting closes. The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:
- An electronic application through www.kingcounty.gov/jobs or www.governmentjobs.com (use the "Apply" link) including work history and position duties.
- Responses to supplemental questions.
- Professional references: please provide names and contact information (email and phone) for three references, including at least one supervisor and one community partner. We will request these in the Supplemental Questions.
- Resume OR Curriculum Vitae
- Attach a cover letter detailing your background and describing how you meet or exceed the requirements.
- Attach example(s) of your work from each of the categories below:
- One technical report (or peer-reviewed article) you were lead author on
- One evaluation product (e.g. evaluation plan, slide deck, etc.) you prepared
- A figure or visual graphic you produced to share study findings with a general audience (e.g. PowerPoint, infographic, etc.)
Please do not copy and paste your entire resume, or copy and paste your entire job history, as your answers to the supplemental questions as these will be considered incomplete.
You may attach multiple documents if you wish:
- Copy and paste one or more documents into the text resume section of the application.
- Attach multiple documents/files in the resume attachment section.
Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the standard information in the application. Providing information only in a resume will not be considered a complete application.
Your application materials must validate your answers to the supplemental questions. If your answers cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the process.
The selected candidate will be required to pass a thorough background investigation. In the event the job classification requires an exam; an offer of employment will be contingent on passing a pre-employment physical exam and must maintain security clearance.
Supplemental Information:
This selection process may include but is not limited to: evaluation of application materials and supplemental questions, testing and interviewing. For more information on our selection process, please refer to http://www.kingcounty.gov/jobs/applying.aspx
Public Health relies on office automation (Microsoft Office) and web-based enabled tools, therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.
Employees are required to adhere to OSHA/WISHA guidelines including but not limited to completing their mandatory trainings on time and obtaining required immunizations.
Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all Public Health positions.
Employees are required to protect the privacy and security of protected health information as defined in State and Federal Law.
Staff may be required to play an active role in the event of a public health emergency, which may include changes in responsibilities and working hours.
If you need a disability accommodation in the application or testing process, please call the contact number listed on the job announcement.
Applicants from this job posting may be used to fill temporary or other positions in this classification for a period of up to a 6 months.
Union affiliation:Local 21Contact:
For more information about the application process please contact Mark Lacy at Mlacy@kingcounty.gov.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage: King County pays 100% of the premiums for eligible employees and family members
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: King County employees are eligible to participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 10 paid holidays each year (plus 2 personal holidays)
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental leave, family and medical leaves, and volunteer leave
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite gyms and activity centers
- Employee giving program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
-
01Please provide names and contact information (email and phone) for three professional references, including at least one supervisor and one community partner. We will not contact these references without your permission.02In order for your application to be considered complete, you must attach the following: example(s) of your work from each of the categories below: • One technical report (or peer-reviewed article) you were lead author on • One evaluation product (e.g. evaluation plan, slide deck, etc.) you prepared • A figure or visual graphic you produced to share study findings with a general audience (e.g. PowerPoint, infographic, etc.) Please certify that you have attached the required materials.
- Yes - I attached the required materials
- No - I did not attach the required materials
03Do you possess a Master's degree or higher in a social or health science, e.g. public health, anthropology, sociology, psychology or a closely related public health field?- Yes
- No
04If you answered yes to question #3, please describe which degree(s) you possess that meet this requirement.05Select all of the areas in which you have demonstrated knowledge of and experience in:- Public health principles and practice
- Qualitative methods and techniques
- Grant-writing or securing funding for research/evaluation projects
- Evaluation of community-based programs serving children, youth, and young adults
- Evaluation of policy and systems change efforts (community-led or other)
- None of the above
06Please succinctly describe your knowledge and experience in each of these areas checked in the previous question. Include the number of years of experience, how the knowledge and experience was obtained, provide examples of how you applied this knowledge, and specify your direct responsibilities for any projects you identify in your response.07Do you have experience in evaluation of juvenile legal systems, criminal justice, gun violence, or trauma-informed youth programs?- Yes
- No
08If you answered yes to question #7, please succinctly describe your experience and include where you got it. If you answered no, then type N/A.09This position requires deep knowledge of equity and social justice principles and practices; lived experience with and understanding of the effects of place, race, and policy & systems-based inequities on communities of color. Please describe how you apply these principles to your daily work.10Are you applying to this position as an eligible Current or Previous King County Employee Priority Placement Program Participant AND Is this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff AND Do you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?- Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my role at King County AND I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. AND The position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
- No.
11If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided: 1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice 2. The department you worked in 3. The effective date of your layoffRequired Question