You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.
Email

DEFINITION: Under direction of a Research Scientist 1 or other supervisory official in a state department, institution, or agency, conducts or participates in research projects or developed programs in a specified professional field; does other related work. 

This position will support NJ DCF’s use of evidence to inform decision-making among agency leadership staff by facilitating the translation of data into insights. The core functions of this position include: 1) synthesizing data and sharing key findings with stakeholders; 2) increasing data literacy among DCF’s leadership staff and; 3) analyzing and visualizing NJ DCF’s administrative data. 

Essential Duties: 

• Support the development and implementation of a training series aimed at improving the capacity of DCF leaders to understand data and use it to improve agency performance and outcomes. 

o Support the development of goals, objectives and content for the training series with guidance and partnership from agency leadership and relevant Offices within and outside of Analytics and Systems Improvement. 

o Partner and direct the work of research staff and subject matter experts, as needed, to assist with development of training content. 

o Support implementation of the training series, coordinating the appropriate resources, processes and personnel to accomplish training goals and objectives. 

o Partner with Office of Applied Research and Evaluation, Communications and other staff, as relevant, to assist with evaluation, branding and continuous quality improvement related to the training series. 

• Conduct analysis of NJ DCF data, summarize and communicate findings to agency leadership and other key stakeholders. 

o Carry out specialized research and analysis of DCF’s administrative data focused on key trends and highlights related to agency outcomes and performance. 

o Interpret findings from data analysis. 

o Develop sound, accurate reports, presentations and data visualizations for DCF leadership and other stakeholders on agency performance and outcomes. 

o As appropriate, engage staff in the interpretation of findings. 

o Respond to data-related inquiries from agency leadership. 

o Develop data briefs, reports, short summaries or other written products, as needed. 

• Serve as a scientific consultant on the meaning and interpretation of NJ DCF’s administrative data (i.e., CYBER, NJ SPIRIT) 

o Assist programmatic and research staff in understanding and interpreting DCF’s administrative data. 

o Provide guidance to DCF staff on accessing administrative datasets for analysis. 

o Collaborate with other research staff in developing research questions and appropriately analyzing DCF’s administrative data. 

• Support special projects, as assigned. 

REQUIREMENTS: 

EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in a discipline appropriate to the position. A PhD is preferred.  

SPECIAL NOTE: Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Data Science, Public Health, Social Work, Psychology or other Social Science field from an accredited college or university. Successful candidates will have strong problem-solving and communication skills, enjoy working in teams in a fast-paced environment, and be passionate about translating data for real-world impact. 

EXPERIENCE: Two (2) 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. 

LICENSE: Appointees 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. 

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 by the above closing date. Failure to do so may result in your ineligibility. 

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 https://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: CSCSAME@csc.nj.gov, or call CSC at (609) 292-4144, option 3. 

NOTE: APPLICABLE SPECIAL RE-EMPLOYMENT LIST ESTABLISHED AS A RESULT OF A LAYOFF WILL BE USED BEFORE ANY APPOINTMENTS ARE MADE.