Public Health Evaluator - King County- Public Health

LOCATION: Seattle, WA

CLOSING DATE: August 20, 2020

OPPORTUNITY TYPE: Job

JOB #: 16116

POSTED: July 20, 2020

Description:

Public Health – Seattle and King County values diverse perspectives and life experiences. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, and veterans.

 
Public Health – Seattle and King County is seeking to hire two (2) Term-Limited Temporary (TLT) Social Research Scientists to perform professional, independent, creative, equity-driven, and highly skilled process and impact evaluation work. The Social Research Scientist will use participatory approaches to evaluate a dynamic portfolio of public health initiatives (such as Best Starts for Kids or policies and programs to address chronic disease and injury prevention) to improve health equity in King County.

The work includes leading evaluations using qualitative and quantitative methods in practice and community settings. For example, this means working with racially/ethnically diverse communities, among other communities. Collaborations occur across epidemiologists, program managers, community and academic partners, other King County agencies, and elected officials.

 

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
 
Public Health-Seattle and King County works to protect and improve the health and well-being of all people in Seattle and King County. A major focus of the department is to eliminate inequities in social and health outcomes. The department is joining with partners at the local, state, and national levels to leverage opportunities to shape innovative and collaborative approaches for improving the health and well-being of all communities and individuals in our region.
 
These positions are based in the Assessment, Policy Development, and Evaluation (APDE) unit of Public Health – Seattle and King County. More information about the work of the APDE unit can be found at http://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/data.aspx.

These positions are posted continuously until filled. The first review of applications will take on 07/29/2020. Applications may be used to fill multiple vacancies.

These full-time positions are Term-Limited Temporary position. Term-Limited Temporary positions are "at-will" positions but are eligible for benefits. The projected length of these Term-Limited Temporary positions is one year, with a possibility of extension.  This vacancy can also be filled as a Special Duty opportunity.
 
For Special Duty Assignment interest, you must be a Career Service, Career Service Exempt or other regular (non-temporary) employees in King County who have completed their initial County probation.  You must have supervisor approval prior to taking a Special Duty Assignment.
 
Job Duties

 

  • Co-design evaluation plans and implement evaluations with community and government partners, including identifying appropriate methods to answer evaluation questions.
  • Implement mixed-methods evaluations, including conducting 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.
  • Disseminate and share 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.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

 

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

 

  • Demonstrated knowledge of: public health practice and principles, the determinants of population health, violence and injury prevention, advanced qualitative analytical and interpretative skills, basic quantitative analysis principles and methods, and team dynamics to ensure successful team interaction.
  • At least four years of experience in: applied qualitative research methods and techniques as well as designing and managing an evaluation or research project; ensuring compliance with human subject (IRB) protocols; identifying and implementing appropriate evaluation methods and techniques; developing data collection methods for community assessments; and managing computerized database systems.
  • Deep knowledge of equity and social justice principles and practices, and understanding of the effects of place-, race- and policy & systems-based inequities on communities of color.
  • Demonstrated success in collaboration with quantitative researchers, stakeholders, and local community groups in the development and execution of an evaluation or research process.
  • Ability to manage highly visible and politically sensitive projects with multiple tasks requiring attention to detail and coordination of effort with elected officials and other government and community-based agencies.
  • Demonstrated skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a variety of individuals, including community members, elected officials, and representatives of agencies/organizations; and partners.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds and build consensus among a diverse group of individuals.
  • Demonstrated ability to: oversee, write, and present reports in multiple formats for multiple audiences; prepare and present data and translate findings and conclusions into clear and concise reports, presentations, infographics, etc. for lay and technical audiences.
  • Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Skill and demonstrated proficiency in: Microsoft Office, data base creation and maintenance, project management, ATLAS.ti, NVivo, Dedoose, or a comparable software for qualitative analysis; 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.

 

Skills/Eligibility:

 Desired Qualification:

 

The most competitive candidate will have at least a master’s degree in a social or health science, e.g. public health, anthropology, sociology, psychology or a closely related public health field with at least 5+ years progressively responsible experience in applied research (design, data collection, analysis, reporting).

 

Supplemental Information

 

  • The selected candidate may be required to pass a thorough background investigation.
  • 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.
  • 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

Union Affiliation:

This position is represented by D1 WSCCCE L21HD-DPH
 

 

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