Research Scientist 2 (Posting #042-25)

The NJ Department of Children and Families (DCF), Office of Applied Research and Evaluation (OARE) seeks a Research Scientist 2, who under general supervision of a Research Scientist 1 or other supervisory official, conducts research projects or participates in functional programs; 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 will support the development of tools and methodologies to monitor the quality and fidelity of service delivery among DCF’s contracted service providers. Anticipated tasks include:

• Work with a team of research staff to design, implement and maintain a system to monitor quality and fidelity of contracted service providers in partnership with DCF’s Office of Monitoring.
• Support the design of valid and reliable monitoring tools, including case record review, site visit, participant interview and referent interview tools.
• Provide technical and quality oversight for work products.
• 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.

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in Public Health, Social Work, Psychology, Data Science or other Social Science field appropriate to the position. PhD is preferred.

EXPERIENCE: Three (3) 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.

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: $85,535.88 - $121,091.47

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

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/.

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.