Social Research Scientist - APDE



Social Research Scientist - APDE

Salary

$41.75 - $52.92 Hourly

Location

Seattle, WA

Job Type

Special Duty Assignment or Term Limited Temp (TLT)

Job Number

2021ML13482

Department

DPH - Public Health

Opening Date

05/20/2020

Closing Date

11/12/2021 1:00 PM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

D1 : WSCCCE L21HD-DPH

Summary

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.
 
The Assessment, Policy Development, and Evaluation unit at Public Health Seattle & King County is seeking to build a cadre of public health evaluators who are highly skilled at partnering with racially/ethnically diverse communities to conduct participatory evaluations across a spectrum of community-based participatory research.  
 
We are seeking a Social Research Scientist who will bring their lived experiences as well as their technical competencies to work on a dynamic portfolio of projects that work to improve the health of King County residents.   We seek to operationalize and embed equity in all our work.  

The work includes leading evaluations using a range of qualitative and quantitative methods in practice and community settings. Collaborations occur across epidemiologists, program managers, community and academic partners, and other King County agencies.  Individuals who enjoy working with people and who want to support communities via their technical skills are encouraged to apply.

This job posting may be used to recruit applicants for additional positions in this classification for a period of up to one year.

This position is posted continuously until filled. The first review of applications will take place on 06/03/2021.

This full-time position is a Term-Limited Temporary position. Term-Limited Temporary positions are "at-will" positions but are eligible for benefits. The projected length of this Term-Limited Temporary position 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. 
 
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.
 
This position is 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.
 
Who May Apply:

This full-time, Term Limited Temporary position is open to all qualified applicants.
 
Work Location:
 
Chinook Building | 401 5th Ave; Seattle, WA 98104
 
The work associated with this position will be performed remotely, at least through July 5, 2021 in compliance with King County’s telecommuting mandate. It is possible that the work will be primarily performed remotely on an ongoing basis after July 5, 2021.  Employees will be provided with a County issued laptop and must maintain a workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.  Employees must reside in WA state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.  There will be situations where the employee is required to report to a County worksite.  Please note that when an employee conducts work that is likely to bring them in contact with another individual, safety precautions are required by the department in alignment with the Public Health Directive from the Seattle & King County Public Health Officer.
 
To support employees during this time 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. King County is doing its part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and remains committed to reducing our carbon footprint.  
 
Work Schedule:
 
The normal workweek is Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and will, from time to time, require evening meetings.
 

 
 

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

  • 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 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.
  • 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. 
  • 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 lay and technical audiences. 
  • Demonstrated knowledge of 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. 
  • Proficiency in: 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 Qualification:
 
Domestic, preferably local experience, preferred.

The most competitive candidates will possess:
  • 5+ years progressively responsible experience in applied research (design, data collection, analysis, reporting)
  • Background and experience in public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, health services, health economics, or public policy

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.
 
As of October 18, 2021, most* King County employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.  If hired, you will be required to submit proof of vaccination by October 18th.   People are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine.  Employees may make requests for a reasonable accommodation based on a medical disability or for sincerely held religious beliefs.  Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.

This directive applies to 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: (Submit required documents electronically)

Applications will be reviewed after the job posting closes. The following items are required to be considered for this vacancy:
 
  • Job Application with completed supplemental questions. 
  • Attach 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:

  1. One peer-reviewed article or technical report you were lead author on
  2. One writing sample you wrote for a lay audience
  3. A figure or visual graphic you produced to share study findings with a lay audience (e.g. PowerPoint, infographic, etc.)
 
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. 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 year.
   
Union affiliation:
 D1 WSCCCE L21HD-DPH 
 
Contact:

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
  • 12 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
For additional information about employee benefits please visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.

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.

01
Do you have 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
02
Do you have demonstrated knowledge of and experience in the following: (Please select all that apply)
  • Public health principles and practice
  • Qualitative methods and techniques
  • Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)
  • Program evaluation in a community setting
03
Please describe your knowledge in each of these areas checked in Question #2, the number of years of experience, how it was obtained, your responsibilities in these projects, and provide examples of how you applied this knowledge.
04
Describe your experience supervising students on an evaluation or research project. Please include a description of the project, your responsibilities, and key skills students developed through your supervision.
05
Describe your experience translating findings and conclusions into clear and concise reports. Please be specific on type of report (white paper, press release, presentation etc.) and audience (general public, policymakers, etc.). Please include experience using data visualization tools, if applicable. If you do not have this experience, please put N/A.
06
Describe your experience acting as a liaison with local community groups and institutions and convening or collaborating in community coalitions and partnerships. Be specific and include where this experience was gained. If you do not have this experience, please put N/A.
07
Describe your experience partnering with racially/ethnically diverse communities to conduct participatory evaluations across a spectrum of community-based participatory research. Describe how you have applied (or will apply) your personal lived experiences and technical competencies to designing community-engaged projects. If you do not have this experience, please put N/A.
08
Are 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.
09
If 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 layoff

Required Question

Agency
King County
Address
King Street Center
201 South Jackson Street
Seattle, Washington, 98104
Phone
206-477-3404