Public Health Evaluator



Public Health Evaluator

Salary

$41.75 - $52.92 Hourly

Location

Seattle, WA

Job Type

Special Duty Assignment or Term Limited Temp (TLT)

Job Number

2020ML11837

Department

DPH - Public Health

Opening Date

07/14/2020

Closing Date

2/2/2021 11:59 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.
 
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.
 
Who May Apply:
These full-time, Term Limited Temporary positions are open to all qualified applicants.
 
Work Location:
 
Chinook Building, 401 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104
 
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.

This position requires flexibility to accommodate different work schedules and work locations. Regular remote work may be required; Public Health will provide the new hires with a computer laptop, however, other tools necessary to successfully work remotely will not be provided. You will need to have sufficient equipment and an internet connection to work remotely.

 
APPLICATION PROCESS (submit required documents electronically):
 
  • Job Application with completed supplemental questions.
  • Attach resume.
  • Attach a cover letter detailing your background and describing how you meet or exceed the requirements OR Curriculum Vitae
  • Attach example(s) of your work from any or each of the categories below:
    1. One peer-reviewed article 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.)

Contact:
For more information about the application process, please contact Mark Lacy, Human Resource Analyst at mlacy@kingcounty.gov
 
 

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.

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
 

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 knowledge and skill with social research methods and techniques, synthesizing research by others, and applying research results in program planning and budgeting?
  • Yes
  • No
02
If you answered yes to question #1, please describe your knowledge and experience with social research methods and techniques and include how you have applied this knowledge to program and budget decision-making. Be specific and include where this knowledge was gained. If you do not have this experience, please put N/A.
03
Describe your experience conducting multi-method evaluations. Please be specific and include a description of the project activities, your role and responsibilities, goal of the project, award amount (of grant, if applicable), who were the partners involved in the project, and your role in interacting with project partners. If you do not have this experience, please put N/A.
04
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.), audience (general public, policymakers, etc.) and any publishing or visualization software that you utilized. If you do not have this experience, please put N/A.
05
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.
06
Which of the following best describes your response to the following question: Are you applying to this position as a Priority Placement Program Participant and is this position the same or lower percentage of FT 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.
07
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