Description

Prevention Research and Evaluation Manager (WMS2/DBHR)
71058933


Join us as a Prevention Research and Evaluation Manager and make a direct impact on public health by leading research and data analysis efforts focused on substance use disorder prevention and mental health promotion. In this role, you'll drive statewide policy, program, and budget decisions by analyzing health data, managing surveys, and developing innovative prevention strategies. You'll collaborate with diverse teams, provide expert consultation, and provide contract management and technical assistance to prevention professionals. If you have experience in epidemiology, statistical analysis, and public health, and are passionate about using data to improve health outcomes, this is the perfect opportunity for you!


All HCA employees will apply an equity lens to their work, which may include but is not limited to all analyses of core business and processes .


Division philosophy statement:
The Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery values and seeks diversity, equity, and inclusion as integral to the behavioral health field. We support, embrace, and celebrate everyone’s uniqueness, promote inclusion, and commit to remove systemic barriers that affect our workforce, our providers, and the people that receive prevention, treatment, and/or recovery support services.


About the division:
The Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) mission is to transform lives by supporting sustainable recovery, independence, and wellness through substance use disorder prevention and mental health promotion efforts. DBHR provides support for substance use disorder, mental health, and problem gambling services. The substance use disorder prevention and treatment programs promote strategies that support healthy lifestyles by preventing the misuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, and support recovery from substance use disorder.


About the position:
The Prevention Research and Evaluation Manager oversees research and data analysis focused on substance use disorder prevention and mental health promotion, supporting statewide policy, programs, and budgeting decisions. This role leads research efforts to understand behavioral health issues, using epidemiological and biostatistical methods to assess the occurrence, causes, and effects of these disorders. The goal is to develop more effective prevention strategies, especially for children, youth, and families. The position involves planning, conducting, and interpreting research to improve service quality and coordination in public health systems, while managing data from multiple state agencies. Additionally, this position provides contract and other project management to ensure deliverables and timelines are met as well as funding expended appropriately. The manager reports to the Prevention Supervisor and plays a key role in shaping prevention strategies and policies.


This position is eligible to telework but is required to report on-site up to monthly and perform some travel across the state for conference / training needs. The default assigned work location of all Health Care Authority (HCA) positions – both on-site and telework eligible positions – is within the State of Washington. Frequency of onsite work will vary based on business and operational needs. HCA may choose, but is not required, to support out-of-state telework on a case-by-case basis.

Duties

• Provide expert consultation on statewide epidemiological data, research strategies, and evaluation for substance use prevention and mental health promotion services.
• Manage and administer statewide research and evaluation projects, including overseeing inter-agency collaborations.
• Analyze and interpret statewide substance use and mental health data to identify incidence, prevalence, and risk factors.
• Manage the creation of the statewide substance use and mental health needs assessment to inform the SPE Policy Consortium's Strategic Plan.
• Investigate new and emerging data sources, developing indicators to expand program support and track agency performance for the SPE Policy Consortium's Strategic Plan.
• Select and apply appropriate statistical methods, such as multiple or logistic regression, trend analysis, multilevel models, post hoc weighting, or other advanced techniques.
• Manage state-sponsored surveys and associated contracts including negotiating, managing, and monitoring contracts for projects, to ensure compliance.
• Develop questions and proposals for state-sponsored surveys, incorporating current best practices and scientific evidence.
• Identify gaps in survey coverage and develop plans to address them.
• Develop and disseminate reports, findings, and communication strategies related to data and research activities.
• Create presentations, reports, data summaries, policy briefs, and fact sheets describing analyses, methods, findings, and recommendations.
• Offer training on interpreting state-sponsored data for strategic planning, evaluation, and communication of research findings.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:
Qualifying candidates will meet one of the following criteria options:


Option 1:
Master’s degree in social science or statistics from an accredited university, with significant coursework and training in research methodology and data governance, and three (3) years of experience in a service setting with data definitions, data collection, analysis, and reporting results in terms a non-expert can understand.


Option 2:
Bachelor’s degree in social science or statistics from an accredited university, with significant coursework and training in research methodology and data governance, and five (5) years of experience in a service setting with data definitions, data collection, analysis, and reporting results in terms a non-expert can understand.


Option 3:
Nine (9) years of experience in a service setting with data definitions, data collection, analysis, and reporting results in terms a non-expert can understand, including three (3) years of direct experience managing, coordinating, and collecting health-related data for complex health systems.


The required experience includes the following:

• Three years of direct experience with statistical analysis and principles of biostatistics.
• Training in the principles of epidemiology and two or more years of experience conducting applied epidemiological research.
• Three years of SAS, SPSS, or equivalent programming and statistical analysis experience with the ability to attain proficiency in Agency preferred software within one year from hire.
• Experience in public health, prevention programs, and research or related social science fields.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including the ability to effectively lead multidisciplinary work teams and manage data-related projects.
• Strong communication skills, including reporting results in terms a non-expert can understand, and the ability to work in groups and translate research into practice.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft programs (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook) and basic office equipment.

Preferred qualifications:

• Ph D in social science or statistics from an accredited university, with significant coursework and training in research methodology and data governance.
• Experience analyzing legislation.
• Knowledge of current best practices and evaluation in prevention science.
• Experience with quality management and performance improvement principles, including LEAN and CQIP.
• Knowledge of state policies, WACs, and RCWs.
• Experience with statistical software such as SQL, R, Stata, or Tableau.

How to apply:
Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach:

• A cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications for this position
• Current resume

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
• Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Supplemental Information

About HCA:
Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.


There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents. What we have to offer:

• Meaningful work with friendly co-workers who care about those we serve Voices of HCA
• A clear agency mission that drives our work and is person-centered HCA's Mission, Vision & Values
• A healthy work/life balance, including alternative/flexible schedules and mobile work options.
• A great total compensation and benefit package WA State Government Benefits
• A safe, pleasant workplace in a convenient location with restaurants, and shopping nearby.
• Tuition reimbursement
• And free parking!

Notes:
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.


HCA is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. HCA has five employee resource groups (ERGs). ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups whose aim is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with HCA’s mission. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. Studies have shown women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons of disability are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. Persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, as well as people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at HCAjobs@hca.wa.gov. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact Lisa Fleming at (360) 725-1723 or lisa.fleming@hca.wa.gov.


The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is an E-Verify employer. All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.


E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.


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More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022