Summary:

The Research and Evaluation Analyst is a critical member of both cross- and inter-departmental teams at The Children’s Trust who engages in proactive problem-solving and critical thinking/analysis related to particular child, youth and family program areas and populations. Primary responsibilities include: identification and critical review of evidence-based/best practices in specified program areas; assistance for funded service providers and Trust staff on development of program performance measures; oversight of reporting methods for capturing program performance; regular appraisal of basic program performance statistics and data analyses; contribution to reports that explain initiative results to a variety of audiences; and systems enhancement to ensure accountability.

This exempt, salaried position works under general supervision and support of a Senior Research and Evaluation Analyst. Work performance is review through conferences, reports and observation of results achieved.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Identifies, critically reviews and clearly synthesizes program best practices (and evidence-based programs) related to funded program areas of child, youth and family services, using academic search tools, the world wide web, professional evaluation resources, and direct contacts with model programs.

2. Investigates and creates written descriptions of appropriate program practices, performance measures, and evaluation resources to be included in competitive procurement and bid solicitation documents for program areas to be funded.

3. Reviews and rates funding applications for appropriateness, quality and content, to assist in funding decisions, including program and research/evaluation proposals or bids.

4. Assists in contract negotiations through the review and development of program performance measures of quantity, quality and participant outcome improvements to be implemented by funded organizations.

5. Identifies and reviews measurement tools for use in program evaluation, and makes recommendations for use by funded programs, with attention toward facilitating meaningful, practical and cross-program analyses. When necessary, designs basic survey, interview, focus group and structured field observation tools.

6. Collaboratively develops quality assurance, performance review, program monitoring and reporting tools in specified program areas for the collection of system, strategy, program, and participant-level data, and for use in assessing provider contract and overall initiative performance.

7. Critically reviews literature and analyzes Children’s Trust data to establish benchmarks and performance standards across program areas.

8. Actively participates in team meetings and discussions related to program reviews, performance, monitoring, and planned courses of action.

9. Provides training and technical assistance to funded agencies, other Trust staff, and community members to build capacity for continuous self-assessment (e.g., results-based accountability, logic models, evaluation design, data collection and reporting, interpretation and utilization of evaluation results, continuous quality improvement).

10. Regularly appraises program performance statistics and data analyses in specified program areas, at both the individual contract and cross-program levels, including analysis and synthesis of results and annual report summaries. Performs basic data management by creating and maintaining key information in spreadsheets and databases.

11. Contributes to cross-organization coordination and communication by disseminating program-specific information and updates across the research team.

12. Contributes to various reports and presentations that communicate initiative results in specified program areas to a variety of audiences/stakeholder groups by summarizing data and findings through written reports and verbal presentations.

13. As needed, participates on committees and groups that involve child and family research and evaluation projects, and in local, state, and national research efforts.

14. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• 4-year/Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Psychology, Social Sciences, Education, Public Health, or related field with relevant specialized training; Master’s degree preferred.
• At least three (3) years of directly related experience in conducting program evaluation and/or research in the social sciences related to children and families.
• Strong analytical/critical thinking skills and content area knowledge and expertise related to funded program areas of The Children’s Trust and program evaluation/performance measurement.
• Solid proficiency in the use of all basic office software applications (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), as well as database and statistical programs (including SPSS).
• Demonstrated advanced knowledge, skills and experience in development and management of large, complex datasets, including quality assurance, data cleaning and analysis (including independently conducting and interpreting various univariate and multivariate statistics with real-world services and outcomes data).
• Ability to gather and analyze available data/information and draw logical conclusions, and effectively communicate results verbally and in writing to audiences of various levels and backgrounds, including formal presentations as well as clearly written reports and documents.
• Strong interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective cross- and inter- departmental collaborative team relationships with co-workers and funded service providers, with an emphasis on proactive problem-solving.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively on several projects simultaneously, and to accomplish assignments independently given basic guidelines and parameters.

General Knowledge and Communication Skills:

Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public in a courteous, professional manner. Possess time management skills; computer skills, planning skills, multitasking skills, leadership skills, stress management skills, and problem solving skills. Excellent interpersonal skills with patience, flexibility, consideration, discretion, tact, confidence, self-reliance, initiative, adaptability and effectiveness in dealing with peoples’ diverse skills and understanding.

Other Requirements:

Valid Florida driver’s license and access to personal transportation for travel to occasional off- site community meetings. Must be able to drive within Miami-Dade County.

Employee Behavior:

Respectful; team player; organized; detail oriented; resourceful; able to work in an open environment; people/customer service oriented; able to work in a team setting and maintain cross- and inter-departmental relationships with co-workers and funded service providers with an emphasis on proactive problem-solving; demonstrated ability to work effectively on several assignments simultaneously, and to accomplish assignments independently given basic guidelines and parameters; able to keep abreast of current professional practices.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. In the course of daily work, the incumbent alternates physical activities such as sitting and walking around the various areas of the organization. In addition, extensive use of computers (monitors and keyboards) to include sitting for long periods of time and consistent, repetitive hand motion use of computer keyboard is essential to the position. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and the ability to focus. May be required to lift items of moderate weight up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The workplace is a comfort controlled office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. When outside the office the work environment, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.

Scope of Responsibility:

The Research and Evaluation Analyst, in collaboration with a broad array of professionals and para-professionals, contributes to the development and execution of all phases of evaluation projects, including planning the design and implementation of systems, strategies, and programs. Under direction from a Senior Research and Evaluation Analyst, he/she applies research and evaluation skills and is accountable for ensuring the cost effective and efficient attainment of The Children’s Trust’s organizational objectives and conformity to board and internal policy, procedures, direction and protocol.

Errors of fact, interpretation or judgment can result in significant monetary and human resources losses and undermines the financial effectiveness and overall success of The Trust. The incumbent may have access to proprietary information regarding The Trust’s strategy, information technology systems and internal information, and is expected to demonstrate the highest levels of discretion, business/professional conduct and ethics while complying with all applicable Florida Government in the Sunshine law requirements.

Supplemental Information:

Review The Children’s Trust’s Results -based Strategic Plan for Investments 2011-2015 at: http://www.thechildrenstrust.org/strategic-plan

 Current program areas of child, youth and family services funded by The Children’s Trust :

• Health programs
  • school health teams in public schools
  • insurance and benefits enrollment
• Parenting education and family strengthening programs
• Wraparound and place-based systems of care partnerships
• Early childhood programs
  • child care quality rating and improvement system
  • child care consultation
  • home visitation
  • developmental services in pediatric care clinics
• Youth development programs
  • after-school and summer programs
  • advocacy, leadership and civic engagement
  • arts
  • academic support
  • independent living/college and job preparation
  • mentoring
  • social skills, resilience and risk reduction
• Services for children with disabilities cut across all of the above

SUBMISSION END DATE FOR CONSIDERATION:

Applications will be accepted until position is filled. To be considered for the above position, please submit your résumé to: careers@thechildrenstrust.org. Please type "Research & Evaluation Analyst" in the subject line.