Sponsor Funded Professional - Research Associate II

Research Associate II
Center of Excellence (COE)
Georgia Health Policy Center
Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
Georgia State University

At the Georgia Health Policy Center (GHPC), we approach our work with a passion to be excellent, to positively impact people’s lives, and to find creative and innovative ways to learn and fulfill our goals. We are growing and we are thrilled that you are interested in being a part of our team. We are surrounded by individuals empowered to use their expertise and talents to achieve our mission to integrate research, policy, and programs to advance health and well-being.

Are you ready for us? Are you seeking an opportunity with purpose and direction? If you are, we have the perfect opportunity for you! We hire great people from a wide variety of educational, career, and personal backgrounds, not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it makes us a stronger team.

GHPC is seeking a Research Associate II (RA II) to join the already awesome team taking the GHPC to the next level of excellence and global achievements!

WHAT MAKES GHPC A GREAT PLACE?

• A knowledge-sharing organization that collaborates with diverse partners.
• A flexible work environment
• Professional development opportunity and mentorship
• Competitive base salary
• Generous benefits, including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, etc.
• A rapidly growing center within an academic setting

The center’s current scope of work includes behavioral health, child health & well-being, community health systems development, health & health care financing, health in all policies, health systems transformation, long-term services & support, population & global health, and rural health. The center conducts, analyzes, and disseminates qualitative and quantitative research to connect decision-makers with the objective research and guidance needed to make informed decisions about health policy and programs. The center is at work locally, nationally, and internationally with public and private partners to improve health and well-being.
Click Apply and join us as we positively impact the communities we serve!

ABOUT THIS POSITION
The RA II is a contributing member of various research, technical assistance, policy development, and programmatic teams, depending on scope of work. The RA II will provide research and project support that contributes to a scientifically sound background for center activities. This position will initially support evaluation work in the Center of Excellence (COE), specifically the evaluation of a state-funded mental health initiatives to include the Intensive Customized Care Coordination (IC3) and high-fidelity wraparound programs.

HERE IS WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Facilitating data for decision-making and sense-making sessions with diverse stakeholders.
• Strengthening the capacity of program partners to utilize several types of data and information available to them for decision-making and evaluative purposes.
• Collecting, linking, analyzing, and translating multisource quantitative and qualitative data (descriptive and inferential statistics and trend analyses).
• Managing and, as appropriate, leading the implementation of multiple projects ranging from small-scale evaluations to complex, statewide initiatives, and projects of varying size and complexity, including planning, organizing, and managing resources to achieve specific project goals and objectives.
• Leveraging research and data to inform and support policy, programming, and practice.
• Implementing evidence-based, best-practice technical assistance, and introducing innovative tools and methodologies to improve support for the Wraparound team and external stakeholders.
• Participating in the design and facilitation of strategic meetings and collaborative workgroups to ensure effective stakeholder engagement and goal alignment.
• Serving as a coordinator to provide project management support, including managing timelines, deliverables, and reporting for grants and contracts.
• Assisting senior staff in identifying and responding to new research and funding opportunities.
• Building relationships with clients and external stakeholders including state agencies, community groups, and academic partners.
• Preparing literature reviews, research papers, posters, oral presentations, policy white papers, briefs, and client reports.
• Assisting in the preparation of Institutional Review Board applications.
• Attend meetings and represent the GHPC at conferences and national meetings.
• Serving as a mentor to students and RA I’s.

APPROXIMATE TASK ALLOCATION

• Research and Data Analysis – 50%
• Reporting and Dissemination – 25%
• Administrative and Organizational Support – 15%
• Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration – 10%

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES TO MAKE YOU SHINE

• Qualitative and quantitative analytic and evaluation skills.
• Data collection and database management skills.
• Writing and reporting skills.
• Strategic planning.
• Implementation support.
• Presentation and group facilitation skills.
• Demonstrated participatory and collaborative style of interaction.
• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques, methodologies, equipment, processes, and procedures.
• Experience with at least one data processing/statistical package or programming language (e.g., SPSS, SAS, Stata, R, Python).
• Ability to multitask, pay attention to detail, and exhibit excellent customer service.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.

DO YOU HAVE KNOWLEDGE IN ANY OF THESE AREAS?

• Mental health services for children and youth
• School-based mental health
• Behavioral health and developmental disabilities
• Child and adolescent mental health
• LGBTQ+ health
• Implementation science
• System of care
• Health and racial equity
• Social determinants of health
• Medicaid and Medicaid data use
  

Qualifications :

Minimum Requirements:

• Master's degree and one year of related experience; or a combination of education and related experience.

Preferred Hiring Qualifications:

• Master's degree in health policy, health management, public health, public policy, public administration, or a related field with three years of related experience; bachelor’s degree and three years of related experience
• It is expected that the candidate will have knowledge and experience in health policy, qualitative and quantitative research, working with stakeholder groups, meeting design and facilitation, strong writing and communication skills, and proficiency in MS Word, Outlook, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of Human Subjects Research guidelines and Institutional Review Board processes, Qualtrics, WebEx, SAS, SPSS, R, and Stata is preferred.
• Networking skills and aptitude for representing GHPC with local, state, and national organizations is also desired.
• The preferred candidate will have experience and passion in substance use research, programs, services, and policies.