Research Associate - Begun Center for Violence Prevention Research & Education

Date: January 2024 

Title: Research Associate 

Department: Begun Center for Violence Prevention Research & Education 

School: Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences 

Location: Mandel Community Studies Center 

Supervisor Name and Title: Julie Rentsch, Evaluation Manager 

POSITION OBJECTIVE 

The Center for Innovative Practices (CIP) under the Begun Center for Violence Prevention Research &  Education was awarded a state level multi-year grant to create a Center of Excellence for Child and  Adolescent Behavioral Health (CABH COE). The role of the CABH COE is to assist the State in system  transformation efforts by providing technical assistance, training, professional development, coaching,  consultation, evaluation, fidelity monitoring, and continuous quality improvement to build and sustain capacity  in delivering evidence-based practices to fidelity within a system of care framework.  

The CABH COE award, funded by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS),  includes a significant evaluation component to determine if the behavioral health transformation is taking place  and if youth and families are improving as a result of the evidence based and evidence informed services  being implemented.  

The ideal candidate will be detail oriented, possess experience working with large projects, and can support all  phases of research and evaluation including conducting literature reviews, performing needs assessments,  writing program descriptions, creating and designing research tools and surveys, entering data, managing  datasets, analyzing data, presenting data, co-authoring reports and manuscripts, and regularly corresponding with agencies and other system partners to provide information and technical assistance. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Manage day-to-day implementation of High-Fidelity Wraparound fidelity monitoring infrastructure and  operations. Ensure fidelity monitoring implementation and operations is occurring within best practice  standards and be the liaison to the OhioRISE Care Management Entities (CMEs). (35%) 

Assist with the development and management of databases/spreadsheets, monitor data for  completeness/quality and carry out complex on-going and new data analyses using SPSS or similar statistical  analysis software to support operationalizing the CABH COE Evaluation Plan. Create data visualizations for  inclusion in project reports or websites using software such as Tableau. (25%) 

Collect and enter data from agencies, surveys/assessments, focus groups and observations. Follow up on  needed data and the implementation of data collection protocols with project partners. (15%) 

Identify and track quality and implementation trends; collaborate and inform stakeholders; participate in the  development of state-wide improvement plans and guidance. (10%) 

Assist with comprehensive project monitoring, report preparation and writing. Track and follow up on regular  evaluation operations. (10%)

Support and assist in the facilitation of fidelity monitoring technical assistance activities (5%) 

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Perform other duties as assigned.  

CONTACTS  

Department: Daily contact with supervisor and research staff in the center. 

University: Occasional contact with other departments. 

External: Frequent contact with community partners. 

Students: Contact with student employees. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY  

No direct supervisory responsibility; may direct the work of students and research assistants. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Education/Experience: Master’s Degree or higher in the social sciences or relevant field is required.  Experience working in funded evaluation/research, with non-profit and government or county agencies, or  conducting/participating in program evaluations is required. 

REQUIRED SKILLS  

1. Ability to work closely with community-based agencies. 

2. Highly organized with strong quantitative skills; excellent attention to detail and accuracy, time  management skills, and follow-through. 

3. Ability to assist with both the development and execution of program evaluations. 

4. Experience in Microsoft Suite (Word, Access, Excel), email and internet applications; proficient with  statistical packages such as SPSS, SAS, R Suite, etc. 

5. Experience creating data visualizations using Tableau  

6. Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills. 

7. Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively within a team. Must be highly motivated,  responsible, and dependable. 

WORKING CONDITIONS 

General working conditions. May be required to attend evening and weekend meetings. Typical office  environment. No exposure to chemicals. This department is eligible for the CWRU Staff Hybrid Remote Work  Program. Under this program, the University permits hybrid remote work arrangements for eligible staff in  certain departments. Eligible staff in this department are currently permitted to work up to two hybrid work days  per week after successful completion of a three-month orientation period. 

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and  Diversity. Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities  are encouraged to apply. 

All resumes and cover letters should be sent to Julie Rentsch, Evaluation Manager Begun Center for Violence Prevention Research and Education 

Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at [email protected]