Research Scientist, Family Research Unit

The Virginia Tech Institute for Policy and Governance (VTIPG) is seeking a Family Research Scientist to lead its ongoing relationship with the Department of Social Services of Fairfax County, Virginia, and to further aligned work and scholarship. The Institute has a long-term contractual relationship with the County to support the implementation of multiple child welfare programs in that jurisdiction. The individual in this role is expected to track changes in relevant federal, state and local legislation, policy and rules in this substantive domain and to assess their likely purport for the County in a timely way.

The FRU Research Scientist for the Virginia Tech Institute for Policy and Governance (VTIPG) contributions to conceptualization and conduct of research projects, serves as principal investigator and develops or contributes significantly to research project design, implementation and interpretation. This position is frequently involved in preparation of proposals, reports, publications, and presentation of research results. Additionally, the successful candidate will carry out independent research in the field of child welfare policy under limited supervision.

Specifically, the Research Scientist will be expected:
•To serve as the primary point of contact between VTIPG and Fairfax County Department of Family Services leaders and employees and the Fairfax/Falls Church Children’s Services Act Program managers and staff in all matters pertaining to the Institute’s contract responsibilities with Fairfax County related to Child Protective Services (CPS) and Foster Care and Adoptions (FC&A).
•To liaise successfully with these stakeholders and make decisions that promote the contract’s goals while also addressing university and Institute aspirations.
•To communicate routinely and effectively with other relevant County, state and federal officials and staff as necessary.
•To train all VTIPG contract team members and to maintain a Policy and Procedures manual for that group to ensure timely and appropriate administrative attention to relevant Fairfax County program implementation needs.
•To liaise, as appropriate, with the Institute Director, Deputy Director, and other Institute and Virginia Tech faculty and staff to keep them apprised of unit operations, needs and challenges.