Research Scientist

Duties Description The New York State Council on Children and Families (CCF) is a small executive state agency that serves a unique role in state government. As a neutral agency, CCF facilitates collaboration and alignment among the state’s health, education, and human services systems. As a convener, innovator, and change agent among state child‑serving agencies, CCF addresses cross‑systems issues informed by data and research to improve outcomes for all of New York’s children and families. Under the supervision of the Deputy Director for Research, the Senior Research Scientist & Policy Analyst will provide support and direction to CCF data and policy analysis and contribute data interpretation to agency research and outcomes across systems to promote an effective and efficient system of services for children and families in New York State. Responsibilities Interpreting data findings and their implications to inform policies, programs, and practices. Supporting exploration, application, and management of data related grant activities. Developing and managing CCF data and research products including the Kids’ Well‑Being Indicators Clearinghouse. Conducting basic and advanced statistical analysis, study design, sample and power calculations, outcome interpretation, report writing, and publication. Using multivariate statistical methods to assess relations among data variables and program impacts and formulating policy and program recommendations with leadership guidance. Performing data collecting and sharing activities across national, state, and local entities, developing and executing short‑term and long‑term data usage and publication plans and research agendas, and advising executive management on opportunities to improve evidence‑based practices. Engaging in research evaluating program quality, performance, and effectiveness to advise CCF and partner state agencies. Disseminating findings through authorship of technical reports, research briefs, presentations, and papers. Representing CCF on meetings, conferences, workgroups, task forces, and advisory councils. Supervising data and research staff as assigned. Minimum Qualifications A Bachelor’s Degree and five years of post‑degree professional experience in the areas of public health, epidemiology, public administration, education, child welfare, juvenile justice, psychology, social work, sociology, statistics/biostatistics, computer science, mathematics/applied mathematics, economics, program evaluation or related areas; or a Master’s degree in one of the above‑mentioned areas and four years of post‑degree professional experience; or a Doctorate in one of the above‑mentioned areas and two years of post‑degree professional experience. Preferred qualifications include work experience involving development and implementation of data‑driven policies, familiarity with SAS and SQL programming, experience with Microsoft products, GIS software, and Tableau, knowledge of children and family systems, ability to analyze complex datasets, identify trends, link program knowledge and policy implementation to statistical methodology, cost‑benefit analyses, and interpretation of results, knowledge of quality improvement methodology, data analysis, and dashboard creation, excellent organizational skills, strong interpersonal skills and competencies in teamwork, collaborative research, analytical critical thinking, scientific writing, problem‑solving skills, and experience presenting data findings and research results to technical and non‑technical audiences. Location 52 Washington St., Rensselaer, NY 12144 OR 163 West 125th St, NY, NY 10027. The position may be available at either listed location, but the preferred location is Rensselaer. Background Investigation Requirements All prospective employees will be investigated through a Criminal Background Check (CBC), which includes State and federal Criminal History Record Checks. All convictions must be reported; conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, or any falsified or omitted information on the prospective appointee’s employment application, may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment. Prospective employees will be fingerprinted in order to obtain a record of their criminal history information and may be required to pay any necessary fees. All prospective employees will be screened against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR) and may be required to pay any necessary fees. For Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth (DJJOY) prospective appointees, a check against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL) maintained by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs will be performed. Prospective employees whose names appear on the SEL as having been found responsible for serious or repeated acts of abuse or neglect will be barred from appointment and may have their names removed from the eligible list(s) for the title(s) if applicable. Equal Employment Opportunity OCFS is an equal opportunity employer. OCFS does not discriminate based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy‑related conditions), predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status, or status as a victim of domestic violence, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We devote special attention to dismantling racial injustice and recognize that diversity in our workforce is critical to fulfilling our mission. We are committed to the diversity of our staff and encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply. In furtherance of Executive Order 31 and OCFS’s mission to have a diverse workforce, all people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All applicants must be dedicated to working in and sustaining an environment of inclusion that affirms and celebrates the backgrounds, lived expertise, whole identities, and individual perspectives of our staff. Applicants of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to self‑identify during the application process. #J-18808-Ljbffr