Senior Research Associate - Crisis Services Focus

PURPOSE:

The Senior Research Associate - Crisis Services Focus provides data collection and analyses—both qualitative and quantitative—of content related to the organization, funding, operation, services, policies, staffing, and consumers of State Behavioral Health Agencies (SBHAs) and/or State Medicaid Agencies (SMAs) with a special focus on crisis services. The Senior Research Associate - Crisis Services Focus works with team members on federal and state projects.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions:

• Develops procedures, forms, and schedules for data collection; and collects data through interviews or other data sources. Monitors survey completion and prompts non-responders for optimal response rate.

• Reviews state reports for data accuracy and integrity by using logical data edits, descriptive analysis, and/or other methods that may be suggested by the research team members.
• Provides data reporting technical assistance to data reporting contacts in each SBHA and/or SMA to ensure accurate data reporting.
• Conducts quantitative analyses using statistical software such as SPSS or Tableau for project reports, presentations, and to answer specific questions.
• Formats data, and develops and prepares reports, charts, tables, and other related documents and graphics for internal and external clients.
• Prepares, creates, and conducts presentations based on research activities for meetings and conferences.
• Participates as a team member or team leader in designing and carrying out research and/or development projects; provides research assistance to public-academic policy research teams.
• Synthesizes literature related to the organization, financing, and delivery of mental health services for use in research and/or development projects, or for dissemination.
• Writes reports of literature reviews or research results; and/or develops written products.
• Ensures delivery of timely and high-quality response to data questions from federal project funders or other stakeholders.

Other Responsibilities:

• Helps identify possible grant and/or business opportunities in SBHAs and/or SMAs as well as among communities and providers.
• Assists in writing and preparing grant proposals.
• Attends program events as needed, and performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Most Important: The ideal candidate has five plus years’ experience working in the crisis services system at the state or provider level. Examples of such experience include, but are not limited to, mobile crisis teams, crisis receiving and stabilization facilities, crisis stabilization units, respite care, or the coordination of such services. Candidates with five plus years’ experience working for a state behavioral health agency, a federal agency, or a behavioral health provider in a position which required regular interaction with the crisis services system are also encouraged to apply.
• Master’s degree preferred in psychology, public health, social work, statistics, or a related field.
• Knowledge of the crisis services system is essential. Knowledge of multiple aspects of the crisis services system (e.g. call centers, mobile crisis response, CSUs, etc.) a plus. Knowledge of financing strategies for crisis services a plus.
• Knowledge of the broader public behavioral health system is a strong plus.
• Demonstrated knowledge of research methods and statistical theory and appropriateness of procedures, including quality control, trend analysis, categorical data analysis, and risk adjustment is essential. Knowledge of qualitative methodologies including case study and focus groups. Ability to apply a range of analytic techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and/or multiple projects simultaneously essential.
• Experience and skill utilizing relational databases and SQL.
• Experience with statistical software, such as SPSS.
• Experience with Tableau a plus.
• Experience using Python or R for statistical analysis a plus.
• Extensive experience with Microsoft Office products, such as Word, PowerPoint, Access, Excel.

SUPERVISION:

• The Senior Research Associate - Crisis Services Focus reports directly to the Associate Director of Government Programs or the Associate Director of Consulting and Development.

TRAVEL

• Travel to attend and/or present at trainings, workgroups, and conferences. Travel also required to attend meetings and site visits associated with federal projects.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This position has the option to be fully telework/remote and may include up to four days of in-person training upon hire in Falls Church, Virginia.

• The Senior Research Associate - Crisis Services Focus works in an office environment and has sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time

NRI is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.