The Evaluation and Certification Specialist (Researcher 5, 9742R5) is a 100% FTE University employee positioned in the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW) at the School of Social Work. CASCW has joined the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) in a joint project to co-create and operate the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy (MNCWTA). The Evaluation and Certification Specialist serves as a critical member of the integrated teams of DHS and the University. This position will conduct evaluation of all facets of the Academy, such as evaluation of curriculum delivery/activities, learner knowledge/skill acquisition, and trainers. This position also contributes expertise to the development, implementation, and evaluation of a statewide certification program. There will also be opportunities to publish research/evaluation findings to advance knowledge within the field of child welfare.
This position reports to Jane Fields, Evaluation and Certification Supervisor, and will be located off campus at the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy, which is two miles north of the St. Paul Campus. Per UMN policy, work may be done remotely when appropriate and approved by your manager.
Job Responsibilities
Conduct Academy Evaluation (Design, Implementation, and Reporting) and Certification (75%)
Design and conduct evaluation relating to all aspects of the Academy: curriculum delivery/activities, learner knowledge/skill acquisition, trainers, the certification system, and the Academy
Develop qualitative and quantitative data collection instruments including interview protocols, focus group protocols, surveys, rating scales, observations, and knowledge assessments to answer the relevant research/evaluation questions
Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses of data collected for research/evaluation projects
Interpret results and prepare written and oral reports, publications, and presentations of research and evaluation results to the Academy team, investigation partners, community stakeholders, state agency personnel, and/or the academic community (e.g., conference presentations, community presentations, etc.) as appropriate
Contribute to the design(s) and maintenance of a certification system and gather ongoing feedback about the design(s), implementation, and management of the certification system
Contribute to developing high-quality research-related deliverables including but not limited to research briefs, how-to guides on understanding scholarly research, on topics including but not limited to the child welfare workforce, professional well-being, child welfare training, and professional development
Database Management (20%)
Oversee and lead the development and maintenance of relevant databases
Maintain accurate and complete records / data
Maintain data security and confidentiality
Administration and Supervision (5%)
Act as project lead for multiple projects within the Academy
Serve as point person for communication with Evaluation and Certification Supervisor when project lead
As project lead, oversee and coordinate project staff and graduate students in the completion of projects
Ensure the implementation of evaluation plans by following timelines and producing products and deliverables as agreed upon
Maintain a safe, positive, productive, and collegial work environment respectful of culture and differences
Participate in administrative activities and relevant meetings, as a part of the team within the Evaluation and Certification Unit, the Academy, or elsewhere as needed
Required Qualifications
Advanced degree in social work, public health, evaluation, education, or related social science discipline with one or more years of research/evaluation training with related experience (e.g., experience in developing an evaluation design, conducting data collection and analysis, and reporting the findings)
Demonstrated experience with coordinating activities and producing deliverables involving multiple large and small-scale projects implemented simultaneously
Strong professional writing skills as evidenced in technical reports, journal articles, or other print or electronic products
Demonstrated skill in qualitative and quantitative analysis
Demonstrated ability to translate findings into reports and presentations accessible by frontline practitioners and educators
Knowledge of database management (entry, queries, etc.)
Demonstrated organizational skills, including managing project deadlines, analyzing data and reports to check for errors and inaccuracies
Established commitment to diversity and cross-cultural evaluation and communication
Preferred Qualifications
Three or more years of research/evaluation education with related experience
Experience using methodologies specific to training evaluation measures in an educational, higher education, or social service agency
Experience working with professional credentialing or certification program(s)
Advanced knowledge of and experience working with statistical computing (e.g., SPSS or R) and data visualization software (e.g., Tableau)
Child Welfare related experience, including an understanding of state/tribal social services
Ability to build othersâ™ capacity related to best practices in research/evaluation design, data analysis, and interpretation and to facilitate data-based decision-making
Ability to work independently, as well as serve on a team, to make decisions to keep processes moving forward
The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.