Rsch Pro 5-Program Eval

Position Overview

The Evaluation and Certification Specialist (Research Professional 5-Program Evaluation, 9791PV) 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 Children, Youth, and Family (DCYF) 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 DCYF and the University. This position will conduct evaluation of curriculum delivery/activities, learner knowledge/skill acquisition, and trainers. This position also contributes expertise to the development, implementation, and evaluation of the statewide certification program. There may be opportunities to publish research/evaluation findings to advance knowledge within the field of child welfare.

A key component of the work will include evaluation of the MN African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act (MAAFPCWDA), which was passed in 2024 and seeks to promote family stability by establishing minimum standards to prevent the arbitrary removal of children from their families and improve permanency outcomes, including family reunification. In addition to New Worker Foundations training, as mandated for all new hires to county child protection agencies, MNCWTA also provides training for workers at all levels of experience to further their knowledge and skill in topics of relevance to their practice. This position will also be responsible for reviewing and refining competency measures to include MAAFPCWDA and will need to ensure that certification includes competency in MAAFPCWDA.

This position will be located off-campus at the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy, which is two miles north of the St. Paul Campus.

The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location.

Job Responsibilities
Conduct Academy Evaluation (Design, Implementation, and Reporting) and Certification (60%)

• Design and conduct evaluation relating to all aspects of the Academy, and specifically MAAFPCWDA: 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, particularly related to the addition of MAAFPCWDA in the trainings offered, competencies required, and overall implementation and maintenance of certification
• 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 (30%)

• Oversee and lead the development and maintenance of relevant databases
• Maintain accurate and complete records/data
• Maintain data security and confidentiality
  

Administration and Supervision (10%)

• 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
• Evidence of attention to diverse identities in professional experience, and the commitment to support the University's work in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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 others' 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

Department Overview

Founded in 1917, the School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities is part of a public, research-intensive university and one of seven administrative units in the College of Education and Human Development. The School offers a number of educational programs at the graduate and undergraduate levels including a PhD in social work, a Master of Social Work, a Master of Education in Youth Development Leadership, a Bachelor of Science in Youth Studies, and minors in Family Violence Prevention, Youth Studies, and Social Justice. For more information please visit: https://ssw.umn.edu/.

College Overview

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University's third largest college, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of life. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That's why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Pay Range: The salary range for this position is $79,000 - $89,000. Final salary offers are dependent on the candidate's experience, skills, and internal equity within the department.

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).