Research Consultant III

Full Job Description

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Research Consultant II to join the Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD).

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in data analysis, research methodology, and clear communication of complex findings.

In this role, you will work with large, relational databases; conduct research to support division-wide decision-making; provide data for legislative inquiries; and present your findings through written reports, visualizations, and interactive dashboards for both technical and non-technical audiences.

This position also involves managing and analyzing surveys, developing reproducible reports, supporting quality improvement initiatives, and providing strategic insights through data.

We are looking for someone who is not only technically skilled but also eager to drive continuous improvement in research and data practices to improve the lives of people with disabilities throughout the state of Utah.

The Agency
The Department of Health and Human Services is dedicated to provide care for individuals and families in Utah. Utah Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD) promotes opportunities and provides support for people with disabilities to lead self-determined lives by overseeing home and community-based services for more than 5,000 people who have disabilities. For more information on Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD) click here!

Requirements

Responsibilities:

• Pulling together and aligning various studies to have a cohesive approach to implementing process improvements for our system
• Coordinates or leads program activities, services, and/or program implementation, etc.
• Interprets, clarifies, explains and applies agency policy and procedures, business practices, federal or state laws and regulations, etc.
• Evaluates all aspects of research projects, project findings, and operational data regarding technical merits and implications.
• Writes policy and position papers, technical reports, articles or related material based on research, investigation or analysis.
• Designs, develops, and conducts a variety of research projects; determines appropriate methodologies, information sources, sampling strategies, and data-collection tools, etc.
• Testifies at hearings to provide pertinent agency information and technical support.
• Participates in conferences on technical improvements; reviews literature pertinent to research objectives, design, data-collection, and project implementation.
• Ensures compliance with applicable federal and/or state laws, regulations, and/or agency rules, standards and guidelines, etc.
• Develops or modifies rules, policies, or standards, etc.
• Serves as program manager for change management program.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Social Sciences, Statistics, Data Science, or a related field OR equivalent experience. Bachelor’s degrees outside of these majors with relevant experience will also be considered.
• 2+ years of experience in research, data analysis, or a similar role
• Experience with statistical software (such as R/RStudio, SPSS, Stata, SAS)
• Experience with Google Sheets and/or Microsoft Excel
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, R/ggplot, PowerBI)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to convey technical information to non-technical audiences

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in a related field
• Experience with SQL or other database querying languages
• Experience in government, policy, healthcare, or similar sectors
• Knowledge of quality improvement methodologies and best practices
• Experience in a consultative role
• Experience analyzing large, national surveys with national surveys and statistical analysis

Additional Information

• This position will also engage with the Utah State Developmental Center.
  
• Risks found in typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations, etc.

• This position is currently a hybrid of both in-office and remote work days. Please note, a position's eligibility for remote work is established by agency management and is subject to change at their discretion at any time and for any reason.