Research Scientist (City Research Scientist II) 

As the DSS policy analysis, research, and program evaluation unit, the Office of Evaluation and Research (OER; a unit of the DSS Office of Research and Policy Innovation) informs high-level decision-making across DSS-HRA-DHS. Through rigorous research studies and evaluations, OER develops and analyzes the evidence base for HRA and DHS work and provides unbiased recommendations regarding priority issues and initiatives to the NYC Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner, the Human Resources Administration (HRA) and Department of Homeless Services (DHS) Administrators, the DSS Chief Program Planning and Financial Management Officer, and HRA and DHS program leadership. Staff bring an interdisciplinary lens to their work, drawing on a broad range of quantitative and qualitative social science research methods.ORPI’s Office of Evaluation and Research is recruiting for a City Research Scientist II who will:

• Conduct program evaluations of pilot programs and other priority interventions across a wide range of DSS/HRA/DHS program areas—and using a wide range of methods. Evaluation designs include experimental and quasi-experimental impact evaluations, mixed-methods implementation and outcome studies, and cost-benefit analyses.

• Implement policy and data research projects, analyzing qualitative and quantitative data to address questions posed by program leadership and executive staff about agency operations and the needs and experiences of our clients, staff, and other target populations.

• Collect qualitative and quantitative data in support of evaluation and research efforts, including drafting data collection instruments and consent processes and coordinating logistics for surveys, interviews, focus groups, and observations of client-staff interactions.

• Produce environmental scans and literature reviews, synthesizing existing research from the academic literature, research organizations.

• Present findings at internal and external meetings, including national research conferences.

1.  For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health) A master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.
To be appointed to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have:
1. A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or
2. A master’s degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to “1” or “2” above. However, all candidates must have at least a master’s degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in “2” above. Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in “1” and “2” above.NOTE:
Probationary Period
Appointments to this position are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.

• Expertise in research and evaluation methods, including experience designing and implementing experimental and/or quasi-experimental program evaluations.• Working knowledge of applied statistics and data analytics, including proficiency in a statistical software package (e.g., SPSS, Stata, SAS, R).• Experience analyzing large-scale survey or administrative data, such as the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey.

• Experience collecting and analyzing primary data through surveys, interviews, focus groups, and/or observations.

• Experience disseminating research findings through written reports and presentations.

• Working knowledge of federal and state social policies and social service programs.

**LOAN FORGIVENESSThe federal government provides student loan forgiveness through its Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) to all qualifying public service employees. Working with the DSS/HRA/DHS qualifies you as a public service employee and you may be able to take advantage of this program while working full-time and meeting the program’s other requirements.
Please visit the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program site to view the eligibility requirements:https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

In addition, the Human Resources Administration/Department of Social Services offers competitive salaries and the following benefits:
Generous Pension Plans (The New York Employees’ Retirement System).
401(k) and Roth 457 Retirement Savings Programs.
U.S. Savings Bonds Flexible Spending Program.
Health Benefits, Dental, Vision Coverage, Prescription Drug Program.
Training and   Professional   Development.
Opportunity for Scholarship; College Savings Program.
Paid Holidays and Generous Annual Leave.