Senior Research Associate-Behavioral Health

Westat is a leader in research, data collection and analysis, technical assistance, evaluation, and communications. Our evidence-based findings help clients in government and the private sector accelerate advancements in health, education, transportation, and social and economic policy. Our dedication to improving lives through research and our approach to projects grounded in investigative curiosity, statistical and data rigor, adaptive methods, and advanced technology are why clients find exceptional value in our work.

About the role

Westat has an immediate opening for a Senior Research Associate to join our team focused on evaluations and technical assistance to strengthen behavioral health and public health policies. You will support projects addressing the needs of individuals with mental health conditions and substance use disorders in a highly collaborative and fast-paced environment. This role involves translating science into resources for federal and state policymakers, clinical service providers, and individuals affected by mental health conditions and substance use disorders.

Content areas include prevention, promotion, treatment, and recovery services for mental illness and substance use disorders. You will contribute to research on behavioral health topics such as system transformation, healthcare financing, mental health and substance use services, recovery and resilience, substance misuse prevention, overdose prevention, opioid and stimulant use disorders, and advancing access to effective behavioral health care.

Strong writing skills and the ability to work quickly are essential for developing resources, which typically include federal reports, clinical services implementation guides, policy analyses, and peer-reviewed journal articles. Preference will be given to candidates who can work 2 days per week at our Bethesda, Maryland office or another Westat office location.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day implementation of behavioral health research projects, including project management, directing and supervising junior staff, data collection/data management, data analysis, report writing, manuscript preparation, and client management.
• Assist with operationalizing project scope, goals, and deliverables, including:
  • Develop, monitor, and adjust long- and short-term work plans for project deliverables.
  • Set target milestones and goals for adhering to deadlines.
  • Define staffing needs, roles, and responsibilities.
  • Delegate tasks to appropriate team members in collaboration with the project director.
• Provide direction, management, and support to evaluation, technical assistance, and training activities on federal contracts.
• Participate in business development with internal and external networks on proposals and projects for federal agencies, states, and foundations.
• Lead and support qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods evaluations and interpret results for broad audiences.
• Lead meetings with federal clients and internal project teams.

Qualifications

• A master’s degree in public policy, economics, or a social science discipline (e.g., psychology, sociology) or analytical methods such as applied statistics with 6 years of relevant experience; or a PhD in the same fields with 2 or more years of relevant experience.
• Experience conducting evaluations on mental health and substance use relevant topics.
• Experience as the lead writer on technical reports (e.g., literature reviews, study plans, methodology reports, summaries of research findings) or peer-reviewed journal articles.
• Experience with quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods evaluation approaches and using analytic software as appropriate.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) to produce visually appealing reports, tables, graphs, and presentation slides.
• Experience working on federal contracts.
• U.S. citizenship is required by contract.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with Medicaid/Medicare claims and other administrative data.
• Demonstrated communication skills and the ability to translate complex technical information into plain language and data visualizations for various audiences.
• Experience working with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or other HHS agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior staff and collaborate with senior staff.
• Experience developing and delivering presentation content for various audiences.
• Ability to work at a fast pace across multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience delivering training and technical assistance activities.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience leading meetings with clients and staff.

Benefits

Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Vacation Leave
• Sick Leave
• Holiday Leave
• Professional Development
• Health Advocate
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account

Pay

The anticipated salary range for this position is $97,000 - $120,000, commensurate with experience. This role is bonus-eligible.