Senior Research Associate- Implementation and Technical Assistance

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.

Job Summary
Westat is seeking a Senior Research Associate with expertise in technical assistance and implementation/operations to lead tasks supporting the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ alternative payment models within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation (CMMI). Senior Research Associates work collaboratively with others in multidisciplinary teams and may serve as project managers, task leads, or task contributors. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience working on health services research projects for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

We value regular in-person collaboration and preference will be given to candidates who can work 1-2 days per week at our Bethesda, Maryland office or at one of our other Westat office locations. Candidates must be based in Eastern or Central U.S. time zones to be considered for fully remote work arrangement.  

Job Responsibilities
•    Creating content for and facilitating virtual events, including webinars and office hours 
•    Developing and delivering customized technical assistance resources and support 
•    Drafting memos, reports, tipsheets, tools, and other resources or deliverables 
•    Supporting Help Desk operations
•    Developing and executing processes for tracking payment model operations using Excel or Smartsheet and regularly reporting on model status 
•    Establishing protocols, standard operating procedures, specifications, and other process and quality assurance documentation 
•    Working in multidisciplinary teams and serving as a mentor to staff 
•    Managing a team by making assignments, monitoring timelines, identifying next steps, and conducting quality assurance 
•    Interacting closely with clients and being responsive to client needs 
•    Coordinating with subcontractors and other contractors, as needed 
•    Working on multiple projects and tasks simultaneously 
•    Presenting research findings to a variety of audiences 
•    Designing and leading research projects or tasks using qualitative and/or quantitative methods 
•    Writing technical proposals for government clients and working on business development activities

Please include a cover letter when submitting your application.

Basic Qualifications
•    A master’s degree in social sciences, public health, public policy, or a related field with at least 6 years of relevant experience in technical assistance, process-oriented implementation, and qualitative or quantitative data collection and analysis; or a Ph.D. in social sciences, public health, public policy or a related field with 2 or more years of relevant experience in technical assistance, process-oriented implementation, and qualitative or quantitative data collection and analysis 
•    Experience with Medicare or Medicaid policy, such as value-based care, payment reform, or care delivery improvement 
•    Experience working on Federal government contracts for CMS
•    Experience designing, leading, and implementing technical assistance, participant outreach, and Help Desk operations  
•    Experience with payment model implementation and operations to support federal government health programs.

Preferred Qualifications
•    Experience working on CMMI models 
•    Experience leading contracts funded by the Federal government
•    Experience translating CMMI model policies, participant needs, and operational needs into requirements for CMMI model systems
•    Demonstrated communication skills and ability to translate complex technical information into plain language for various audiences 
•    Demonstrated ability mentoring more junior staff and working collaboratively with more senior staff 
•    Excellent attention to detail and quality assurance

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 (15 days per year)
• Sick Leave (9 days per year)
• Holiday Leave (7 Government Holidays and 2 Floating Holidays)
• Professional Development
• Health Advocate
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account

Any offer of employment may be contingent upon receipt of acceptable results from a post-offer background screening, if required for the specific position, which may include, for example, identity verification, employment history, motor vehicle driving record history, and criminal or sexual offender records history. Any background screening results will be evaluated through an individualized assessment based on the individual’s specific record and the duties and requirements of the position.

This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.

Employment Eligibility: This is a U.S.-based position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Westat does not offer employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) for this role. Depending on project requirements, some positions may require employees to meet specific residency criteria.

Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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