Research Specialist IV - Works under minimal supervision and direction of the Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies (TCNWS) team lead and the manager of the Healthcare Workforce Branch (HWB) in the Center for Health Statistics. Assists senior staff with planning and implementing healthcare workforce research studies, conducts data collection, management and analysis, and coordinates data reporting and dissemination activities. Work is performed under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
This position is eligible for up to 32 hours of telework per week.

Essential Job Functions:
EJF 1: Project Planning and Implementation -Coordinates the development, implementation, and monitoring of workforce projects. Assists in the development of CNWS policies, strategic plans, and procedures and the identification and development of future research projects. Works with senior program staff to formulate long-range research objectives, programs and priorities. Determines the scope and methodologies of research projects and areas to be evaluated. Oversees and conducts major research projects. Assists with reviewing, analyzing, and evaluating the impact of legislation, regulations, and policy affecting workforce research. Provides staffing support to special task forces, ad hoc subcommittees, and other customers by planning and organizing meetings and materials. Plans, assigns, and supervises the work being done on research projects. (25%)
EJF 2: Data Collection, Management, and Analysis - Collects, edits, compiles, validates, analyzes and maintains databases and research data; determines gap analysis of workforce data. Develops or conducts quality assurance, validity, and other quality control procedures for research activities. Assists in writing code and creating scripts for research and data management applications. Applies appropriate statistical methods using statistical and data management software such as SPSS, Excel, and Access. Develops and conducts online surveys using Qualtrics or similar programs for collecting data to evaluate workforce issues. Consults and provides technical advice on research methods and techniques. (35%)
EJF 3: Data Reporting and Dissemination – Serves as a subject matter expert on workforce issues and represents the TCNWS at meetings and conferences. Prepares and conducts presentations. Coordinates the preparation of reports of research findings. Evaluates and summarizes research findings and data in reports, posters, brochures, slides, and dashboards for publication and presentation. Coordinates the completion and monitoring of required reports and recommends appropriate changes. Responds to requests for data and technical assistance. Assists with the maintenance and development of program webpages. (35%)
EJF 4: Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of state and federal laws relating to health care, health care policy and planning, and healthcare workforce issues such as workforce planning, education, and distribution.
Knowledge of survey research methods and principles.
Knowledge of statistical methods, statistical programs, and their application to research analysis.
Knowledge of data visualization practices and principles.
Skill in survey development and data collection methods.
Skill in qualitative and quantitative methods for collecting and analyzing data.
Skill in SPSS, SAS, Python, SQL, and other software packages/languages.
Skill in Tableau.
Skill in conducting literature reviews to inform research and other projects.
Skill in written and verbal communications.
Skill in technical writing and documentation.
Skill in developing and presenting complex information to varied audiences.
Skill in designing and developing data visualizations.
Skill in group process, including organizing and managing groups.
Skill in training and developing staff with varied skill sets and backgrounds.
Ability to identify opportunities to improve services or gain efficiencies.
Ability to lead results-oriented change, while fostering and maintaining effective working relationships.
Ability to plan, organize, and implement complex research projects.
Ability to interpret statistical data, charts and tables.
Ability to write clearly and succinctly.

Registration or Licensure Requirements:
N/A

Initial Selection Criteria:
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university required. Major course work in a relevant field such as the social sciences or public health preferred. Experience with data analysis required. Experience collecting and managing data preferred.

Additional Information:
Please complete the State of Texas Application and fill out all sections with sufficient detail. Resumes will not be considered in lieu of the State Application.
Applicants will be required to complete a skills assessment (in-basket) exercise as part of the interview.
The Center for Health Statistics offers optional telework to its team members and this position is eligible for up to 32 hours of telework per week.

MOS Code:
35F, IT, 23, 02111, 8E000