Behavioral Health Research Scientist

Northeast Delta Human Services Authority is seeking a Behavioral Health Research Scientist to join our  Evidence-to-Practice Research Institute. The Evidence to Practice Research Institute will serve as the research, evaluation, and innovation engine behind our mission. It will allow us to study what works, improve what we do, and design new solutions that meet the unique social needs of our region. This Institute will help ensure that every program we deliver is grounded in science, strengthened by data, and shaped by the lived experiences of the people we serve.

Through this initiative, we will:

 Conduct applied research that addresses maternal health, addiction, trauma, disability, and social determinants of health

Evaluate and improve our programs to ensure measurable, meaningful outcomes

Translate research into practice so that evidence-based models reach the people who need them most

Build strong partnerships with universities, health systems, schools, insurance companies, and community organizations

Develop innovative pilot programs that can be scaled across the region and state

Strengthen our internal and external data systems to support real-time decision-making and accountability

Apply for federal, state, and philanthropic dollars to assist with research initiatives

Coordinate Grand Rounds training initiative

The Contractor reports to the Executive Director and the Director of Research.

The Contractor shall provide services and otherwise do all things necessary for or incidental to the performance of work, set forth below:

Contractor shall collect, enter, review, clean, organize, and analyze data as directed concerning agency programs and operations; scope and goals; and the policies, practices, methods, and procedures used to implement and maintain programs and agency operations, using agency-specified methodological procedures and analytic programs. Conducts literature reviews, designs studies, analyzes data, and presents findings through reports or publications.

Contractor shall utilize agency data to be obtained and/or entered, reviewed, cleaned, organized, prepared for data analyses, and analyzed, including, but not limited to:

• Publications
• Literature Reviews
• State and federal grant-related data
• Fiscal and revenue
• Equipment and material

Contractor shall research, utilize, implement, and demonstrate ongoing mastery of data analytic programs and methodological procedures as directed by the supervisor.

Demonstrates proficient and efficient use of all agency and program-specific data systems, ensuring data is extracted from multiple local, state, and federal data systems, organized, cleaned, reviewed, and analyzed as directed and according to prescribed timelines; outlines and coordinates the monitoring and reporting process for multiple statewide programs. 

Prepares reports, publications, and manuscript submissions. Conducts comprehensive literature reviews and grant writing, while also managing grant funds as required.

Evaluates the impact of agency programs through meeting prescribed, mandated review and reporting requirements and timelines as established by the agency, state of Louisiana, and federal granting authorities.

Oversees data management activities of and/or conducts studies with partnering organizations, as needed, actively seeking out and obtaining data from agency departments within prescribed timelines to ensure reporting requirements are met; enforces policies for effective data management.

Prepares reports and/or reviews submitted reports on conducted studies, demonstrating ability to present data for multi-level audiences from top government leaders to the lay public; Presents findings and recommendations on issues to top management as needed.

Reviews and monitors contracts to identify and establish measurable outcomes and ongoing adherence to deliverables and objectives; Monitors service providers for compliance with federal/state guidelines and financial solvency; and recommends appropriate corrective action, if needed. 

Formulates and/or implements management procedures for quality data collection to ensure accuracy and validity of data and program improvements.

Conducts work simplification measurements and related studies to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the agency and programs under study, devising and implementing effective data management and analytical procedures.

Makes recommendations as necessary to improve efficiencies and effectiveness of agency programs, which may include the addition or reorganization of staff and functions; Works with agency executives to implement necessary changes when needed.

Conducts periodic and comprehensive evaluations of ongoing functions to ensure the organization meets its stated goals.

Prepares short and long-range planning guidance in accordance with broad program policies and objectives.