Project Associate I

Project Associate I (Full Time)

Policy Research Associates, Inc. (PRA) is seeking to fill a full-time Project Associate I position to join a talented project team to support the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)-funded “Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Technical Assistance Center” (SMVF TA Center). The TA Center provides a central mechanism for states, territories, and communities to help strengthen behavioral health services and systems working nationally across military, federal, and state agencies and local community planning teams to address issues, such as behavioral health crisis intervention, suicide prevention, opiate addiction, homelessness, and trauma. 

Ideal candidates should possess first-hand knowledge of military culture and awareness of the unique needs facing SMVF individuals. This may include military Veterans and/or military family members whose lived experience can help inform the SMVF TA Center’s perspective to improve the lives of America’s service members, Veterans, and their families. 

The successful candidate for this position will serve as a primary technical assistance practitioner for the SMVF TA Center, managing an assigned portfolio of state and territory interagency coalition teams. This role requires independent facilitation of strategic planning processes, needs assessments, and TA engagements with diverse government and military agencies, as well as national and community organizations. 

The successful candidate brings demonstrated facilitation skills, knowledge of military culture, and experience working within complex multi-sector environments. Moderate travel is required. Knowledge of behavioral health systems relevant to service members, veterans, and their families can be developed on the job.

This position is remote, (subject to PRA’s remote employee/telework policy) with significant project travel (e.g., site visits) and travel to PRA’s offices (twice a year) in the Capital Region of NY (Albany/Troy) required. The normal work week is Monday through Friday, with project meetings held during typical business hours (9am - 5pm ET). 

Responsibilities:

• Support and coordinate TA Activities for an assigned group of state and territory coalition teams
• Facilitate onsite and virtual strategic planning and TA across diverse government and military contexts
• Identify barriers to coalition progress and collaborate with senior staff to address them
• Assist in conducting TA and training needs assessments for assigned coalition teams
• Coordinate TA engagements including agenda development, pre-visit preparation, report writing, and follow-up action items
• Facilitate and deliver training at workshops and conferences on TA Center content areas
• Maintain communication with team members, subject matter experts, and state, federal, and military representatives
• Prepare and deliver presentations to coalition teams and other audiences as needed
• Track outcomes and contribute to reports, products, and resources across assigned teams
• Participate in internal team meetings, planning processes, and professional development activities

Qualifications:

Master’s degree or higher; preferably in social sciences or related field or Bachelor’s degree in related field with advanced mental health and/or substance abuse training or experience in a clinical setting. 

Experience:

• Knowledge of and experience with lived military experience, either through service, military family experience, or direct professional work with military or veteran populations
• Demonstrated experience working with or within coalition, interagency, or multi-sector teams
• Minimum 5 years of experience in facilitation, training, or technical assistance delivery
• Familiarity with suicide prevention, substance use, or related behavioral health topics

Skills:

• Advanced facilitation skills across diverse government and military groups
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent relationships and workstreams independently
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for varied audiences
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, producing polished professional work products
• Ability to adapt approach across organizational cultures and coalition contexts

Salary Range: 

This remote position is full-time, with a salary range of $65,000 - $80,000 annually, commensurate with experience.  Significant travel is required.

How to Apply:

To be considered for this position, interested candidates must complete a brief required survey here at  https://pra.typeform.com/to/hvVhOlOR and send a cover letter (indicating position) and CV via email to jobs@prainc.com  or fax to (518) 439-7612. The cover letter must address the following:

Describe a specific experience facilitating a planning process or meeting with a multi-sector or interagency group. What was the context, what challenges did you encounter, and how did you adapt your approach to moving the group forward? If you have experience working with military, veteran, or government organizations, please speak to that as well.

Applications that do not include all three components or do not address the cover letter prompt will not be considered.

About PRA

Policy Research Associates, Inc. (PRA) turns evidence into practical solutions across behavioral health, criminal legal, homelessness and housing, Veterans, youth, and social service systems. PRA, a small, women-owned business, has partnered with leaders in over 500 communities nationwide to produce real, lasting impact.

PRA values a diverse and inclusive workforce where the unique skills of all employees are valued in support of the mission of PRA.  Qualified candidates are considered for employment without regard to status or any other characteristic protected by the law. 

PRA is an equal opportunity employer that accepts all applications from a wide range of candidates. PRA complies with federal and state laws and makes reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals.