Behavioral Health Policy Evaluation Associate

Westat, Inc.; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 69,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Parental Leave

Vacation Leave

Sick Leave

Holiday Leave

Health Insurance

Life and AD&D Insurance

Flexible Spending Account

Health Savings Account

Job summary

Westat is seeking a Research Associate to join our team of evaluators and training experts to support work on behavioral health and health policy. You will aid projects addressing mental health and substance use, translating science into resources for federal and state policymakers, providers, and affected individuals.

The role offers collaborative, fast-paced environment with opportunities to contribute to technical reports and peer‑reviewed articles.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in public policy, economics, or a social science discipline such as sociology, political science, psychology or analytical methods such as applied statistics with 1-3 years of relevant experience.
• Experience working on mental health and substance use evaluations and/or technical assistance and training activities.
• Experience with quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods evaluation approaches and using analytic software as appropriate.
• Demonstrated ability to translate technical information into written products that use plain language and data visualizations for various audiences.
• Experience using Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) to produce visually-appealing reports, tables, graphs, and presentation slides.
• US Citizenship is required by contract.

Responsibilities

• Support all stages of evaluation from study design through data collection and management, analysis, and product development.
• Conduct literature searches, synthesize research findings, and contribute to writing on health policy and behavioral health topics.
• Translate research findings into easy-to-understand products for diverse audiences.
• Participate in developing data collection plans, instruments, and data collection materials.
• Oversee and conduct data collection efforts, such as administering surveys, interviews, site visits, observation protocols, and acquiring administrative data.
• Lead and assist with data analysis of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods evaluations.
• Lead presentations during federal client meetings, with federal grantees, and within Westat.
• Assist with business development with networks of internal and external staff on proposals and projects for a variety of federal agencies, states, and foundations

Skills

Quantitative methods

Qualitative methods

Data visualization

Plain language writing

MS Office

Public policy understanding

Education

Master's in public policy, economics, or social science

Tools

Statistical software

Job description

Westat is seeking a Research Associate to join our team of evaluators and training experts to support work on behavioral health and health policy. You will aid projects addressing mental health and substance use, translating science into resources for federal and state policymakers, providers, and affected individuals.

The role offers collaborative, fast-paced environment with opportunities to contribute to technical reports and peer‑reviewed articles.