Title: Maternal Mortality Research Assistant

State Role Title: Program Admin Specialist II

Hiring Range: $22-$25 hourly

Pay Band: 4

Agency: Virginia Department of Health

Location: CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER-CENTRAL

Agency Website: www.vdh.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Maternal Mortality Research Associate will play a critical role in planning, conducting, and overseeing research projects within the Division of Death Prevention. Working closely with the Maternal Mortality Program Manager, the Research Associate will be responsible for conducting independent research, managing research projects, and contributing to research publications and grant applications.

Key Responsibilities:
• Data Collection: Oversee and participate in data collection, including the design and implementation of experiments, surveys, fieldwork, or other data-gathering methods.
• Data Analysis: Lead data analysis efforts using advanced statistical and research software. Interpret research findings and draw meaningful conclusions.
• Publication: Collaborate on research publications, including drafting research papers, articles, and reports. Participate in manuscript preparation and submission to academic journals or other outlets.
• Literature Review: Stay current with relevant literature and research developments, and incorporate findings into ongoing research projects.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with colleagues, research partners, and external organizations to facilitate multidisciplinary research efforts.

Typical Supervision/Independence of Action:
The Maternal Mortality Research Associate requires a high level of independence and ability to manage time to meet deadlines and deliverables.

This is a restricted position, which is solely funded by the CDC for a 60 month period ending 09/30/2029. The availability of funding is scheduled for review annually and periodically thereafter. Continued employment is contingent on the continued availability of funds.

This is a wage position of no more than 25 hours per week and 1500 hours per year.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of database management; data quality assurance techniques and procedures; basic statistical formulas and techniques.
• Strong oral and written communication, interpersonal, problem solving, and database management skills.
• Knowledge of basic research methods, information review processes and data entry.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to independently collect, analyze, and enter data; perform data quality checks; report and reconcile discrepancies; prepare clear and accurate documentation and reports.
• Must be able to travel within the state or nationally for meetings or other related events.
• Knowledge of or experience in public health theory, principles, and/or qualitative data methods.
• Documented ability to work independently.
• Documented experience working with the public. Can include customer service, call center, patient care, or other related activities that demonstrate an ability to communicate with those outside the division.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Must have the capacity to manage the physical and mental discomforts inherent to the work.

Additional Considerations

• Experience in public health, policy, criminal justice, or a related field or working towards a Bachelor's degree in the above fields.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

VDH accepts only on-line applications. Faxed, mailed, or e-mailed applications will not be considered. Applications are accepted until 11:55 p.m. on the job closing date. Applications and/or resumes should include relevant work history which indicates your qualifications for this position.

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a state and federal criminal history background check and the Department of Social Service’s Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check, U.S. HHSIG Exclusion List check, employment reference check and E-Verify. Other financial, credit, driving, background checks or completion of Statement of Economic Interests may be required for certain positions.

It is the policy of the Commonwealth and VDH that all aspects of human resource management be conducted without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists); sex; color; national origin; religion; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; age; veteran status; political affiliation; disability; genetic information; and pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. VDH employees have a shared Code of Ethics, which can be found in the bottom banner of our website: www.vdh.virginia.gov.

If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.

As a V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer VDH Welcomes Veterans to apply!

Supplemental Questions: You may be required to respond to position-specific questions at the end of this application. This information will help us evaluate your credentials and qualifications for the job. Failure to respond to any questions may disqualify you from further consideration.

Contact Information

Name: Beshaun Judkins

Phone: No phone calls please

Email: beshaun.judkins@vdh.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.