Research Consultant II

at  State of Utah

Research Consultant II: This is a working level research consulting job. Incumbents consult with and make presentations directly to agency executives, local officials, legislators, or other similar high ranking officials routinely in the performance of duties. Incumbents form conclusions, and develop recommendations for policy, programs, regulations, etc. Incumbents provide specialized expertise in research design, analysis, and data needed to examine issues, trends and program evaluations. Incumbents design, conduct and coordinate research projects for all areas of concern to the agency. Incumbents recommend policy options based on project findings and provide detailed cost-allocation plans and impact analyses, and facilitate the use of research data to improve existing programs. Incumbents select from established guidelines or practices to accomplish tasks. Incumbents work with a minimal level of supervisory controls and errors in data/recommendations may have significant impact on the agency. Incumbents are required to have a wide range of knowledge of assigned subject matter. Incumbents may functionally or directly supervise. This position requires the ability to write complex SQL queries and reports.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

(includes knowledge, skills, and abilities required upon entry into position and trainable after entry into position)
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Experience using SQL, R, and/or python for data analysis; strong Microsoft Excel skills.

• Experience working with DHHS data.
• Comfort with public speaking and facilitating large meetings.
• Experience delivering presentations to cross-sector stakeholders.
• Some knowledge of the healthcare industry, healthcare delivery and how health insurance and billing works.
• Read, interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies and/or procedures.
• Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Knowledge of applications and programming.
• Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• Using mathematics to solve problems.
• Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
• Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
• Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
• Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

• Provides consultation, makes recommendations, gives appropriate advice, and/or facilitates decisions related to public information.
• Leads a research and data team and directs the research and/or analysis of projects by establishing priorities, setting goals, and developing research standards.
• Coordinates or leads program activities, services, and/or program implementation, etc.
• Regularly presents final recommendations and issues directly to senior management, boards, commissions, local governments, or the legislature.
• Develops and recommends approaches for implementation of policies, position papers, programs, regulations, etc..
• Interprets, clarifies, explains and applies agency policy and procedures, business practices, federal or state laws and regulations, etc.
• Writes or drafts policy and position papers, technical reports, articles or related material for the department, institutions, and offices.
• Evaluates all aspects of research projects, project findings, and operational data regarding technical merits and implications.
• Designs, develops, and conducts a variety of research projects; determines appropriate methodologies, information sources, sampling strategies, and data-collection tools, etc.
• Analyzes, summarizes and/or reviews data; reports findings, interprets results and/or makes recommendations.
• Facilitates the use of research data to improve existing programs and utilization of resources.
• Ensures compliance with applicable federal and/or state laws, regulations, and/or agency rules, standards and guidelines, etc.
• Provides expert testimony to provide pertinent information and technical support.
• Supervises and/or leads subordinate personnel.