Research Specialist

BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

JOB TITLE : Research Specialist

REPORTS TO : Coordinator, Program Evaluation

DEFINITION : Supports the Coordinator of Program Evaluation and the Director of Research in executing the activities of the Office of Research to ensure that the department supports and achieves system-wide goals and priorities identified in the Blueprint 2.0 . Performs independently and collaborates within teams, on multiple research and evaluation projects covering a variety of educational issues.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES :

• Assists with program evaluation activities, including developing evaluation questions, logic models, and data collection timelines and leading staff and outside teams through the program evaluation process.
• Assists with and independently performs all aspects of the BCPS survey program, including survey tool development, creation of sampling strategies, implementation, and reporting using an online, digital platform.
• Assists with data collection efforts that support the BCPS research agenda including facilitating focus groups, conducting observations, creating data collection tools, and retrieving data from various sources including the BCPS Data Warehouse and Cognos.
• Accurately code and analyzes data with sophisticated statistical methods, interprets results, provides written summaries, and presents data analyses with consideration for non-technical audiences.
• Utilizes Microsoft Office, Cognos, SQL, statistical packages (e.g. SPSS, STATA), and other data systems and technologies to extract, manipulate, and report data.
• Performs rigorous quality control checks on work products to ensure data accuracy and integrity.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Education, Training and Experience :

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in a related field.
• Two years of research experience.
• Experience in educational research and/or behavioral sciences is preferred.
• A doctoral degree preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

• Robust knowledge of methods for statistical analysis (quantitative and qualitative), research design, and program evaluation.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of educational research, measurement, assessment, and testing.
• Knowledge of survey research methodology.
• Knowledge of data management systems/tools (SQL, COGNOS).
• Proficient in the use of a statistical software package (e.g., SPSS, STATA), including writing code or syntax.
• Knowledge of principles for the ethical treatment of human research participants.
• Effective organizational skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other administrators, school personnel, and the public.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS :
The work of this class is generally sedentary and performed in an office environment. Work includes the operation of office equipment, including personal computers, and occasional limited physical activities.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Employees may be required to work beyond their normally scheduled hours with little or no advanced notice. Work schedules may include nights and weekends.

FLSA : Exempt

SALARY : Grade 08 on the BCPS 12 Month OPE scale $76,643 - $118,489 annually

Eligible for the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System

This class specification defines the types of duties and level of difficulty of work required of positions in this title. It shall not be held to exclude duties not mentioned nor limit the right of management to assign work to employees.

Citizenship, residency or work VISA in United States required

Application Instructions
Please read and carefully follow the instructions provided below.

• Applicants are required to have a completed application on file for employment with Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS). Each time an applicant applies to a job with BCPS, the application must be resubmitted. If an applicant started an application with BCPS in the past and at a later date decides to apply for additional positions, it is the applicant's responsibility to review the entire application and ensure that all data is up to date (for example, the applicant may need to add additional schooling or certifications, an additional work experience, or provide updated references). The applicant must remember to review the entire application each time for accuracy and submit each time for a new or different vacancy.
• Professional references must be submitted to complete your application. Examples of professional references include current and former principals, supervisors, managers, mentor teachers and university/college supervisors. Personal references from colleagues, friends, community members, etc. will not be accepted. Applicants should notify their reference proactively to inform them they will receive a form via email through a MAILBOT email address from Baltimore County Public Schools. Applicants should also inform their reference(s) of the job they are applying to.
• Be sure to account for all periods of employment and unemployment, including student teaching and internship experience, and include names, addresses, and telephone numbers of employers.
• Be sure to answer all criminal background questions. If you answer "yes" to any of the criminal background questions you must provide a written explanation. A criminal offense does not necessarily exclude an applicant from employment with BCPS. Factors such as passage of time since the offense, the nature of the violation, and the extent of rehabilitation will be taken into consideration.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• All persons employed by the Baltimore County Public Schools, regular and temporary, are required to be fingerprinted and have a criminal background investigation (State of Maryland, Senate Bill 315, effective October 1, 1986) completed. The fee charged for fingerprinting is $79.75. An identification card will be issued which must be shown prior to employment.
• Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the US.
• If you have military experience you will be asked to provide a copy of DD214.
• Official transcripts for all higher education must be received prior to contract signing.
• Some positions will require employees to undergo a physical examination and/or drug testing.
• All newly hired personnel must attend a Badges and Benefits session.
• Additional job verification will be required for salary credit.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The Board of Education of Baltimore County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or veteran status in matters affecting employment or in providing access to educational programs or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding the Board's nondiscrimination policies should be directed to: EEO Officer, Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, Baltimore County Public Schools, 6901 Charles Street, Building B, Towson, Maryland 21204 (443-809-8937). There is a compliance officer responsible for identifying, preventing, and remedying prohibited harassment concerning students. Complaints of harassment should be directed to the executive director, Department of School Safety and Security, 9610 Pulaski Park Drive, Suite 219, Baltimore, Maryland 21220 (443-809-4360).

Contact Information

Michael Hodge
Supervisor, HR Staffing
6901 Charles Street, E Building
Towson, Maryland 21204
Phone: 443-809-7872
Fax: 410-887-7876
Email: mhodge@bcps.org