Program Evaluation Associate - 138038

The Health Services Research Center (HSRC) provides research and program evaluation services for health systems, government agencies (including San Diego County), and other partners. HSRC specializes in the measurement, collection, and analysis of health outcomes and program evaluation data.

HSRC provides program evaluation and research services to a variety of health research projects. Under the general direction of senior researchers and principal investigators, the incumbent will provide scientific and operational leadership for implementation, design, and monitoring of field sites/studies and program evaluation efforts. The role includes substantial responsibility for San Diego County Behavioral Health Services (SDCBHS) outcomes measurement, training and technical assistance, data quality assurance, analysis and reporting, supervision of staff and interns, and supporting stakeholder engagement and deliverables.

In addition, the position will apply advanced AI and LLM querying skills to accelerate evidence review, analytic workflows, and draft products while maintaining strict privacy, regulatory, and security compliance. The position will also provide leadership and support for suicide prevention activities and will conduct evaluations on the impact of media and communication as relevant to behavioral health outcomes.

• Seven years (7) of related experience, education/training, OR a Bachelor's degree in related area plus three (3) years of related experience/training.

• Thorough knowledge of safety, legal, cultural and regulatory requirements relative to field research responsibility.

• Thorough knowledge of research discipline, principles, concepts, analysis and / or operations being conducted at field / remote sites.

• Thorough knowledge of local customs and operations at field / remote sites. Program evaluation and outcomes measurement in behavioral health settings, including San Diego County Behavioral Health programs and reporting context.

• Proven ability to develop and maintain strategic relationships and partnerships with remote research partners.

• Proven ability to work independently and with a team, and to meet deadlines with minimal supervision.

• Strong attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

• Proven ability to work in ambiguous conditions and take relevant responsible action as required.

• Strong research and analytical skills. Demonstrated experience in data collection, management, and analysis.

• Strong communication skills with research partners and project team members.

• Project management and team coordination, including training of staff and interns. Training delivery and training-material development/evaluation for measure administration, protocols, and data systems.

• Experience with databases and/or innovative data visualization techniques.

• Advanced proficiency with statistical and analysis tools (e.g., SPSS/SAS/Stata/R or equivalent) and strong spreadsheet/word processing skills. Professional writing and editing for evaluation reports, correspondence, and stakeholder-ready deliverables; ability to synthesize complex information clearly.

• Advanced AI/LLM querying skills (prompt engineering, tool use, evidence synthesis, code-assist) with verification, documentation, and data-security safeguards.

• Proven knowledge and experience leading or supporting suicide prevention activities (cross-system coordination, training support, evaluation tasks, and deliverables).

• Media/communications impact evaluation skills (e.g., content analysis, monitoring, interpretation, and translation into evaluation insights)

• Cultural humility, sensitivity, and awareness relevant to working with diverse communities, including considerations for Indigenous populations, historically marginalized groups, and culturally responsive approaches to field research and program evaluation.

• Master's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

• Experience administering County-relevant surveys/measures.

• Experience with specialized assessment platforms.

• Spanish proficiency.

• Employment is subject to a criminal background check.

• May require local travel to partner/provider sites and attendance at County/community meetings as assigned.