Social sciences research specialist

Full job description

Primary Location : United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus

Work Locations : DRC Central Office-Franklin 4545 Fisher Road Columbus 43228

Organization : Rehabilitation & Correction - Operation Support Center

Classified Indicator : Classified

Bargaining Unit / Exempt : Bargaining Unit

Schedule : Full-time

Compensation : $30.55

Unposting Date : Mar 17, 2024, 10:59:00 PM

Primary Job Skill : Research

Technical Skills : Data Analytics, Data Modeling, Data Visualization, Criminology/Criminal Justice, Research

Professional Skills : Analyzation, Collaboration, Interpreting Data, Presenting, Written Communication

Agency Contact Name : Cheryl Carter

Agency Contact Information :

Social Sciences Research Specialist 20022769

(240002CZ)

Job Duties

Who We Are…
Guided by a single mission “To reduce recidivism among those we touch,” the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction believes that everyone is capable of positive change. Our staff embrace these core values and serves as role models for pro-social behavior conveying an attitude of dignity and respect in the treatment of others.



What We Do…
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction has been tasked with front line crime reduction through rehabilitative treatment and programming efforts provided in a safe, secure and humane correctional environment and effective community supervision. Our goal is to protect the public through helping individuals turn away from crime and become productive, contributing members of our communities, ensuring a safer Ohio for all Ohioans now and in the future.


To learn more about our agency, please visit our website at



Are You Ready?
We are thrilled to see that you are interested in beginning your career with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction! Without a doubt, this will be the most rewarding and meaningful work you’ll ever find with a work family that is second to none!

What You’ll Do:

• Requires thorough knowledge of social science or public administration and advanced research and statistical methods/techniques
• Serves as lead researcher in the direction of research studies and program evaluations
• Directs and trains other workers and researchers in research efforts
• Designs and conducts research projects and program evaluations, including selection of appropriate methodologies, data collection, implementation and direction of data analysis, use of statistical package for data manipulation and statistical analysis, interpretation of results and preparation of written and oral reports
• Summaries and reports may include recommendation for policy and program changes
• Performs tasks directly or guides other staff in these tasks
• May review accuracy of routine statistical reports
• May work individually or in project teams
• Develops analytical tools (e.g., data forms, processing packages, conceptual models, etc.) Develops computer programs for statistical analysis and selects and interprets inferential statistics
• Makes recommendations for program changes based upon research results where indicated
• May oversee routine numerical summary reporting
• May work individually or in project teams
• Coordinates other support of the research and evaluation units with the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, including helping with numerical summary reports and special extracts, questionnaires or surveys
• May speak or prepare written summaries for the Department in areas of research
• May work individually on committees or in project teams
• Supports other Offices in the department by designing and conducting research and program evaluation projects
• Tasks include implementation, data analysis, interpretation of results of studies, and preparation of oral and written reports
• May make policy and program recommendations
• Includes use of statistical packages for data manipulation and statistical analysis
• Attends meetings, training and conferences
• May give presentations and conduct training

What’s in it for you:

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:

Medical Coverage

• Quality, affordable, and competitive medical benefits are offered through the available Ohio Med plans.

Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance

• Dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums are free after completed eligibility period. Length of eligibility period is dependent on union representation.

Time Away From Work and Work/Life Balance

• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth/Adoption leave

Employee Development Funds

• The State of Ohio offers a variety of educational and professional development funding that varies based on whether you are a union-exempt employee or a union-represented employee.

Ohio Public Employees Retirement System

• OPERS is the retirement system for State of Ohio employees. The employee contributes 10% of their salary towards their retirement. The employer contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee’s salary. Visit the OPERS website for more information.

Deferred Compensation

• The Ohio Deferred Compensation program is a 457(b) voluntary retirement savings plan. Visit the Ohio Deferred Compensation website for more information.

Qualifications

Completion of graduate core coursework in social science or public administration with at least 6 courses in advanced statistics & statistical analysis & research theory, design & methodology; 18 mos. exp. in research &/or social science policy analysis using advanced statistics & statistical analysis & research theory, design & methodology; 12 mos. trg. or 12 mos. exp. in use of computer hardware, software used for spreadsheets, statistical analysis & graphics presentation & work processing.

• Or 6 mos. exp. as Social Sciences Research Analyst, 65261.

• Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.

Job Skills: Research

Technical Skills: Data Analytics, Research, Criminology/Criminal Justice, Data Visualization, Data Modeling
Professional Skills: Analyzation, Interpreting Data, Collaboration, Written Communication, Presenting

ADA Statement

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

Drug-Free Workplace

The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.

Knowledge of social science or public administration; application of advanced statistics & statistical analysis; advanced research theory, design & methodology. Skill in use of computer hardware, software to do spreadsheets, statistical analysis & graphics presentation & word processing. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts & draw valid conclusions/projections; use advanced statistics & statistical analysis & research theory, design & methodology; develop analytical documents defining social/health services, recommending policy positions &/or explaining impact of policy alternatives; work independently, lead &/or cooperate with co-workers on research/analytical studies; handle routine & sensitive inquiries & meetings as expert concerning availability of agency specific data & reports & presentations for policy & administrative decision making. (*)Developed after employment.

Helpful Tips

Application Procedures:

In order to be considered for this position, you must apply on-line through this posting website. (We no longer accept paper applications.)

• When completing your on-line Ohio Civil Service Application, be sure to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications outlined on this job posting.
• We cannot give you credit for your qualifications, experience, education and training in the job selection process if you do not provide it in your on-line application.
• You can check the status of your application by signing into your profile on this website.
• We will communicate with you through the email you provided in your profile and job application. Be sure to check your email often.

If you require a reasonable accommodation for the application process, please contact the Human Resources Office so proper arrangements can be made. Otherwise, you will be given specific instructions on requesting an accommodation if you are invited to an assessment and/or interview.

Background Check Information

You Also Need to Know

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction is a tobacco-free workplace.

The State of Ohio is a drug-free Workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, positions may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.

Pre-Employment Drug Testing:

All final applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to test for illegal drug use prior to appointments. Testing will also be performed for the presence of marijuana. An applicant with a positive test shall not be offered employment unless the applicant submits medical documentation of legally prescribed medications or a recommendation for medical marijuana.

Pre-Employment Background Investigation:

The final applicant selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. An individual assessment of an applicant’s prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction is prohibited from hiring:

• Individuals under a federal or state weapons disability if the position requires firearms certification/recertification and use;
• Individuals who have engaged in sexual abuse in a prison or other confinement facility; have been civilly or administratively adjudicated, or convicted of engaging or attempting to engage in sexual activity in the community facilitated by force, implied threats of force, or if the victim did not or was unable to consent;
• Individuals convicted of soliciting or providing support for an act of terrorism, terrorism, or money laundering to support terrorism;
• Individuals who have been convicted of or pled guilty to a felony where a direct correlation exists between the position and prior criminal behavior. (example: individuals convicted of a felony involving fraud, deceit, or theft from holding a position that has substantial management or control over the property of a state agency.)