Research and Evaluation Specialist

Reporting to the Manager of Research and Evaluation, the Research and Evaluation Specialist is responsible for designing, coordinating, and conducting research and evaluation projects that

focus on understanding program effectiveness, service delivery, and client populations. This will ultimately support organizational and sector decision-making across the areas of housing, employment, education, and health and well being.

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**RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Develops, coordinates, and conducts multiple research and evaluation projects simultaneously for 360°kids’ programs and initiatives as identified by the Manager of Research and Evaluation.
- Reviews program goals and objectives to ensure they are clearly stated and measurable.
- In collaboration with management and staff, develops program logic models, evaluation frameworks, indicators, and measures.
- In consultation with project stakeholders, develops research and evaluation plans that include objectives, design, data collection methods, analysis plans, work plans, deliverables, and communication plans for sharing finding designs, develops, and implements data collection instruments, such as surveys and interviews guides.
- Conducts interviews and focus groups with project stakeholders, including program staff and participants.
- Carries out data entry, transcription, and program documentation reviews.
- Monitors data collection and entry from project stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate data is received.
- Carries out literature reviews and researches evidence-based program models.
- Performs appropriate quantitative and qualitative analyses and summarizes the results.
- Uses research and evaluation findings to create charts, infographics, presentations, reports, fact sheets, etc. for dissemination.
- Facilitates meetings deliver presentations and follow up regularly with project stakeholders regarding research and evaluation findings and activities.
- Develops and writes comprehensive research and evaluation reports for management, staff, external agencies, and/or funders.
- Manages the administration of internal client records databases and delivers training to agency staff, as required.
- Creates program audit checklists and carries out program audits, as required.
- Recording, analyzing, and providing reports and related information as required to the Manager of Research and Evaluation.
- Updates job knowledge by studying trends and developments in research, evaluation, and the homelessness sector; participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks, and participating in professional organizations.
- Works with the Manager of Research and Evaluation to ensure that evaluations are in line with the stated mission and vision of the organization and reinforces the mission, vision, and values to staff, volunteers, clients, and partners.
- Ensures that all evaluations encompass funder expectations and are in line with organizational strategic priorities and policies.
- Ensures that appropriate policies, procedures, and methods are being utilized.
- Positively represents 360°kids to the social service network, regulators, the general public, peers, staff, partners, ministry officials, and other stakeholders.
- Other duties as required.

Regular shift work, Monday to Friday, flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends. Work involves frequent computer use and times of concentration. Job duties take place in an office environment with mínimal exposure to hazards or disagreeable conditions with frequent travel to various 360°kids sites within York Region (3-4 times per month).

**QUALIFICATIONS OR SKILLS REQUIRED**:
Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant applied Social Sciences area or the equivalent combination of education and experience. A minimum of three years of experience directly related to conducting evaluation, measurement, and applied mixed-methods research. Current First Aid/CPR certification, current vulnerable sector screening (criminal background check), ability to travel to various 360°kids sites within York Region 3-4 times per month.
- Experience designing and implementing a variety of evaluation approaches, such as process, developmental, outcome, impact, and cost-benefit evaluations.
- Applied knowledge of program evaluation and social research methods, processes, and statistical techniques is required.
- Demonstrated ability to perform advanced quantitative and qualitative analyses.
- Excellent statistical software skills with high proficiency in Excel and SPSS.
- Experience with the use of qualitative research techniques and computer software (e.g. NVivo).
- Expert knowledge and experience in developing and identifying suitable indicators and measures, surveys, interviews, and focus group guides.
- Familiarity with data visualization and survey techniques and software.
- Superior critical thinking skills are required for this role.
- Excellent attention to detail, or